by A. D. Ellis
“What I know is that the late Jackson Alexander wanted nothing to do with your company and told you so on many occasions.” Walker crossed his arms. “I also know I have two animals with their throats slit. That, and your renewed interest in the ranch, coincide with the arrival of Mr. Alexander’s son arriving and taking his place as legal owner of the Pine Ridge.” Walker cocked his head. “Surely you can see why Reid and I are concerned.”
Mr. Stewart steepled his fingers at his chin and narrowed his eyes. “What I know, gentlemen, is that the Pine Ridge ranch sits over a pocket of geothermal heat energy that Northern Plains Geothermal would very much like to acquire. Mr. Jackson has come on to our business team to assist in tightening up our acquisitions, our holdings, our financials, and our practices. Nothing more.”
“My father has rarely had interest in assisting another business unless it in some way will benefit him.” Reid folded both arms over his chest. “If you truly have no inkling of Jackson Alexander playing your company like a fiddle in order to get to me through the ranch then you clearly do need help tightening your practices.”
“However, if you do know Alexander is scheming and playing dirty, I will be sure your business is run so far under, you’ll never see the light of day.” Walker stood.
“And just in case it wasn’t clear,” Reid spoke as he stood to join Walker, “the Pine Ridge is not for sale and will not be available to Northern Plains Geothermal for acquiring the geothermal pocket.”
“Have a nice day, Mr. Stewart.” Walker nodded.
“And take it from someone who has known my father a lot longer than you have,” Reid’s steely words were quiet and serious, “he is not on your team, he isn’t helping you, and he’s simply using you.” Reid gave a little wave and followed Walker out the door.
In the hallway, Walker took Reid’s hand. “You were amazing in there.”
Reid squeezed Walker’s hand. “You weren’t too shabby yourself.”
The men nodded and offered polite waves to Charlene as they left and headed out of the building.
“Do you think Stewart knows my father is a slime ball?”
Walker shrugged. “My gut says Stewart knows Alexander is a shrewd businessman likely to go to extremes to get what he wants, but I don’t think he knows what Alexander is up to with Pine Ridge.”
“My guess is Daddy Dearest is strong-arming Northern Plains Geothermal into doing his bidding and being his front for getting the ranch back. I doubt Stewart or the company would allow themselves to get mixed up with anything unsavory if they knew about it going in.” Reid frowned. “But knowing my father, he presents himself to them as the fine, upstanding businessman just looking out for their business in a way to increase his own.”
“Yeah, your dad sure didn’t turn out anything like his father.” Walker bumped his shoulder against Reid’s as they reached the hotel. “Luckily, you got all Grandpa Jack’s good qualities and then some.”
“Then some? What extra qualities did I get that Grandpa Jack didn’t possess?” Reid quickly pulled Walker into the elevator and pressed their floor number.
“If I remember your words correctly, you ‘take dick in the ass and enjoy it. Immensely.’” Walker pressed Reid into a corner and rolled their hips together. “And I find that to be an extremely important quality in a man,” Walker teased before capturing Reid’s lips in a sensuous kiss.
“Lucky you,” Reid murmured against Walker’s lips.
“Lucky me,” Walker agreed.
“Lucky me,” Reid mumbled and moaned into the kiss.
“Lucky you.” Walker chuckled as he broke the kiss just as the elevator car stopped.
15
“This is Reid Alexander.” Walker put his arm around Reid as he smiled at his beloved Grandma. “Reid, this is my Grandma Rachel.”
The short, slightly round, silver-haired woman beamed at her grandson before turning her attention to Reid.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Reid stuck out his hand.
Rachel smacked his hand away and pulled him into a hug. “I knew this day would come, and I’m so very happy to finally meet you. No handshakes here, hugs all around.” She reached out and pulled her grandson into the embrace.
Walker chuckled. “Knew this day would come? Finally meet him?” He pulled away from the hug. “I’ve not even known him for that long. It’s not like you’ve been waiting years.”
