by Kate Pearce
“Might as well make a day of it,” Cauy murmured to himself.
He could also pop into the vet’s and check up on the dog. He’d been by himself for two days, and the solitude was starting to get to him. Had he gotten used to hordes of Morgans and townsfolk interfering in his life already? He went online and scored himself an appointment with Dr. Mendez at four, which gave him plenty of time to get everything done before he met Ry in the coffee shop.
He’d spent the last few days cleaning out the barn to make it ready for the new arrivals and every muscle he possessed was sore. But he also had a sense of achievement as the barn he remembered when he was a kid slowly came back to life. Why his dad had let everything go would always be a mystery. He’d been fiercely proud of the place when Cauy was a kid.
But he’d still never liked Cauy or the Morgans.
* * *
The parking lot at the vets was busier than last time he’d been there, and he guessed it was the afternoon session. When he went in, the four or five people already waiting greeted him like an old friend. After he signed in, everyone was more than happy to introduce themselves and tell him how they knew his family.
Eventually, Jenna appeared and waved at him to come through to the back. Tipping his hat to his assembled audience, Cauy left his seat to a chorus of good-byes and various invitations to dinner.
Jenna smiled up at him as she shut the door. “Having fun?”
He grimaced. “Just trying to be neighborly. How’s the dog?”
“She’s doing much better.” Jenna took him through an untidy office and into a lean-to on the back of the property. “Come and see.”
He viewed the dog and gently patted her head when she whined at him.
“She remembers you,” Jenna said approvingly.
“I doubt it. Rachel did all the heavy lifting. I just gave her a ride.”
“So I heard,” Jenna said. “She’ll be ready to leave tomorrow. Have you and Rachel discussed whether you’re going to drop her off at the humane society or keep her?”
Cauy frowned and looked at the dog’s big brown eyes. “I’m sure Rachel won’t want to get rid of her.”
“But Rachel’s only visiting for the holidays,” Jenna reminded him. “This dog is going to need a permanent home, and as she’s going to have puppies she’s not going to be very adoptable.”
“Have you talked to Rachel?” Cauy asked.
“Not yet. I figured that seeing as you’re paying the bills I should talk to you as well.” Jenna looked at him expectantly. “Maybe you could check in with Rachel and let me know? I’d take the dog myself, but I’m about to move into a new house, and that’s not the kind of insane environment any dog needs right now.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to her.” Cauy nodded.
“Thanks.” Jenna smiled at him. “I’d appreciate that.”
* * *
Dr. Mendez decided Cauy needed to see a dermatologist in the bigger town of Bridgeport and set up an appointment for him. Cauy picked up a new month’s supply of stuff from the pharmacy and stowed everything in the back seat of his truck. It was already getting dark, and the multicolored lights strung along the storefront of Main Street danced in the brisk breeze.
Cauy took a moment to gaze at the sight of his hometown, which hadn’t changed much since he’d left. Sure, some of the shops were different, but the structures remained the same. Considering the property prices in California he suspected someone had fought hard to keep it that way. As a kid, he’d loved coming into town with his mom to pick up supplies from Maureen’s, especially at this time of year.
“Crap. Supplies,” Cauy muttered, and turned on his heel, bumping into someone right behind him. “Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t see you there.”
The short blonde woman smiled at him. “It’s okay. I’ve got my steel-capped boots on, and you’re much lighter than a horse.” She looked at him inquiringly. “Can I help you with something?”
He let out his breath. “I was just thinking about the holidays. My brother’s coming to visit, and I don’t even think I have a spare set of sheets.”
She chuckled and pointed down the street. “Maureen’s has a bit of everything, and if that doesn’t work you can try Bridgeport or one of the bigger cities. When’s he arriving?”
“Monday.”
“Then you’ve got the whole weekend to work it out.” She gave him an encouraging smile. “Have a great day, now.”
“Will do.”
Living in Morgantown had him chatting to complete strangers now, and sharing his personal life. His mom wouldn’t recognize him.
He continued down the street, stopping to look in the shop windows, aware that he was dawdling because he didn’t want to arrive at Yvonne’s too early. He could already smell the coffee wafting down the raised boardwalk, and his mouth was watering.
