by Peyton Banks
Tyler pulled back on the rope, drawing it taut around the calf. They came to a halt. Tyler looked over at them, beaming.
Wade and Carson went wild, hooting, clapping, and whistling. Pride filled Wade. He had been working with Tyler on his lassoing for a while now. Apparently, his nephew had been practicing with Rashad. He was going to grow up to be one hell of a cowboy.
11
“What time did the sheep bring you home?” Georgy Whitaker asked.
Joy couldn’t look her mother in the eye. They were out in the pasture, watching the dogs wrangle the sheep in.
It was time to rotate them in a different area. This was a common practice to make sure they didn’t pick up any parasites that could be living in the earth.
The Whitakers took pride in raising their sheep, and worked with highly trained soil specialists to ensure the grass and land were safe for the sheep. The animals were sold for top-grade meat, and everything had to be perfect for the animals.
Joy gave a loud whistle, commanding the dogs. One thing she loved about sheep was that they were smart. If they were scared, they would stick together to try and get away from a threat.
At the moment, the dogs were the threat to the sheep.
Lacie, the leader of the dogs, did her job in helping the other two get the sheep moved. The flock rushed into the area where Joy wanted them. She jogged over and shut the gate.
“Good job, guys.” She rubbed Lacey, Minnie, and Duke on their heads. The dogs lived for getting praised for a job well done. They barked and yipped, begging for her hand to run over their heads.
Joy stood to her full height and caught her mother standing with her hands on her hips. The dogs continued to bark and ran around her in circles.
“What?” Joy asked, unsure as to why her mother was staring at her.
“Spill it, young lady.”
Joy rolled her eyes. She may be thirty years old, but her mother had her feeling like a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl.
“I went out,” she mumbled.
“With who? When your father and I got home last night, you were gone.” They fell in step with each other as they walked back to the barn.
The dogs ran ahead, yipping and barking.
Joy shrugged. “A friend.”
“Joy Amanda Whitaker,” Georgy practically growled.
Joy winced. If her mother called her by her full name, then she was in trouble.
“Okay! I was out with Wade.”
Georgy paused and gawked at her. Joy stopped walking and turned back to face her.
“Wade Brooks. As in, Jonah Brookses son?”
Joy bit her lip. She knew she should not have shared the truth. She already knew what was going to come next.
“Yeah,” Joy replied.
“Are you trying to give your father a heart attack? You know the history of our families, and you went out with a Brooks?”
“It wasn’t Wade’s fault, or mine.” She didn’t want to explain her actions, but she had no choice. Between her parents, Georgy was the more rational one. If she could get her mom on her side, then she would have fighting chance with her father.
Joy liked Wade. A lot. It wasn’t just the mind-blowing sex. Well, it was a big part of it, but she liked the way he made her feel when they were together. The way they laughed with each other, shared the same humor, were competitive.
She wanted to see him again. She didn’t know where this was going between them, but she was all in to see.
“Mom, Wade and I came to a truce.”
“A truce?” Georgy gasped and stepped away from Joy with wide eyes. “Let me get this right. You stayed out all night with the son of the man who refused to sell back the land they took from us? Doing what?”
Joy covered her face with her hands. She knew the story about Jonah. Turning around, she removed her hands to face her mother and froze.
Did she tell the truth?
Or did she lie?
Joy was never one to fib. At the moment, with the fierce gaze her mom was giving her, Georgy would know.
“Mom, you have to trust that I know what I’m doing,” she pleaded.
“It’s not you I don’t trust. You have a big heart, Joy Whitaker. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I’ll be fine.” Joy tucked her thick hair behind her ear.
Why was Wade being punished for his father’s past doings? He was his own man, and a trustworthy one at that. In all the years she’d known him, she’d given him shit, and he gave it right back to her.
Their rivalry hadn’t been a vindictive one.
Wade had never done anything to her that would truly make her hate him.
Joy would just have to make her family see what she saw in Wade.
“Here are my two favorite women.” Her father’s deep voice rang out from the barn. Davis Whitaker, Sr. was a tall, wiry man, with smooth, medium-almond skin. His smile was genuine, and his laugh was one that could make the hardest of men crack a smile.
Davis was a hard worker, and proud of the ranch he owned. Sheep farming wasn’t as glamorous as cattle ranching was made out to be, but it was rewarding.
Davis put his blood, sweat, and tears into the land his ancestors passed down to him. He had raised his children to have a love for the family business. Joy couldn’t see herself doing anything else. Ranching and raising sheep were in her blood.
Her brother, Junior, walked along with their father. He was the spitting image of Senior, with the same build, and even his walk. Her brother was said to be the mirror image of her father at his current age.
The dogs ran to her father and brother, begging for attention. Not that they were starved for affection or anything. The three of them just happened to be attention snobs.
Senior and Junior had no choice but to rub the dogs’ heads and greet them.
Joy’s heart raced. Now was not the time for her to tell her father about Wade.
Not yet.
She didn’t know when, but she would find the right time. And Junior? She didn’t know how he would take it. He was a stubborn alpha male who was fiercely protective of her.
