“Wyatt?”
I blink, realizing that Travis is still talking, but whatever he’s saying gets cut off by the sound of tires crunching up the driveway on the gravel and ice.
We both stop, turn and stare at the unfamiliar truck that pulls into the yard. We don’t get many visitors, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish it were Anna coming to check on the horses. Or, more specifically, me.
We wait, and a moment later, two of my brothers, Rex first, followed by Cash, step out of the truck.
“Well, well.” Travis lets out a low whistle. “Were you expecting them today?”
I shrug noncommittally. There’s been some text messages, but truthfully, I haven’t been paying attention. I’ve been completely consumed with Anna. And her absence.
Travis shakes his head in a combination of disgust and amusement and moves to greet my brothers since I’m still frozen in place.
After a moment, my feet move and I, too, join them.
“Hey man,” Cash pulls me into a back-slapping hug. “Long time no see.”
My younger brother Cash was one of the most sought-after horse trainers in the West. It was impressive he’d found any time at all to come back to the ranch. Now that he was standing in front of me, I was glad to see him.
“Good to see you, Cash,” I say honestly.
“Wouldn’t know it from this reception,” Rex says, coming around the truck with a grin on his face that told me he was joking. “It’s been too long.”
“It has.” I give him a hug, too and step back.
“Wow.” Cash looks around at the ranch that he’s been away from almost as long as I have. “Things sure look?—”
“Like they need some work,” I finish for him.
“Exactly,” Rex says. “Thanks for getting out here and handling things until we could get here.”
“No problem.” Rex was a successful bronc rider who spent most of his time on the circuit. “It’s been great to have Trav here, too. He never left.” Trav lifts his brow at my compliment, but I only shake my head. “What?” I glare at him. “Just because you’re getting on my last nerve right now doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate your ass.”
My brothers laugh. “Sounds like a story,” Rex says.
“Maybe he’ll fill you in,” Travis says.
I end that idea with a grunt and start walking toward the barn. Together, we all move as one, and Travis starts pointing out some of the things that we’ve been working on before starting on the even longer list of items we still have to do.
“Sounds like a lot,” Cash says with a shake of his head. “What are you thinking?”
Travis blows out a breath. “I think Wyatt wants to?—”
“We’re keeping the ranch,” I say quickly, not even sure of when I made my decision.
“Come again.” Travis stares at me. “I thought?—”
“This was Mama’s place. I know we had some bad memories here, but…we owe it to her to get it back on track. It can be great again.” As I speak, I believe it.
Especially because with every word I see Anna here, too. I hear her laughter. I see her with the horses.
I see the two of us. Together. Happy.
Maybe some kids.
Could it even be possible?
I don’t know. But I do know I have to try.
