Always On My Mind: A Bad Boy Rancher Love Story (The Dawson Brothers Book 1)

by Ali Parker

  No one spoke. Dad broke out into another coughing fit. He needed to lay down, but no one was going to tell him that. He cleared his throat and eyed each one of us. “Get to work.”

  The sun was just rising and no one returned to the kitchen for breakfast. Sarah went into the barn to milk the cow, and I headed into the office with Dad to show him where the daily work log was now kept. For the most part his office was the same, but now things were tidy and clean, with everything having its own special place. Dad stayed quiet, only asking for things as needed. And once I thought he had everything he needed to start his day, I headed off to mend fences in the back forty.

  By mid-morning I found Sarah in the garden with a wagon full of vegetables and a basket of eggs. She was just making her last row when I went in to help her. It was getting late to start lunch so I decided to give her a hand.

  “I’m almost done.” She smiled proudly up at me, with dirt smudging her perfect nose.

  “I see that.” I leaned against the fence and watched as she unloaded her arms into the wagon and then I went to help her with the last row of squash.

  Sarah dragged the wagon closer between us. “Hey, there’s Lauralee.”

  I stood to see Lauralee Langston crossing the yard toward us, with what looked like a pie in her hands. “Hey there, Lauralee. How are you doing?”

  She glanced around nervously as she stepped into the rows to approach. “I’m good. Brought you all something.”

  Sarah leaned down to get more picking done before Lauralee reached us and suddenly she let out a blood-curdling scream and fell back over the wagon, knocking it over, spilling the contents around her. “Snake!” she pointed, scrambling to get up and get away.

  I ran for the hoe and Lauralee ran forward to help Sarah with one eye toward the plant. “It’s just a garter snake. It’s not poisonous.” Lauralee waved me off.

  “What? Aren’t you going to kill it?” Sarah straightened and dusted off her clothes, all but for the broken eggs that dripped off her behind and back. She sounded another scream and ducked behind Lauralee as it started to move.

  “What the hell is going on?” The voice sounded behind us and brought Lauralee’s head around with a cold, hard stare.

  My brother Ted stopped dead in his tracks and then hurried into the rows with us. “Are you okay?” He spotted the overturned wagon and checked Lauralee over from head to toe, but Lauralee wasn’t impressed.

  “It was Sarah. I was just leaving.” She pushed the pie into his hands and stormed off.

  Ted turned to Sarah and me. “Is everything okay?” We barely gave a nod when he took off after Lauralee, who didn’t slow down as he headed around the corner to the front of the house.

  “You okay?” I offered Sarah my hand and she cringed as the little snake slithered away.

  I held her shoulders and gave her a once over. She would probably have some bruises, maybe a scratch or two. “Did you see what that one looked like? It’s not poisonous so it won’t hurt you. If you see it again, just shew him away.” She nodded.

  “I’m so sorry about the eggs and the food.” She covered her face and I noticed blood on her hand.

  I inspected it to find a few scratches that barely broke the skin and kissed them. “The veggies are just fine and there were only a few eggs broken. The important thing is you’re okay.”

  Her cheeks pinked. “I feel like such a fool. Lauralee came all the way over to see me make an idiot of myself.” I pulled her into my arms.

  “Snakes are scary. It could have happened to anyone, and the only reason she left is because of Ted. She wouldn’t be bringing food over this often if she weren’t trying to get his attention.” I righted the wagon and started to pick up the load. Sarah knelt to help me and I couldn’t help but steal a kiss.

  She eased toward me and I pulled her closer, running my hands down her back and into a mess of eggs that had splattered there. “Let’s get you in and get you cleaned up.”

  She took my hand as we walked toward the house. “It’s been a pretty eventful day for sure.”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry you had to see Dad that way. He’s not good with change. It’s why he doesn’t encourage me to pursue my dreams. He’d be happy if we were all stuck here forever to work the barn the old-fashioned way like he does. We’ve been wanting to talk to him about getting things lined up on computers and if we’d had cell phones last night, he could have reached us. But he doesn’t understand the perks of all those devices.”