When she was younger, he was the one who had chaperoned her meetups with friends at school sporting events. No one dared mess with her if her bulldog of a brother was around.
Junior was even worse than her father when it came to their neighbors. He had no love for anyone who carried the last name Brooks.
“You are going to tell him,” Georgy announced in a low voice.
Joy focused her attention on Georgy. She jerked her head in a nod. She didn’t want to engage her mom at this point.
“Not now. There’s nothing to tell.” Joy turned away from her mother and watched her father approach them. She prayed Georgy remained silent.
“How are you, baby?” Davis placed a kiss on her forehead. He squeezed her shoulders and stared down at her.
“I’m good, Daddy. How are you?” she asked. Her arms immediately went around her father’s waist. No matter how old she was, she was never too old to show her love for him. She was Daddy’s girl, and she wasn’t ashamed to admit it. Davis ensured that their childhood had been full of love, affection, and good times.
Her dad’s strength was comforting. Joy released him and took a step back.
“Better now that I get to see your beautiful faces.” Laughing, he moved from her to her mother. He wrapped his arm around her and dropped a hard kiss on her lips. “And I’m feeling really good now.”
“Oh, you hush up, Davis.” Georgy swatted Senior on the chest. She flushed like a young schoolgirl.
Joy rolled her eyes and turned to her brother.
“What’s up, sis?” Junior asked. He gently shoved her with his elbows.
“Nothing.” She pushed back with a laugh.
The dogs were back to yipping and running around their feet, wanting to get in on the sibling shoving match. Joy giggled and jumped back as they tried to get in between her and Junior.
“Where have you two b
een?” Georgy asked. She leaned into her husband’s embrace. It was a beautiful sight to see a couple who had been together as long as her parents and still be in love with each other. It was as if they were still in the honeymoon stage of their marriage.
“We went out to meet with the new owner of Reynolds’ Meats,” Senior replied.
Joy’s interest was piqued by this. The company was a large meat processing company that had undergone a change in ownership. The Whitakers had done business with the Reynolds’ for years. Her father had been worried that with the change in ownership, it would prove to be an issue.
“We needed to meet with them about our contracts, and if they will still honor what the last owners agreed upon,” Junior chimed in. He wrapped his arm around Joy’s shoulder.
“I have a good feeling about this year. The amount of lambs were up, and that will be a bonus,” Senior announced, his grin wide.
“Davis, honey, that is amazing,” Georgy gushed.
“I want to take everyone out to dinner. Lexi will be home tonight, and we can celebrate the Whitakers’ good fortune.” Senior’s face was relaxed and carefree.
Joy smiled, proud of what her father had done with the ranch. It had prospered under his leadership.
Senior motioned for them to head up to the house.
“Time to celebrate. Make sure you put on your fancy duds for this,” Junior cackled. He squeezed her shoulder and jogged off to catch up with their father. The dogs took off after him, vying for the Whitaker men’s attention.
Georgy turned back and shot Joy a look, and she tried to ignore it. Her parents walked holding hands.
Joy fell behind them. Tonight was definitely not the time to tell her father who she had gone out with. Tonight was for Whitakers. They would go out together for a nice dinner and enjoy each other’s company.
With her sister coming into town, that would take some heat off. Everyone’s attention would be on her younger sister. Joy loved her, and it had been a few weeks since she had gotten to see her. They spoke on the phone frequently, but it was never the same as being in the same room together.
Even though they were five years apart, they were the best of friends. Lexi lived in the big city, and always came home with crazy stories.
Lost in thought, Joy almost missed the vibration of her phone in her back pocket. She pulled it out and saw a text from Wade.
Thinking about you.
She couldn’t help the silly grin that spread across her face. What did she say back? Of course she had been thinking of Wade nonstop since he had dropped her off at home earlier.
The memory of his deep voice whispering in her ear sent a shiver down her spine. The feeling of his body pressed against hers was etched in her brain. If she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, she could still smell his scent.
Wade Brooks had certainly done a number on her.
Joy glanced up and caught her mother looking over her shoulder at her. She erased her smile and broke the stare.
I hope it’s all good thoughts.
That was a safe reply. She didn’t want to sound too desperate or “thirsty,” as her sister would say.
“What’s got you all smiling?” Junior asked.
Joy shook her head and put her phone back in her pocket. They arrived at the house. Her parents had disappeared inside. Junior stood by the door, holding it open for her.
“Oh, nothing. A friend sent me a stupid meme.”
She walked up the stairs and stepped inside. Her phone vibrated again, and she ignored it.
She would have to make time for Wade later.
Much later.
12
“This was not a good idea,” Carson mumbled.
“What were we supposed to do? Tell him no?” Wade stood outside the truck and scratched his head. He ran a hand through his hair, unsure of how they got into this situation.
“We could have ordered it to-go.” Carson opened the tailgate and pulled out their father’s wheelchair. Jonah had demanded to get out of the house. Ever since he had been released from the rehabilitation facility, he had been cooped up inside.
