“I am,” she replied as though nothing at all appeared out of the ordinary. She had a massive green duffle bag hooked over one shoulder. His gaze traveled down her long black leather trench coat, to the triple-buckled motorcycle boots on her feet. Admittedly, he had a moment, though very brief, when he wondered what she wore under that coat, but he ran like a man with his hair on fire away from the thought. And tried to unglue his tongue from the roof of his mouth.
“My uh, name is Rein.” He chuckled and tried to cover it with a cough as he eyed her hair. Though dark like Wyatt and Dalton’s, it hung loose and straight to her shoulders. But it was the brilliant neon blue highlight that streaked down one side that he couldn’t stop staring at. Her deep brown eyes—also a family trait—regarded him with equal curiosity. A wig? He shook his head, realizing he hadn’t finished telling her his name. “Rein Mackenzie.”
Her dark brows pinched together and for a split second, he saw the resemblance to Dalton. Something he would never reveal to him.
“Oh, you’re the guy Wyatt talked about. Jed’s nephew.” She peered at him.
He figured that he had to look about as strange to her in his conventional cowboy wear, as she did to him. He reminded himself of that as he pointed to the truck and followed her. The folks back home were in for quite a treat and Halloween was months away.
“Here let me take that,” he offered and reached for her duffle.
“Thanks.” She relinquished it to him. He did a double take when he caught the flash of silver on her tongue.
“Uh, are you hungry?” He squinted, trying to see when she spoke, if her tongue was really pierced. “It’s about an hour back to the ranch. Probably someplace near that’s open all night.” Preferably a drive-through, though he kept the thought to himself.
“That’d be great. I’m famished,” she said as she struggled free of her coat. Rein dropped her bag in the back of the truck and waited to assist her into the cab. His gaze fell to her backside bent over the front seat and what was left of her black mini skirt and spandex leggings. She handled the look well, given it appeared she had legs a mile long. She stuffed her coat up into the cab and jerked down her black hoody sporting a faded Guns & Roses insignia emblazoned the back He caught a flash of skin above her waistband, just enough to make him feel guilty for wanting to see if she bore any tattoos. He’d bet money that she had one, if not more. First impression, she looked like the lead in an R-rated vampire slayer movie.
“Be careful. Watch your step.” He gave himself a mental slap and hurried forward to help her in the cab. She gingerly grabbed the bar and hauled herself up gracefully into the seat.
“Did you happen to get my text messages?”
“Nope, I’m afraid not.”
“Is there someone back home that needs to know you’re here?”
“No, there isn’t.” She narrowed her gaze on him. “Mr. Mackenzie, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not twelve years old.”
As if he needed to be reminded of the interest she sparked in him. He brushed it off as her eccentricity. “Right.” He shut the door, fished for his iPhone, and frantically texted Wyatt as he walked around to the driver’s side. He wanted to make damn sure they were awake when they arrived back at the ranch. Going to stop for a bite to eat, and then head home. He paused at the door and rubbed his hand over his mouth, a nervous habit when he found himself perplexed by something. With a sigh, he climbed into the truck and busied himself with his seat belt.
“Who were you texting?” she queried.
“Wyatt. Just to let him know you were safe and sound.”
“He was worried? That’s so big brother of him.” She grinned. “By the way, my name is Liberty…Liberty Belle.”
Rein glanced at the young woman who looked tough enough to spit nails. “No last name, or is it Belle?” Her mascara-laden, coffee-colored eyes met his. She wore far too much in his opinion. But he had to give her credit, while the overall effect seemed a little dark…no…make that a lot dark, it was oddly sexy on her. Rein batted away the silly notion. What? Sexy? Where’d that come from?
“No, Belle is my middle name, and also my stage name. Both my parents were in the business. My full name is Liberty Belle Stenapolas.”
He toyed with pursuing the topic of her vocation, but decided her brothers should be the ones to delve into that first. He kept his focus straight ahead and swatted away the myriad of questions that kept popping up in his brain.
“Hey, are you okay?” She leaned toward him and searched his face. “Are you sure you know how to get us out of here?”