  Sarah stared at her scraped hand. “It seems he’d want to run his business more efficiently to turn a better profit. You have to be making money, but think of how much better you can do.”

  “The sad thing is, we’re actually pretty well-off as far as ranches go.”

  Sarah looked confused. “How is that a sad thing?”

  “Well, since we’re already successful, it’s going to be even harder to convince the old man that we need computers. Truth is, if it were just him for the rest of his life, working the farm, that wouldn’t matter, but with him wanting us to take over, we would prefer to work within a better, more organized system. Ted especially wants a computer and a phone so we can use apps instead of having so many papers. Mr. Langston converted his stuff years ago and he’s functioning way better than we are. That’s another rub between Daddy and him and I think that’s why Ted is so torn with his feelings over Lauralee.” We reached the house and I led her upstairs.

  Once we hit the landing, she slowed down to look at the pictures of me and my brothers. “So, do you think your parents would object to him and Lauralee being in a relationship?”

  I took her hand and urged her on, not wanting her to see the awful mullet I had when I was five. “They were together once and it was complicated.”

  “Sounds like there are lots of things around here that are complicated that don’t have to be. You know. You should talk to your dad about the computer system and cell phones. If you decide to go with me, you’ll need one of those.”

  “I know. It’s just going to be a hard talk to have. I think Ted was about to go there earlier, and I didn’t want anyone to have to witness that one.” I thought of my dad going off. What Sarah had seen had been nothing. I opened my bathroom door and turned on the shower as she stripped off her filthy clothes. My cock hardened immediately seeing her tight breasts pushing taut against her delicate lace bra.

  “Want to join me?” she purred near my ear and made it twitch.

  “I want to, but with Dad here, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” I pulled her into my arms and then she broke away, stripping off the last of her clothes and turning to step under the stream.

  I winced seeing the bruise that had already formed on her back from the wagon and wished I’d killed the damned snake for making her fall. “You’re bruised; are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

  “I’m fine. Go take care of business and I’ll have your lunch ready as soon as I get cleaned up.” I took one last peek at her sweet bare ass and went back outside.

  I walked out on the porch and saw that Ted had Lauralee pinned under the big Magnolia out front. She didn’t seem too pleased, but I knew if she wanted to get away from him, she could. I headed out to the barn to find Daddy, knowing we’d have to have a long talk soon. Our futures depended on it.

  Chapter 24

  Sarah

  I washed the egg and smashed produce from my body and winced as the shower spray pledged against my flesh. I was such an idiot, but at least I’d learned a thing or two. I’d never forget what a garter snake looked like and I’d remember to keep the wagon at a safe distance. While drying off I checked in the mirror for the bruise on my back and it was a nasty one. Luckily it looked worse than it felt, so I finished toweling off, put on some clean clothes, and hurried down to the kitchen.

  I was just checking the roast I’d put on before heading out to the garden when Mr. Dawson came inside with David following. The two seemed awfully quiet and while his dad had his back to us I mou
thed silently to him. “Did you talk?” David shook his head and gave me a helpless smile. I hated the way their dad made them feel. They were grown ass men and all terrified of their dad.

  It was ridiculous that they couldn’t have cell phones and didn’t own a computer just because he took issue with it. If David was to go out on the road, he’d need a cell phone, not to mention running a business without one these days was just silly. I could understand him being upset by the tower the Langston’s won over him, but to just ban computers solely on Internet capability was silly. He could have at least kept his books with one, without the Internet, but I guessed the man didn’t know a thing about them to know that.

  Mr. Dawson coughed and fought hard to clear his throat. I hated to see him that way, and wondered why he didn’t just go lay down. He had enough time for a nap before I would have all of the vegetables ready for lunch. “Mr. Dawson, why don’t you go up and lay down. I’ll wake you when it’s time to eat.” My smile faded as David glared at me.

