Page 59 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Thanks.” Lucas pushed his hands into his front pockets.

Knowing Lucas was a little uncomfortable, Doc said, “Thanks for bringing the supplies. Let’s get them unloaded. We’ve got a lot more work ahead of us, and Lucas has plans for tonight.”

“What’s left to do?” Dare asked.

“Patch the roof, fix the gutters, and repair the fence on the other pasture,” Doc said.

Dare and Cowboy exchanged a glance, and Dare said, “Why don’t we take the roof and gutters while you two fix the fence? Knock it out twice as fast?”

Lucas looked confused. “Don’t you have better things to do than work?”

“We’re never too busy to help family,” Cowboy said.

Lucas’s eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting between Cowboy and Doc. “Did he tell you to say that?”

Doc wasn’t surprised he was skeptical, and he was glad he wasn’t afraid to voice his concern directly to his brothers.

“No, sir. That’s how we were raised,” Cowboy answered. “Family first, then playtime.”

Dare nudged Lucas. “Plus, roof work has two things I love. Getting my hands dirty, and driving Cowboy batty by doing flips on the roof.”

As Dare headed for Cowboy’s truck, Lucas said, “Will he really do that?”

Doc said “Yes” at the same time Cowboy said “Over my dead body.”

LUCAS WAS FRIENDLIER as they worked on the fence, asking questions about Dare and Cowboy and the ranch. Doc was enjoying it. In no hurry to finish the work, he did everything he could to keep Lucas talking as they replaced and repaired the fencing.

By the time they finished, they were hot and sweaty, and still, Doc was sorry to be done. But it was getting late. Juliette had texted to say she’d be back soon, and Lucas was excited to see his friends.

“I really appreciate your help,” Doc said to Cowboy and Dare as they got ready to leave.

“Yeah, thanks a lot,” Lucas said. “The fence took a lot longer than I thought it would. We never would have gotten done in time for me to see my friends tonight if you guys hadn’t helped.”

Dare and Cowboy glanced at Doc, knowing he could have finished it in half the time had he wanted to.

“That’s ranch work for you,” Cowboy said.

“I’m glad we got a chance to meet you, Lucas,” Dare said. “You should come by the ranch sometime and hang out with the cool kids.”

“You have kids?” Lucas asked.

“Dude.” Dare held up his palms in disbelief. “I meant us.”

Lucas grimaced. “Aren’t you like thirtysomething?”

“Is he calling me old?” Dare didn’t wait for an answer. “Seriously, though, you should come to the ranch and hang out.”

“You can check out our horses and the paintball field,” Cowboy suggested.

“I’ll show you the obstacle course where I’ve spent a lifetime whipping their butts,” Dare offered.

Worried Lucas might get overwhelmed, Doc stepped in. “I already extended an invitation for Lucas to come to the ranch. I’m sure when he’s ready, he’ll let us know.”

“Right, of course,” Dare said. “No pressure.”

“We’d better get going. I want to take Sully to the movies tonight,” Cowboy said.

“Who’s Sully?” Lucas asked.