Rein blinked, snapping out of his reverie. He started up his truck and shifted into gear. He knew easily how get them out of there with no trouble. But more to the point, what kind of trouble was he bringing home to Last Hope Ranch?
***
She understood now what the monkeys in the zoo felt like. Liberty averted her eyes from the blatant stare of the ruggedly handsome, dark-haired man she guessed was her older stepbrother, Wyatt. At his side stood a petite blonde, presumably his fiancée. Rein, who’d offered to bring in her bag, placed it at her feet. He glanced at her and cleared his throat. “Is someone going to say something?” He shot a pointed look to the other man, startling him from his reverie.
“Forgive me.” The blonde-haired woman stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Aimee, Wyatt’s fiancée. Welcome to the ranch.” She had a kind face with gentle blue eyes.
“Thank you.” Liberty accepted her hand and turned her focus on the man who had yet to speak. “I’m guessing then that you must be, Wyatt?” It was an awkward moment to meet the closest thing to a brother that she had on this earth.
He gave a short nod, but made no overt attempt to welcome her. She caught him assessing her clothing. “Not really what you expected, right? I promise I don’t drink blood or play with sharp objects.” She smiled and extended her hand when he hadn’t yet.
He shot a look toward his fiancée who responded with a bright smile. He accepted Liberty’s hand and pulled her into a bear hug. Her body stiffened, unprepared for the blatant show of affection. “Okay, there cowboy,” she muttered through his grip.
“Welcome to our home.” He gave her a quick squeeze.
“Oh!” she squeaked in surprise at the gesture. “It’s certainly nice of you to have me.”
He stepped away as did she, in nervous embarrassment. Liberty took a deep breath and released it. Given his chilly tone on the phone, she’d not expected a warm reception from anyone, least of all Wyatt. Not used to being nervous, she realized her hands were clammy. Looking to make conversation, she asked, “Where’s Dalton? Does he go by Dalton, or Dalt?” She shrugged.
Rein ignored Wyatt’s displeased look. “Dalton’s not here right now. You’ll meet him tomorrow at breakfast.”
Breakfast? After the night she’d had? “Maybe lunch.” She chuckled. Both men turned their stoic expressions on her. “Or breakfast and I bet it’s hearty.” She noted Aimee turning her head to cover a smile. She cleared her throat and straightened.
“Well, it’s pretty late. I’d be happy to show you to your—”
“She can stay in my room. I’m already halfway moved into the cabin.” Rein stepped around her. “I just need to pick up a few things,” he said.
“Well, that’s right neighborly of you, Rein,” Aimee stated as he strode past her. He stopped, turning his blue-eyed gaze on Aimee. He had an ornery smirk on his face.
“No trouble at all, ma’am” He tipped his head slightly and Liberty’s stomach did a little flip. His gaze rolled to hers. “Are you a light sleeper?” he asked.
Aimee blushed, her eyes riveted to the floor.
Liberty caught the steely look of warning Wyatt cast at Rein. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what he was talking about. It felt good to be included in the teasing. “I sleep like the dead,” she said, holding back a smile.
The corner of Rein’s mouth lifted as they connected with the harmle
ss joke. “Good thing,” he muttered and disappeared down the hallway.
After Rein had graciously taken her bags to his room, Liberty sat on the edge of the massive king-size bed, while Aimee moved about the room, straightening up as she explained how she and Wyatt met. She couldn’t dismiss however, the fact that her step-brother had followed Rein out the door, claiming he’d help Rein with the horses. But she had a gut feeling they wanted to discuss her in private. Aimee, on the other hand, treated her like they were old friends.
“I’m so glad you’re here before the wedding. I think it’s important to have your family near on the special moments in your life.” She stripped the bed and tossed Liberty a set of clean sheets. “This will go faster if I enlist your help. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” Liberty positioned herself on the other side of the bed, thinking how well it fit the rugged-looking man who slept in it. “So, what’s Rein’s story?” she asked casually. Though curious to find out what she knew about her brother’s upbringing, Liberty decided that topic they’d eventually tackle. Her mother always spoke lovingly about her sons, how Jed would have raised them like the gentleman he was. But given Wyatt’s hesitant welcome and Dalton’s marked absence, she surmised that the memories about the mother they shared were not nearly as poignant.