Wade felt sorry for him. Jonah had been a very independent man before the heart attack. Lately, he had been just as grouchy and a pain in the ass, but the longer he remained restricted to the house, the worse he got.
Wade had suggested they go out to dinner. He hadn’t thought his father would actually take him up on the offer.
But Jonah agreed.
He even appeared excited to be going out to the popular restaurant. They had been shocked, but it was a win.
“We’ll be fine,” Wade assured his younger brother.
“I can’t deal with all the bitching,” Carson groaned. He placed the chair on the ground, while Wade shut the tailgate.
“Between the two of us, we can deal with the old man.” Wade knew it was hard for his younger brother. He and Parker had shielded Carson as much as they could while growing up. Eliana only came during the week. At night, and on the weekends, they were on their own with helping their father. Wade started to wonder if he could offer Eliana extra money to come more often. There was just something about her that Jonah responded to.
Jonah was getting stronger, but Wade and Carson took turns spending the night up in the main house with him, not trusting to leave him by himself in the evening. Parker had his hands full with his family, and quite frankly, Wade didn’t think it was best for their older brother to stay in the house alone with their father.
With as thick as the tension was between them, Wade didn’t want to risk it exploding again.
“Come on. Let’s go in. It looks like it’s getting packed in there.” Wade walked up to the passenger door and opened it.
“I don’t need that damn wheelchair,” their father’s voice rang out.
Carson rolled his eyes. Wade stared at Jonah, taking in his infamous scowl.
“It’s to help you,” Wade stated matter-of-factly.
“I had a heart attack. Ain’t nothing wrong with my legs.” Jonah pushed open the door.
“But Pa,” Wade groaned. He really didn’t want to sit out here in the parking lot and argue with the old man. Jonah was one stubborn son of a bitch, and they could be out here for hours until he got his way.
Wade glanced at Carson and jerked his head toward the trunk. Carson threw up his hands in exasperation. He began putzing with the chair to close it back up.
“The restaurant ain’t that far. I can walk,” Jonah muttered. He glared at Wade as if to challenge him.
Wade swept a hand across his face, and the fight escaped him.
“Fine, Pa. Just take it easy.” Carson came to stand beside Wade.
They assisted him out of the truck, with Jonah shaking their hands off of him.
Jonah was a proud man, and Wade knew there was no way in hell his father would want to appear weak in public. He stood to his full height, and with slow, steady steps, made his way toward the building.
“You fall on your face, I’m not picking you up,” Carson snorted before jogging ahead to open the door for them.
“Don’t let me fall,” Jonah retorted. He walked through the door and paused in front of Carson. “Smartass.”
Wade’s gaze met his brother’s, and he bit back a chuckle at the widening of his eyes. What did he expect? Wade followed his father, with Carson pulling up the rear.
“Hello, fellas! Welcome to the Notorious C.O.W.” The hostess greeted them with a warm smile. “I’m Renee. Is it the three of you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Wade positioned himself on one side of Jonah, with Carson on the other side.
“Give me a second.” She glanced down at something on the podium before turning her attention to them. “It’ll be a fifteen-minute wait.”
“Don’t let it be too long.” Jonah leaned on Wade, putting on an Oscar-worthy performance. “I just got out of the hospital and wanted a really good meal.”
Her eyes widened, and she nodded. “I’ll be right bac
k. Let me verify this other table is open.”
She scurried away and into the dining area.
Wade had to keep his mouth from dropping open as he watched her rush away. His father eyed him and winked. Carson snorted and looked away.
Wade took in the place. It had been a while since he’d eaten at the popular barbecue restaurant. It was owned and operated by David Walker, who had moved from Texas about ten years ago. The food was legendary around these parts.
Wade wasn’t sure what they did while cooking the food, but it was damn good.
Tonight, almost every table was taken. The servers were bustling through the dining area, taking care of the customers.
Renee returned, holding a few menus in her arms. “Okay, fellas. I have the perfect table for you. Follow me.”
Carson slapped Jonah on his shoulder. “Let’s go, Pa. You lead the way.”
They followed Renee to a table located in the corner, giving them a perfect view of the establishment.
“You boys are going to learn one day,” Jonah chortled.
“Whatever, old man. They would have seated us soon,” Carson quipped.
Wade reached for the menu, not wanting to engage with his father. He’d let Carson bicker with him. He was starving, and wanted to find out what the specials were.
“Howdy, fellas.” A cute brunette stopped by their table. She was of medium build, and dressed in the restaurant’s uniform of a T-shirt with a pig on the front, and jeans. She had a pretty smile, and was eyeing Carson. “I’m Faith, and I’ll be your server tonight.”
“Well hello, Faith.” Wade smiled at her. “Busy night?”
“It’s only just begun.” She laughed. “What can I get you to drink?”
They placed their orders for drinks and appetizers with her. She scribbled down their request.
“Do you want to go ahead and order your dinner now?’ she asked.
“Not yet. I’m still looking,” Jonah replied, focusing on the menu.
“That’s fine.” Faith nodded. “Y’all take your time. I’ll go put in your appetizers and grab your drinks in the meanwhile.”