Rachel cocked a brow and patted his cheek. “You don’t know that.” She winked. “Plus, Norma has possibly been keeping me in the loop since I didn’t know when you would finally bring this sweet man to meet me.”
“Norma, of course.” Walker shook his head.
Reid beamed and looped an arm around Walker’s shoulders. “What can I say? The older ladies love me.”
“Watch it, boy.” Rachel poked him.
“Of course, by older I mean beautiful, wise, and mature,” Reid replied with an impish grin.
“You boys are staying, right?” Rachel gestured toward her tiny living room.
“Thought we’d stay until this evening.” Walker lowered onto the couch and patted the seat next to him.
Rachel frowned. “Only until evening? I guess I’ll take what I can get, but I’d love you to visit longer than a few hours.” She settled herself into a recliner.
“You have one bedroom, a small sofa, and hardwood floors,” Walker replied. “We’ll stay today, but I’d rather sleep in comfort.”
Rachel pursed her lips. “Mmmhmm, sleep in comfort. I’ll just bet that’s why you want to be at a hotel.”
Reid snorted.
Walker shot him a look.
Reid shrugged.
Rachel laughed.
“So what brings you boys to visit an old lady?” Rachel rocked gently in her chair.
“Stop,” Walker groaned. “You act like I wasn’t just here a few weeks ago.”
“Were you?” Rachel shrugged. “Old people forget things so easily.”
“Oh my Lord, pouring it on thick today are we?” Walker teased. “You weren’t even forty when I was born. You’re what, in your sixties? Hardly ancient.” Walker shook his head. “We came to visit because we had to come to town to meet with Northern Plains Geothermal in regards to the ranch.”
Rachel wrinkled her nose. “I thought Jack had already told them no about selling?”
“He did and I did, but they’re back to sniffing around,” Walker explained.
“My father didn’t inherit my grandfather’s morals,” Reid chimed in. “Daddy Jack is pissed, pardon my language, because Grandpa Jack gave the ranch to me.”
Rachel waved a hand. “Boy, there’s no reason to apologize for language here. I’m the queen of F-bombs when they are called for.” She frowned. “What does your father have to do with Northern Plains?”
“Well, according to the company, he’s only a generous supporter and benefactor,” Walker stated.
“But?” Rachel asked.
“Isn’t there always a but?” Reid smiled. “It’s too much of a coincidence that I inherited the ranch, the company is bugging us to buy again, my dad recently became part of their business in whatever way, and two cows were slaughtered at the edge of the property.”
Rachel’s hand covered her chest as she gasped. “No,” she whispered. “Is your father really that evil?”
“He’s definitely more closely related to the devil than an angel,” Reid mumbled.
“I don’t think Daddy Jack did the actual dirty work of killing the animals, but I’m certain he’s behind it in some way,” Walker said.
“Same with the geothermal company,” Reid offered. “I doubt they know he’s playing them, but I’m sure he is.”
“Well, your dad just gained a hater.” Rachel jutted her chin. “There’s no reason to act like an ass just because your late father knew you couldn’t be trusted to keep his ranch running.”
“Daddy Jack cares about nothing but himself, his business, and his money.” Reid rolled his ey
es. “He wants to sell Pine Ridge to the very highest bidder and never look back. Bonus points if the buyer were to destroy the ranch land.”
Rachel waved a hand. “Let’s move on to happier topics.” She rose from her chair and headed to the kitchen. “Would you boys like some lunch?”
“Let’s go out,” Walker suggested. “Or order in. No reason for you to cook.”
“Who said I was going to cook?” Rachel winked. “But, I like that idea. We’ll order in, you can go pick up the food, and Reid can keep me company.”
“Oh Lord,” Walker groaned.
“What?” Rachel batted her lashes in feigned innocence.
Walker rolled his eyes. “Nothing.” He chuckled. “What do we want to eat?”
“I know you’d never look at this town and think it has a Chinese restaurant, but Mr. and Mrs. Zhang moved here several years ago with their children and have the market cornered on authentic Chinese food.” Rachel nodded. “I swear, it’s better than anything I’ve had in big cities.”
