Pride burst in my chest at how much growth Theo’s ranch has experienced in the last few years. I didn’t know what it had looked like when he had first gotten here, but I knew the last two years I had been here his herd had been thriving along with the family he had built.
We rode for most of the morning, stopping when the calves needed a milk break. I took a ride around the herd to make sure we didn’t have stragglers, but really I didn’t know if I could go back to the group. I had been attempting to stop myself from checking out Nash since it had been hard to keep my eyes to myself all morning. He looked damn good on a horse and even better a little sweaty from herding the cows. Even though he had been far away, I couldn’t help but keep looking out for him.
It had been a week since I had gotten better from the flu. I hadn’t been that sick in years. Nash and Beau took care of me for two days before I finally felt good enough to take care of myself. In those two days I found out things I didn’t want to know, didn’t want to feel and now I didn’t know how to act around Nash. He told Beau so many things and I felt bad for listening. I even thought maybe I had made some stuff up, but they would talk about it later, so I knew I hadn’t made it up.
Nash and I grew up with toxic parents who fucked us up. We were like two peas in a pod and as much as I didn’t want to, I knew where he was coming from. Our parents made us people who we weren’t proud of being. We had to deal with those consequences, hurting people we loved.
A loud whistle brought me out of my thoughts. “Girl, quit showing us up,” Forest said on the radio.
I laughed, making my way back to the guys.
“Seriously, quick sucking up to management,” Forest grumbled, as I stopped next to him.
“Don’t be mad that I take initiative,” I laughed.
“You’re their sister, you don’t got to do anything,” he said, grinning. “The baby of the family so you’re already spoiled and loved. Can do no wrong.”
I forced a chuckle, wishing that I could do no wrong.
“Iris has always loved riding,” Jude said, coming up to my right. “I remember she used to sneak out at night, so she could see the stars while she rode.”
“Then we’d have to bribe her to come back in, so we didn’t get in trouble,” Theo laughed. “I swear she would have lived outside in a tent if they'd let her.”
I blushed as I felt Nash’s gaze. “I loved the warm summer nights and the stars, it always felt like home.”
“Texas summer nights are awful,” Forest grimaced.
I chuckled, “You have a few months where it ain't so bad.”
“My brother and I would live in tents during the summer while we managed the herd,” Nash added. “If I wasn’t in the stables, we were always out with the cows.”
“I have too many sensory issues to be out in the heat all day and night,” Theo shuddered, looking grossed out.
“I love air conditioning too much,” Colt added, rubbing Theo’s back.
“Bunch of babies,” I laughed. “That’s what all the ponds and lakes are for, a quick dip and you’re good to go.”
Theo looked disturbed. “Iris, you don’t even know what’s in them.”
“Oh, calm down, it's not like there are alligators,” I grinned.
“Just Water Moccasins,” Nash added.
Theo’s eyes grew wide.
“Oh god, don’t give Theo a reason to be afraid of the ponds and lakes.” Colt rolled his eyes.
Nash and I laughed when we caught each other's gaze.
“Are those poi?—”
“Do not finish that sentence!” Colt yelled.
We all yelled as he attempted to cover Theo’s ears. It was cute that he was so protective of my brother. My heart grew with love as I looked at the men who had captured the hearts of my brothers. Jude and Forest were leaning against each other as Colt and Theo leaned their foreheads together. Oh god, love surrounded me.
Nash and I caught each other’s gaze. It was uncomfortable. Technically, we were all couples here. Oh god, this was stupid. I tore my gaze away only to find Jude looking between us. Fuck my life. I rolled my eyes, grabbing my canteen to give myself something to do.
After the break we finished moving the herd that was thankfully close to the barns. I needed to get away, being this close to Nash was messing with me. Theo and Colt went backto their house, and I didn’t want to stick around to hear what everyone else was doing. I had a shift at the bar and a nap would do me good just in case I worked late.
