“Me? For real?” Landon’s lips twisted in a half-grin. “I don’t think your brothers would want me doing that.”
“Oh, fuck that. Chris wants to stay at the ranch more—he’d love to have someone to fill in.”
“You know I love team roping. That way I get a bigger target and a paycheck, no matter what.”
“Well, there you go. I can talk to the boss.”
“Do I need to do anything?”
“You’ll have to fill out some paperwork, I’m sure.”
“I know how to write. I can do that.”
The words shamed him some, made his cheeks heat. Adam gave Landon a long look. “I know that, dorkface. I just mean you’ll need your ID and all for the taxes, so don’t forget it.”
“Okay.” And that was that. Landon just gave it up for him, just like from the start.
Adam grinned and hugged Landon close. God, he was a happy fool.
“Look at you, lovin’ up on me.” His Cajun hugged right back. “Come on, now. Let’s go get us some pig.”
“Oh, I like that idea.” He’d have to thank Laurel for the amazing food he could see spread out.
“Yep. Mr. Beau’s fixin’ to get his fiddle out and Sammy can sing.”
“Can he?” Adam grinned huge. “My Sam can sing, too. Ooohoooo.”
Coke’s bassets started running, heading for him, big ears flopping. They screeched to a halt in front of him and started howling, black noses up in the air. Oh, God, that was hilarious. Landon started howling, too, just rockin’ it.
About two dozen people turned to stare and Chrissy met his gaze, eyebrow arching.
Adam was done being worried. He just howled along, knowing he was about to completely change his definition of family.
And that was okay with him.
Landon satout on the steps, pleasantly buzzed, listening to the music. The sun was done gone and it was warm, wet, perfect.
What a party.
Laurel liked Adam. ’Course, it wasn’t Adam making cow’s eyes at her. No, that was the youngest Taggart triplet that was following her around like a dog. Chrissy had it bad, yessir.
Mr. Sam sat next to him, nudging his arm. “Good, you?”
“Yessir. I’m a little drink… A little drunk.”
Sammy laughed, that weird hoot loud and clear. “Him, too?” Sam nodded toward Adam.
Adam was playing horseshoes with Coke Pharris, shirt off, skin sheened with sweat.
“He ain’t driving and he’s laughing pretty hard, huh?”
“Yeah. Good day party.”
“You know it.” They clinked their beers together, and they both laughed. “Glad you’re here, Mr. Sammy.”
“Me on too.” Sam settled back, watching everyone and everything.
Dillon was dancing in the moonlight, the dogs chasing him, and Mr. Beau was playing his fiddle. Laurel was leading Adam’s brother on a merry chase, flirting in an awful quiet way for her.