  “Why would I sleep in the middle of the damned day?” He shook his head and poured a glass of tea.

  I turned from the stove with my hand on my hip. “Because you’re sick and you need your rest.” I forced a smile, not wanting to tangle with the old man.

  Mr. Dawson cleared his throat and then took a sip of his tea. He cut me a glance and smirked. “Are you a doctor?”

  “Daddy, she’s just trying to help.” David waved a dismissive hand my way. “Dad doesn’t take naps. Too much work to do.”

  I hated the way David defended him. The man was sick and needed his rest. “Well, if he ends up in the hospital with pneumonia, he won’t be able to work at all and then what use will he be?”

  “You’re a busy little lady aren’t you?” Mr. Dawson set his glass down on the counter.

  “I just care, sir. But I’m sure you know what’s best.” I turned back to the stove as he huffed.

  “What have you got on your mind?” I glanced back to see he was talking to David who looked like he wasn’t sure where to start. I wanted to help him out, but I figured I hadn’t helped things with my polite suggestions so I kept my mouth shut as he answered.

  “Well, I guess I may as well come out with it. It isn’t like your mood is going to improve anytime in the next year.”

  “Why don’t you stop your passive aggressive bullshit and just tell me what’s on your mind.” I couldn’t help but giggle and I tried hard to hold it in. “Your girlfriend seems amused.”

  “I know you were upset by us organizing and cleaning the office and I know how you’re against the Internet and computers, but in order to take our business into the future, we need to step into the proper decade. Not to mention, each of us having a cell phone would make it much easier for you to reach us when we’re away. Like last night for instance. If we’d had cell phones, you could have reached any one of us.”

  “So now you’re talking about leaving again? I guess that’s why Little Miss Fancy Pants over at the stove is here. She’s going to make you into a big star and take you all over the world, I suppose.”

  I’d heard just about enough. “Excuse me? Your son is very talented and if you’d take the time to realize that, you’d know why he wants the chance to choose his own future.” My jaw dropped when he stood and walked away without a response. David sat frozen, his jaw slacked, as he stared toward the door. I wished he would look at me, and I wished I hadn’t lashed out that way. I was in his home after all and I knew I shouldn’t have interfered.

  I sat down next to him. “I’m sorry.”

  “No, it’s all true, but I think he’d have taken it better coming from me.” His voice was tinged with laughter and he patted me on the back as Luke poked his head in the door to see if lunch was ready.

  “It’ll be a bit longer.” I gave a sympathetic smile.

  “I’m sure it will be worth the wait if it’s as good as it smells.” He let his eyes linger on his brother and his brows pinched together. “What on earth is wrong with you?”

  I held up my hand. “It’s my fault. I overstepped my boundaries.”

  “She put Dad in his place.” David chuckled.

  Luke’s brows rose. “No way, and I missed it?”

  “Missed what?” asked Ted pushing his way past Luke.

  “Sarah told Dad off,” Luke responded.

  Ted didn’t seem fazed. “Nice job. Is it time to eat?”

  ***

  Things were quiet through the meal with Mr. Dawson staying upstairs. I felt terrible that I’d overstepped but I hated to see anyone mistreat David, especially when it came to his talent. I had every bit of faith in his abilities and I knew that if I could just help him through this tough time, I could get him to Nashville, get him signed, and he could live his dreams. But his dad discouraging that wasn’t making it any better.

  I finished cleaning the kitchen while the brothers went out to continue their work day. And to my surprise Mr. Dawson came down and fixed himself a plate of leftovers and stood at the counter to eat them. He remained quiet while I finished up the dishes and I could feel him at my back even though he was across the room, as if his presence was bearing down on me. I knew that was the guilt of being so short with him earlier, so I decided remaining quiet was my best option.

  As I wiped the counters down, he turned and faced me. “Do you really think my son has a real chance out there?”