Liberty snapped the sheet open, listening as Aimee told her about Rein.
“Rein was young when his parents were killed in car accident. And his uncle, Jed Kinnison, the man who married your mom, had adopted Wyatt and Dalton. As it happened, the three boys were very close in age when life threw them together.” She paused, her gaze darting to Liberty. “I hope that doesn’t sound too insensitive. But I’m sure you can imagine how devastated they were.”
“And probably angry. For what it’s worth, she never shared the details with me. But from what I know, I think there were many times she regretted her decision to leave here. My father can be…shall we say, very convincing when he wants something.” Liberty continued as she tucked in the corner of the sheet. “She often said that she knew Mr. Kinnison would raise the boys right.” She stood for a moment, seeing her mother’s face when she talked about the ranch. “I don’t think she felt she’d done well by them. She suffered from low self-esteem. My father fed on that.” Liberty met Aimee’s kind gaze. “I think she thought leaving the boys here was the best choice she had.”
Aimee nodded as though she understood. “Wyatt told me that Jed built this ranch in hope of having a big family one day. Everyone who knew him felt him to be a generous man. Big-hearted, he gave to the community in large and small ways. When he adopted the boys, I believe he felt he’d found his family. He raised them as his own, taught them about the ranch, instilled in them a responsibility and pride about it. It wasn’t until recently that Rein found his uncle’s journal outlining his dream to make the place a working ranch for people needing a place to heal. Now, together, the three of them are setting out to make it a reality.” Aimee tossed a fluffed pillow to her. Liberty caught the residual whiff of fresh linen and a musky male scent embedded in the fabric. For a brief moment, she held it against her chest, imagining Rein’s sexy face against it as he slept. She watched as Aimee flitted about the room, tucking Rein’s things in the closet. She stepped back, pleased with her progress.
“There. I’ll just set out some fresh towels in the bathroom.”
Liberty’s gaze started to follow her to the private bathroom, but instead she caught her reflection in large mirror hanging over the handmade dresser. She stared at her image. Clearly, not the typical sister they might‘ve expected. With her raven hair, blood red lipstick and tongue piercing, even Liberty thought she looked out of place. At least she’d given them something to talk about.
She hauled her duffle bag onto the bench at the end of the bed and scanned the room, noting the stark difference from the sleek chrome and glass world she’d come from. Everything around her had the quality of handmade craftsmanship—from the rough-hewn, polished bedposts made from the trunks of small trees, to the exquisite carved detail of the dresser and nightstands. Each section shone with a rich amber lacquer that brought out the beauty of the wood. The room, the house, the décor, it all smacked of old family comfort and wealth—plenty of it—done country-style. She’d seen her share of rhinestone cowboys that head-lined the shows on the strip. But stage persona was far different than the real deal. Liberty ran her hand down the smooth bedpost and thought of the heart that had gone into its creation.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Aimee returned from the hallway. “Rein made every stick of furniture in this room and a lot of it throughout the house. He’s an amazing carpenter.”
“Wow,” the word slipped from her mouth without thinking. She eyed the room with renewed interest. She pointed to an overstuffed reading chair and ottoman placed in front of a set of French doors leading outside. Beside it sat a low table with a brass, tiffany reading lamp, perfect for a cup of coffee and a good book on a rainy day. She walked over and smoothed her hand over the soft navy and ecru ticking. “Did he build this as well?”
“Yep.” Aimee nodded as she walked over and pushed the window open a crack. “The fresh air out here will help you sleep like a baby.”
Liberty came around to the end of the bed and perched on the edge of the blanket bench. “Tonight, or should I say this morning? Either way, I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
“Well, I guess I’ll say good night, and we’ll see you in a few hours.” Aimee started to leave.
