At the time of the split-up, Kade had only been in high school and had been busy with his own life and developing his bull-riding skills. Tyler hadn’t realized Kade had even paid attention to Stephanie. But apparently he had, because he’d summed up the two women’s differences pretty well.
“If you’re comparing the situation to Stephanie, then at least do me a favor and compare it the right way.” Kade’s voice was filled with exasperation. “Kinsey fits in here. She loves Mom andDad. She likes Colorado. She’s energetic and willing to try new things and works hard. Stephanie didn’t have any of that.”
Kade was right. Stephanie had moved to the ranch expecting to change things to her preference. Not that he’d been opposed to her making changes. But she hadn’t made a concerted effort to like his family or learn to like his life. Instead, she’d privately complained to him about everything.
“Even more than that,” Kade continued, “Kinsey fits with you. Everyone could see that right away.”
“She fits with me perfectly.” The ache in Tyler’s heart pulsed hard at the thought of how well Kinsey meshed with him—in personality, temperament, activities they enjoyed, energy level, passion, and so many other things.
The fact was, he connected with her on a soul level unlike with any other person. And then there was the chemistry between them that was totally sizzling so that they could hardly be within a few feet of each other without heat sparking to life.
Yes, they had differences too, and they would both have adjustments to make. But he wasn’t the same immature man that he’d been with Stephanie. He’d learned from his mistakes and was more sensitive and considerate.
“I know I’ll sound like Dad here,” Kade said seriously, “but the wisdom bears repeating.”
Tyler gave his youngest brother his full attention, surprised that of all his siblings, he was having this conversation with Kade, who knew the least about love and relationships. Or at least Tyler thought he did. Maybe the kid had experienced more love and loss than he let on.
“Dad always said that as men, we need to work really hard to win over that one special woman we’re spending forever with. And he always said that the best women are the hardest to win, but the hardest-fought battles bring the sweetest victory.”
Tyler could hear his dad saying those very words, had heard his dad say them plenty of times in his life.
So why wasn’t he listening? Why wasn’t he fighting harder to win the best woman he’d ever met? And blast it all. Why was he standing around the barn doing piddly chores and banging shovels when he could be chasing after Kinsey and trying to win her back?
With a huff, he started stalking down the aisle toward the front of the barn, a sudden urgency lighting a fire under his feet.
“You gonna say anything?” Kade called after him. “Or you planning to ignore me?”
“Not doing either.”
“Then what are you doing?”
“Going to get my woman back.”
Kade chuckled. “Attaboy.”
Tyler made it two feet out the barn door before grinding to a halt in the increasingly cloudy afternoon. He pivoted and looked back to find Kade still leaning casually against the center beam, the foal behind him munching on a stray pile of hay.
Tyler motioned at him. “Well, come on.”
“Come on, what?” Kade was grinning like a little girl.
“I need you to take me to her.”
“Say please.”
Tyler sighed. Kade sure did enjoy annoying him. “Just get your stuff and let’s get going before the storm hits.”
Kade shook his head. “The storm’s already too close.”
“Tell me where she is. I’ll drive. I want to go now.”
“I’m not telling you where she’s at.” Kade’s grin only spread. “You need to give Kinsey a chance to miss you.”
Tyler’s rampaging thoughts came to a halt. Was Kade right?
“Trust me,” Kade said. “I dropped her off, and she needs the time.”
“How much time?”
