“Then I think you’re making the right decision,” he said, turning around. “You need to make decisions for yourself and no one else, just like your brother did. Luke played football, Theo had his ranch and Jude did what he thought was best for him and his brother. Look at them now. It’s about time you think about you and what you want in life.”
I wanted to tell him it was him and Nash that I wanted. Once I signed everything, I wanted us to figure this out, but I wanted to tell them together. If everything went according to plan, we would meet up with Nash in Wyoming and hopefully start something new together.
“Holy hell, what the fuck is it with the Yarbrough gene?” Beau asked, as we stood on the porch watching Brooks and Mr. Yarbrough.
“I don’t know, but none of them lack in the good looks department, personality is another issue,” I sighed.
“Jesus, I can’t imagine being in a room with all of them.” Beau cleared his throat.
“Oh, honey, there are four brothers,” I chuckled.
“Oh, lord,” he muttered.
“Good afternoon, Iris,” Mr. Yarbrough said, walking up the stairs.
“Good afternoon,” I said, holding out my hand, not expecting the hug he pulled me into.
“How are you doing, darling?” His smooth country accent was soft and warm, very unlike him, which made me a bit nervous.
“I’m doing well. How about yourself, sir?”
“Doing good. I hear Aurora ranch is doing well these days. Has the calf season been good?” He released me, sounding genuinely interested, which felt odd.
“Theo has done so much with the ranch in the last few years, I’m so proud of him,” I beamed with pride.
“Hello, Iris,” Brooks said, his deep tenor didn’t extract a blush as it once had.
I guess being around his brother had helped me become immune to their charms.
“Hi, Brooks,” I said, as he enveloped me in a hug.
“You look good,” he said, leaning back, giving me a look over.
“Uh, thanks,” I mumbled.
“This is my friend, Beau,” I said, turning towards Beau as my stupid blush took over.
“Hello, Beau.” Brooks and his father shook his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” he said, eyeing Brooks wearily.
“I have some snacks and tea inside,” I said, herding the men into the house.
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that,” Brooks said, taking off his hat as he walked into the house.
“Well, y’all stocked the fridge, so it was the least we could do,” I said, walking to the fridge to pull out the jug of sweet tea and egg sandwiches I had made.
Brooks looked at his father, confused. “Must have been a worker.”
“They still ask about you on occasion, wondering how you’re doing with Nash,” Mr. Yarbrough said. “Things are good, aren't they?”
Mr. Yarbrough looked at Beau like he might be hinting at something, and I wondered if he knew. I placed the tea and the egg sandwiches on the table, heading back for some glasses.
“Things are ok, definitely an adjustment,” I said, worried that I would say something contradictory to what Nash had said.
Shit, maybe I should have told him I was coming. I didn’t want to bother him with this, and I had hoped I could take care of this alone. He didn’t need to be here with his shitty father. After everything Mr. Yarbrough had done to Nash, I didn’t want Nash anywhere near him.
“Well, with Nash, adjustments are a constant thing,” Mr. Yarbrough said. “He never seems to learn, and I’d hoped marriage would make him settle down instead of chasing that stupid dream of his.”