  His question surprised me, but I continued working my rag as I responded. “Yes, I do. He’s that good. Good enough to be a big star.”

  “I guess that’s always been my problem. I hate to see him waste time chasing dreams that won’t amount to anything. What if he tries and fails?”

  “You know, I think David thinks that you don’t want him to dream at all, but it sounds to me like you just don’t want him to dream and fail. Is that it? You don’t want him to get hurt?”

  The old man lifted a shoulder and shifted his food around with his fork. “No father ever wants their children to get hurt. I guess I feel that if he were to go off and leave his brothers with the burden of the ranch, only to fail and have to come back home, then there’s no use in leaving in the first place.”

  “Have you ever considered a scenario where your son succeeds?” I closed the distance between us and leaned against the counter next to him. “Of course, just starting out will be rough, but once he gets used to the travel, and I keep him lined out on a schedule, he’ll be able to come home. He could even live here if he wants. The possibilities are endless out there. But here, there’s only one path. Do you want to hold him back to that one path when the whole world is in his reach?”

  Mr. Dawson let out a long breath and then looked down to his plate. “You know, this is some good roast. You really surprise me, young lady.” He took another bite of his food and nodded. “I can see you care about my boy, too. My family. You also, make a lot of sense. I’ve been holding us all back for far too long. If I were to give David my blessing, how soon would he have to leave?”

  I figured I may as well lay it all out on the line with the old man, since he was opening up to me. “Well, I haven’t told him, yet, but my boss, who’s pretty demanding, has given me two weeks to bring him in.” The weight of that secret was lifted the moment I spoke it and it was nice. “I know it’s a bad time for you all, so I haven’t wanted to push him.”

  Mr. Dawson’s eyes widened, regarding me like I was up a creek without a paddle. “What are you going to do if he’s not ready to go by then?” He cleared his throat as if fighting his cough.

  I closed my eyes for a moment, finally allowing myself to come to terms with what would happen if I didn’t get him to Nashville on time. “I’m going to lose my job.” I choked up and my eyes ringed red and because I didn’t want him to see me that way, I turned my face away.

  “Now don’t go crying on me.” Mr. Dawson’s hand landed on my shoulder and I choked back my emotions. “If you’re willing to lose your job over him, I guess I can give him my bles
sing.” He let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping as he relaxed against the counter. “Guess that also means there’s going to have to be some big changes around here, dammit.”

  “I think you’re a very lucky man. You have all of these sons willing to help you. They’re all smart and hard workers, too. They have some good ideas and I don’t think they’d ever fail you.”

  He scratched his stubbly chin. “My son’s the lucky one. You’re a fine young lady, and I know you’ll take care of him. You fought for him. That reminds me of my Helen. She’s a fighter too. You know I have three sisters. They were fiercely protective, so you can imagine how strong she had to be.” Tears filled his eyes and I took his hand into mine.

  It had to be awful not having her home, to have to spend so much time apart after years together. “You get yourself better so you can get back to her. I know it isn’t easy being here without her.”

  “I haven’t spent more than a day away from her in thirty-five years. The last time we spent this much time apart was when we lost our son. I guess that’s another reason I try to keep my boys so close to home.” He turned back to his plate and took another bite. After a moment of chewing he met my eyes. “I’m not used to being away from them either. I like having my family close.”

  David and his brothers were so afraid of this man, and I admit he could be a hard ass, but his heart was as pure as gold. “I will make you a promise, Mr. Dawson. I’ll make sure that I get him back home as often as possible. Maybe he can even build his own home here someday.”

  He pointed his fork at me and winked. “Now that sounds like a plan, especially if you come back with him.”

  Chapter 25

  David

  Things had been quiet around the house with Dad spending most of his time up in his room. He must have decided the cold was more than he could manage and given in to the advice to take it easy and get better. He wasn’t going to be any use to Mama if he stayed sick and I know he didn’t like having to depend on Aunt Patty.