Coldness seeped into his clothes, and he gave up the struggle and headed inside the pink-and-black-decorated coffee shop where Yvonne was behind the counter by herself. For once the place was completely empty. She glanced up as he came in and smiled, which was almost as enticing as the smell of coffee. He hesitated by the door.
She beckoned to him. “Hi! Come on in. We’re closing at six so you’ve got plenty of time.”
“Thanks.” He took off his hat and ran a hand through his flattened hair. “I’m meeting Ry Morgan here.”
“So what can I get you?” Yvonne asked.
“A large black coffee, and . . .” Cauy studied the array of cakes. “A slice of carrot cake, please.”
“Good choice. Carrots are healthy.” Yvonne had a slight French accent, which Cauy couldn’t help but enjoy. “Go and sit down. I’ll bring it over.”
Cauy found a seat, took off his heavy jacket, and draped it over the back of his chair. He really had forgotten he’d need all kinds of stuff for Jackson’s visit. He couldn’t expect Ruth Morgan to keep feeding him forever.
He took out his phone and started making a list. Tomorrow was the last Saturday before Thanksgiving so the shops would probably be packed. He needed to get out there and get stuff done anyway.
“Here you go.” Yvonne appeared with a tray. “You’re Cauy Lymond, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded.
“Welcome home. I’m sorry I didn’t get to chat with you last time you were in here. I got distracted by BB giving you a hard time about your father, but he’s an idiot.”
“My father?”
“I was thinking of BB but from what I’ve heard both of them are well-qualified for that title.” She angled her head to study him more closely. “You don’t look much like Mark.”
“I’m told I favor my mother.”
“Everyone liked her.”
“Yeah. She’s a peach.” Cauy picked up his coffee and took a slug. “That is . . . damn fine.”
“Thank you, I roast it myself.” The shop door opened, and Ry Morgan came in. “I’ll leave you to it, then.”
Ry chatted with Yvonne before coming to sit opposite Cauy.
“Thanks for coming.”
Cauy nodded. “No problem.”
“The reason it took so long was because Chase insisted that we needed a proper legal agreement between us rather than a gentlemen’s handshake kind of thing.” Ry rolled his eyes and took out an envelope. “I got Henry Parker, our lawyer here in town, to draw something up.”
“Thanks.” Cauy took the envelope and quickly scanned the agreement. “It looks okay to me, but I’ll get my lawyers to take a look at it.”
“Right, your lawyers. Nice one.” Ry grinned. He obviously thought Cauy was joking. “It’s pretty straightforward. It just sets a time limit so we aren’t there forever, and an estimated cost per horse upkeep and manpower. If you’re okay with it sign all the copies and drop it back to Henry’s office just across the street from here.”
“Got it.” Cauy picked up his coffee and took another sip. “Anything else?”
“Ruth’s expecting you for Thanksgiving dinn
er at our place.”
Cauy put down his mug and just stared at Ry.
“There’s no point arguing.” Ry tried to look solemn. “You don’t want to break an old lady’s heart now, do you?”
Cauy cast about frantically for an excuse. “My brother’s coming to stay. He might have made different arrangements.”
“Bring him with you,” Ry said generously. “The more the merrier.”
“I’ll think about it,” Cauy said, and started on his carrot cake. It was so good he slowed down to appreciate the flavors.
Yvonne brought Ry a cup of coffee and stayed to chat about her fiancé, who was obviously involved in the rodeo. When she went off to serve someone else, Cauy attempted to be sociable.
“You and your twin went into the rodeo business, right? I saw HW’s name sometimes on TV.”
“Yeah, he did good. Runner-up to the world champ in bronc riding a couple of years ago,” Ry said without a hint of envy in his voice. “And Yvonne’s engaged to Rio Martinez.”
“The bull rider?” Cauy had always followed the rodeo.
“Yeah. He’s on course to win his second world championship. I just hope he doesn’t take Yvonne away from us.”
“I’m not going anywhere!” Yvonne called out, and Ry gave her the thumbs-up as he drank his coffee.