“Aimee,” Liberty said, stopping her. “Thank you. I got the feeling that Rein and Wyatt aren’t exactly overjoyed with my being here. It kind of makes me wonder,” she chuckled, “why you’re being so nice to me?” Averting from Aimee’s curious gaze, she focused on the bench, running her fingers over the brass tacks holding the cushion in place. Every burnished upholstery tack appeared perfectly measured. The sign of a man who liked tradition—a no-nonsense kind of guy. Wyatt, she had yet to get to know. Rein had been like an open book from the moment he said her name. The intonation in his voice spoke volumes of what he thought of her, and it hadn’t been very flattering.
Aimee leaned against the doorframe and smiled. She had a faraway look in her eye. “I had a twin sister.”
Liberty looked up, narrowing her gaze on the woman.
“It’s not easy to talk about, but it’s important that I do. I really owe her more for my life and how it’s turned out.” She cleared her throat and straightened. “A few years ago, she was killed in a car accident. She and I had different plans. She wanted to teach, preferably in a rural community in need of good teachers. I wanted the city life, the corporate world, corner office, the whole deal. After her death, I re-evaluated my life, what was important to me and decided to get my teaching degree. I looked at the towns she’d researched—her top twenty list—” Aimee smiled. “And chose End of the Line.” She shrugged. “Who knew?”
Liberty listened intently, finding the woman’s courage and sacrifice amazing. No wonder Wyatt fell for her so fast. “I don’t know if I could do that,” Liberty said “But, what about your goals?”
Aimee’s eyes were misty, making Liberty uncomfortable that she’d asked.
“They changed. I started seeing life differently. So I made my choices, and by some quirk of fate, to which I owe a great deal to my second-grade class of last year, I met Wyatt. Had we not ended up stranded—”
“Stranded?”
Aimee dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand. “It’s late and that’s another story I’ll share with you sometime over a glass of wine. Right now, you need some rest.” Her gaze met Liberty’s. “You asked why I was being nice. One reason is that I’m just damn giddy to have another female in the house.” She grinned as she batted away the tears escaping her eyes. “Sleep well.”
***
Liberty stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Despite the hot shower she’d hoped would revive her, her eyes remained puffy, rimmed with da
rk shadows. As though catapulted into a Disney movie, the birds outside her window had begun their melodious racket long before the sun peeked through the curtains. That, and the tossing and turning from the scent on Rein’s pillow and the strange quiet out in the country had made it difficult to fall asleep.
A short rap sounded on the outer bedroom door. She peered out of the bathroom. “Who is it?”
“Rein. Aimee sent me to tell you breakfast is about ready.”
“Thank you. I’ll be right out.” She waited another moment, expecting a response and when none followed, she figured he’d gone. She grabbed a towel and wrapping it around her, stepped into the bedroom. A yelp escaped her throat and she froze in place. There stood Rein, struggling to unhook a shirt from the back of the door. He tilted his head, trying gallantly to avert his eyes.
“Damn. Sorry.” He muttered at the door. “I thought I could sneak in here and get my shirt.”
Liberty found the scene charming. “You might have said you needed something.” She pushed the wet hair from her face, enjoying how he seemed genuinely nervous. Part of her wondered what he’d do if she dropped the towel.
“Sorry, I’ll just—” Thunk. “God-blessed, son-of-a—” He stopped short his expletive and held his hand to his head. He slammed the door behind him and the corner of her mouth lifted. This was going to be an interesting visit. Opting for a running bra under her cami, she pulled on old sweatshirt that hung well below her plaid men’s boxer shorts. She followed the heavenly smell of bacon frying to the dining room, where the table was set, but no one appeared to be around.
“Oh good morning,” Aimee smiled as she carried a platter laden with bacon and link sausages to the table. It appeared enough to feed an army.
“Can I help?” Liberty eyed the plate, feeling her arteries tremble. Coffee, a banana, and maybe a yogurt smoothie was her usual fare for breakfast.
“Wyatt could probably use a hand. He’s in there cooking up a storm. Hope you have an appetite this morning. There’s a bunch of guys coming out today to help work on setting up for the wedding. My guess he’s taking out his jitters by cooking too much.”
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