Carson’s grin flickered. “You always did have a terrible sense of humor.”
He dragged a hand through his hair and huffed out a laugh. “I mean it.”
“Good, because I need the help. Willow’s my support right now, but some tasks she can’t do or is too busy with her horses.”
“I’m willing to do anything.”
“I need someone to man the phones, take calls for the security agency and take extensive notes. We can’t afford missed calls or bad information.”
“I’m a detail man.”
He dipped his head in a small nod before continuing. “I need someone to man the gate and see to deliveries. You know how tight we run security around here.”
“Tell me where to start.”
“I want you on the shooting range every day so you stay sharp. Even if it’s quiet now, we don’t get soft.” Carson’s stare stayed on his face, studying him for any cracks.
Some vets couldn’t touch a weapon after what they’d been through. Gabe wasn’t one of them.
“Copy that.”
He leaned back in his chair, rocking a little. “We have a lot going on around here. We’re breaking ground for Willow and Decker’s house.”
“Damn, that’s great.” He was so pleased for his friend.
“Plans are in the works to add on to the lodge too.”
He cocked a brow.
“Twenty more rooms will be added.”
“That’s really good news for the program.”
He twitched his jaw toward the window. “And we bought a piece of land.”
“More cattle?”
“Denver and Theo were approached by the Department of Defense. They asked them to be trainers for special forces. We counteroffered—we’re building the facility right here on the ranch.”
Gabe sat back in his chair. “Impressive. You Malones are solving half the country’s problems.”
That brought a flash of humor to Carson’s face. “We’re about to break ground as soon as the plans are finalized. Maybe you’ll ride out with me and look at the site later.”
“I’d love to.” Training men in the ways of war wasn’t light work in any sense of the word. So much planning, thought and skill had to go into shaping people to be the best they could be.
“Once the facility’s up and running, my team will be spread even thinner. We could use all the help we can get.”
“I’m your guy.”
The conversation shifted into the rhythm both men understood—work and logistics wrapped up in order. Carson outlined the calls that needed returning and the special deliveries that would need signed for.
Gabe took mental notes. It felt good to be useful again, part of something instead of drifting alongside it.
Soon he found himself set up in the office, getting a crash course on the phone system. He checked messages and returned some calls, then jotted notes in the old-school ledger Willow had already scribbled notes on.
Every so often, he caught himself pausing, listening to the sounds of the house.
Listening for Felicity’s voice.