“Did you say your brother’s coming to stay at the ranch?” Ry asked.
“Yeah. Jackson. Do you remember him?”
Ry nodded. “He went into the United States Air Force Academy right after school, didn’t he?”
“Yeah. He’s just about to exit the Air Force after a ten-year stint.”
“It would be nice to see him again too.” Ry’s cell buzzed. He really was a decent guy. He took his phone out of his pocket and read the text. “Damn.”
“What’s up?” Cauy asked.
“HW was supposed to be giving me a ride home, but he’s stuck waiting for Sam at the airport.”
“I can drop you back,” Cauy offered. He might see Rachel and gauge how pissed off with him she really was. He needed to talk to her about the dog anyway. He’d settled up the bill with Jenna and needed to know what Rachel intended to do next.
“That would be awesome.” Ry grinned at him. “You can confirm with Ruth that you’re coming over for Thanksgiving as well.”
When they’d both finished their coffee and said good-bye to Yvonne, Cauy walked with Ry back down the street toward the parking lot behind Dr. Mendez’s building. It was now dark, and the lights were on in the Red Dragon Bar on the corner on the two main streets.
As they crossed the intersection the smell of beer and fried food cut through the sharp bite in the air. Cauy was just about to turn the corner when he saw a tall dark-haired guy laughing down at Rachel Morgan. She was wearing jeans and a bright cherry red sweater that almost came down to her knees.
“Who’s that guy?” Cauy asked as casually as he could.
“That tall, goofy-looking dude?” Ry chuckled. “That’s Dave McDonald, Jenna’s cousin. He’s also one of the local vets.” Ry stopped walking. “Is that Rachel with him?”
Cauy nodded, his gaze fixed on the oblivious pair.
“Dave’s a nice guy,” Ry said slowly. “And I’m sure he’ll settle down one day, but—”
Cauy was already moving in the direction of the bar before Ry had finished his sentence.
* * *
Dave was funny. He’d kept Rachel in stitches since he’d picked her up at the ranch. He held the door into the Red Dragon open for her to go past him into the warm interior. The dark-haired guy behind the bar glanced up at them and nodded to Dave.
“Hey.”
Dave walked over, bringing Rachel with him.
“Hi, Jay. This is Rachel Morgan. Have you met her yet?”
“Nope. But I’m always pleased to meet a Morgan.” Jay took Rachel’s fingers in a firm grip and shook her hand. He was super fit with bulging tattooed biceps. “Welcome to the Red Dragon. What can I get you?”
Rachel looked inquiringly up at Dave. “What would you like?”
“You’re buying?” Dave grinned at her. “I knew I liked you. I’ll have a beer. Thanks.”
Rachel turned back to Jay. “Two beers then, please.”
“Will you be wanting food?” Jay expertly poured their drinks.
“Yes, please. I’m starving,” Dave groaned. “But no beef. I’ve been around too many cattle today.”
“We’ve got some great choices.” Jay handed over a menu. “You can order at the bar, or take a table at the back.”
Dave looked at Rachel. “Shall we go for a booth? More privacy.”
“Sure.”
Rachel picked up her beer and followed Dave toward the rear of the building. He found an empty booth and eased his lanky frame onto the seat. She picked up the menu and read through the offerings before passing it to Dave.
“There are some great vegetarian options.”
“Like I’m going to eat grass.” Dave shuddered. “I need to keep up my manly strength—especially now I’ve met you.” He gave her a lascivious wink.
“Don’t worry on my account. I’m having the chicken sandwich and fries.” Seeing as Rachel felt no vibe at all between them she was more than happy to treat him like another brother. “The beer is good.”
“Yeah, some local guys your big bro has invested in.” Dave sipped his own beer.
“Chase?”
“Who else?” Dave raised an eyebrow. “You know any other local millionaires?” He sighed. “I wish there was a female version of him I could marry.”
“Wow, way to make a girl feel special,” Rachel teased him. “Is that why you asked me out?”
Before Dave could reply a blast of cold air from the opening door made Rachel look up as two cowboys came in.