Reid moaned and rubbed his stomach. “Oh my God, don’t get me wrong, Norma is an amazing cook and I love her food. But I haven’t had Chinese food since California and it sounds fabulous.”
After placing an order that likely could have fed an entire football team, Walker grabbed his keys. He planted a kiss on Reid’s lips and pointed at his grandmother. “You two behave,” he ordered before walking out the door.
“Let’s dish,” Rachel exclaimed as she clasped her hands in front of her chest.
Reid laughed and pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table. “Well, let’s get to chatting. If I know Walker, he’s going to drive like a bat out of hell to get back here before we have too much time to talk.”
Rachel smiled and took a seat at the table. “You know him well.” She cocked her head. “You love him, and he’s head-over-heels in love with you.” It was a statement, not a question.
Reid blushed and nodded. “Never even saw it coming. I came to South Dakota to serve out Grandpa Jack’s required three months on the ranch, sell it, and move on.”
Rachel leaned forward for the story, resting her elbows on the table.
“Hell, I was so focused on myself, getting rid of the ranch, and returning to California that I didn’t even realize Walker was gay until he told me.” He laughed. “I thought he was a straight guy looking to get in on some action, and I told him I wasn’t down with being an experiment.”
Rachel covered her laughter with a hand.
“He’s an amazing man. You did a great job raising him,” Reid stated.
Rachel’s eyes softened. “Thank you. I hate that he grew up without his parents, but they weren’t fit to raise a child.”
“He was lucky to have you,” Reid argued. “I know about being raised around a person not fit to be a parent. My father didn’t have a lot to do with me, but he still affected me. Luckily, I think I grew up learning that I wanted to be nothing like him.”
“I was able to meet your grandfather once before his passing,” Rachel said. “He was a fine man. I can’t thank him enough for bringing you into my Walker’s life.”
Reid cocked his head. “Do you think he knew Walker and I would hit it off? Like he orchestrated the whole thing?”
Rachel shrugged. “Who knows? I think he likely knew your father was definitely not going to keep the ranch. You were his choice because he knew if you could get to know the ranch you would maybe love it the way he did. You and Walker meeting and falling in love was icing on the cake.” Rachel reached out and patted Reid’s arm. “I know you never met him, but your grandpa was so very proud of you. And I’m pretty sure he thought of Walker as the son he never had. He’d be so thrilled you two are together and continuing the legacy of Pine Ridge.”
“Did you ever meet Samuel?” Reid hated to bring up a sad subject, but his curiosity got the best of him.
Rachel nodded. “I did.”
“You don’t have to tell me anything about him,” Reid added quickly. “I just feel bad sometimes, like I came to the ranch and took Samuel’s place.”
“Don’t think that way,” Rachel scolded. “Samuel was gone long before you arrived.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “Sam was a nice man. Good worker, reliable, loyal. He and Walker found a safe love with each other. I was grateful to know Walker had found someone. But as much as I truly believe they loved each other, I never saw my grandson’s eyes sparkle the way they do when they look at you.”
Reid’s eyes stung. “I’m not looking for proof he loves me more, I promise I’m not.”
“Baby, it’s not a contest. He loved Samuel and he loves you. But his love for you is different. He wasn’t unhappy with Sam, but he’s beyond happy with you. You’ve brought a smile back to his face that I haven’t seen since he was a small boy.” Rachel wiped a tear. “For that and many other reasons, I absolutely adore you and have to say thank you for just being you.”
Reid sniffed. “Well, this falling in love thing, like for real falling in love, has hit me like a bulldozer. But I can promise I love him with all of my heart, and I have no plans to live my life without Walker in it.”
Rachel leaned forward and whispered, “Want to see baby pictures of him before he gets back?”
“Oh my God, woman.” Reid laughed. “Of course!”
Rachel scurried out of the room and returned with two albums. “I grabbed one with baby years and one with teen years.”
“Perfect,” Reid said.