“God, no . . .” Rachel breathed, and squeezed farther into the booth until she was right against the wall. “Why now?”
“What’s up?” Dave started to turn his head, and Rachel grabbed his hand.
“No! Don’t look, don’t look!”
Dave regarded her steadily. “Then how am I supposed to know what’s going on?”
“My brother Ry and Cauy just walked into the bar!”
“Sounds like the first line of a joke. What’s the punch line?”
“Maybe your face?” Rachel hissed at him.
“Ry’s not like that.” Dave shook his head. “Now, if it was Jay, who was a Navy SEAL or Blue Boy . . .”
“It might soon well be Blue. Ry might bring the whole lot of them down here.” Rachel grimaced. “Ruth promised me she wouldn’t tell them I was going out with you.”
“Why?” Dave sat up straight and pouted. “What’s wrong with me?”
“Nothing. They’re just a mite overprotective.” Rachel took a hefty swig of her beer. “Is there another exit?”
“We’re leaving?” Dave’s puzzled expression almost made Rachel want to burst into hysterical laughter. “We just got here.”
“But I don’t want them to see us!”
“Why not?” Dave asked.
“Cauy doesn’t even drink! Why on earth did he choose tonight to come in here?” Rachel chatted feverishly to herself as she found some cash to pay for the beers.
“Cauy who?” Dave inquired.
“Lymond!”
“Not Mark Lymond’s son?”
“Yes! Keep up! Don’t you ever speak to your cousin Jenna?”
“Sure I do, but I can’t say I listen very hard.” Dave sat back. “Hey, Ry.”
“Evening, Dave, Rachel.”
Rachel let out her breath and fixed a smile on her face.
“Ry, fancy seeing you here.” She refused to acknowledge Cauy, who stood silently behind her brother.
Dave nodded to the two men. “Rachel and I are on a date, so now that we’ve exchanged pleasantries, can you guys move it along here?”
As Dave dumped both of them in it, Rachel couldn’t help but look at Cauy, whose expression was grim.
“You’re dating him?” Ry addressed Rachel.
She shrugged like she didn’t have a care in the world. “So what if I am? I’m a grown woman. I can make my own choices.”
“Okay, then.” Ry took a step back. “We’ll leave you to it. Cauy and I just came in here to celebrate our new arrangement for the barn. We won’t disturb you.”
“Thanks.” Rachel smiled as hard as she could. “I’ll see you at home.”
Ry turned away. Unfortunately, Cauy didn’t.
“Can I help you with something?” Rachel asked, and looked him dead in the eye.
He regarded her steadily back. “I just wanted to say hi.”
She faked waved at him like a hyper teenager. The last time she’d seen him this close he’d been making her come. “Hi!”
“Jenna called me about the dog.”
“Really?” He wanted one-word conversations? She could do that.
“I wanted to talk to you about it.”
“Sure, drop me a text.” She raised her eyebrows. “Anything else?”
“Not right now.”
“Great. Speak to you soon, then.” She turned away, faced Dave, and gazed worshipfully into his eyes. “So you were saying the chicken is good . . . ?”
It seemed to take a long while for Cauy to move off, but Rachel didn’t let herself look over at him as Dave was chatting away like a champ.
“So what’s going on?” Dave didn’t even pause for breath as he changed the subject. “I feel like I’m missing something here. Like I’m the gooseberry in this particular pie.”
“Oh, Dave.” Rachel grabbed his hand. “I feel so awful for dragging you into all this. I’m not going out with Cauy or anything, but—”
“There’s some shit going down between you. Even I picked that up, and I’m as dense as they come.” He finished his beer. “Let’s order the food, and I’ll get another round in.”
“You’re not mad at me?” Rachel asked.
“Hell, no!” He grinned at her. “This is the best fun I’ve had all year!”
* * *
Cauy sat down and took off his hat to run a distracted hand through his hair. Even though there was music playing on the old jukebox he could still hear Rachel and Dave laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. They’d looked good together. Rachel was a tall woman and Dave topped her by several inches, which meant their kids would all be potential basketball players.