By the time Walker returned with lunch, Reid and Rachel had laughed and admired pictures of Walker’s baby butt, first teeth, triumphant first steps, drooly smiles, and many more.
“Please tell me those aren’t photo albums.” Walker set bags on the kitchen counter.
“Oh, but they are,” Reid teased. “No worries, you’re in time for the teen years one.”
Walker groaned. “I hate you both.”
Reid popped up from the table and wrapped Walker in a hug. “No, you don’t.” He nibbled at Walker’s neck. “You love us.”
“Maybe,” Walker grumped, but laughed as Reid continued to bite at his neck. “Fine, fine, I love you both.”
“Food first, photos later,” Rachel declared. “I’m starving, and I don’t need soy sauce on my precious albums.”
“Would you ever consider moving to the ranch?” Walker asked.
Rachel paused, a bite of fried rice in front of her mouth, and cocked her head. “Seriously?”
Walker shrugged. “I know you like your independence, and I’d never make you move there if you didn’t want to, but I’d love to have you closer. You’d have Norma, the rest of the employees, the children, the animals.”
“I’d pack my bags today if that’s what you want,” Rachel interrupted.
Walker smiled. “I thought you were going to argue with me.”
“Nah, I love the Zhang’s and their restaurant, I have a few friends here, but nothing’s really holding me here.” Rachel nodded as if she were considering the option even more. “Yeah, I think moving to the ranch would be wonderful.” She pointed a chopstick at Walker. “But only if you really want me there, not because you think I need to be there.”
“He really wants you there,” Reid assured her. “He’s been talking about asking you to move to Pine Ridge for a while.”
“But I don’t want you there until we figure out what’s going on with the animals being killed,” Walker interjected. “It may have been totally random, but I don’t want to move you there if there’s any danger. So, make your plans and get ready, but I’ll keep you updated on the exact date.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Rachel agreed and smiled broadly. “I’m actually very excited about this prospect.”
“We are too,” Reid offered. “It will be great to have you there. Norma will adore having someone closer to her age. You’ll love the kids. Perfect plan all around.”
“We’ve got a couple hours before we need to head out.” Walker glanced at the clock
on the microwave. “You guys want to take a walk? Play a game? Watch a movie?”
“Awww, that’s so cute,” Rachel cooed and patted her grandson’s hand.
“He thinks he can divert our attention from the photo albums,” Reid stage whispered.
Walker rolled his eyes and huffed. “Fine, let’s look at the damn pictures.”
An hour later, the three of them had poured through most of the album. Rachel had paused to tell stories about certain pictures. Reid had interrupted with questions. And Walker had shared memories as they laughed at his hair styles and fashion choices.
“You were an adorable baby, but I love the gawky, nerdy teen trying to find himself,” Reid stated and bumped his shoulder against Walker’s. “And I’m glad you decided on the cowboy look because you’re absolutely stunning in it.” He leaned in to whisper, “Edible.”
Rachel snorted. “I’m not sure whether to get googly eyes and say, ‘awwww,’ or grab a trashcan so I can upchuck.” She shook her head. “You two are gorgeous, so cute, and absolute dears. But you’re also sickeningly sweet.”
“Sorry,” Walker mumbled and blushed.
“Small price to pay,” Reid teased with a shrug.
“I think you’re blessed,” Rachel said. “Very few people find the happiness you two seem to have found.” She smiled. “Don’t take it for granted.”
“Blessed,” Walker repeated the word as if testing it on his tongue. He nodded. “Yeah, blessed seems to fit.”
Reid beamed before planting a sloppy kiss on Walker’s cheek. “I agree. Blessed is perfect.”
The evening wound down with coffee and pie before Reid and Walker headed back to the hotel.
“Well, I was dreading you leaving,” Rachel quipped as she began to gather mugs and plates.
“Sit,” Reid interrupted and jumped up to collect the dishes.
Rachel smirked. “Why thank you, child.” She winked at Walker. “Like I said, I was dreading you leaving because I knew I’d be lonely and sad waiting on you to visit again. But now I’m ready to kick you out so I can start planning my move.”