by Jodi Redford
His brother’s words from earlier ghosted through his mind. “Better marry this woman before I beat ya to it.”
For the last three days marriage seemed to be the prevailing subject. Maybe the universe was trying to tell him something. Shit knows, everyone around him was.
The crazy thing? The thought of tying himself down was actually starting to sound reasonable. There wasn’t even any sweat on his brow while he mulled it over. Talk about a damn miracle. He glanced at Kait again. Without question, she was the only woman he could see a potential forever with. The only one he wanted it with. It didn’t hit him like a baseball bat upside the head, but rather a deep-seated truth he’d finally gotten around to recognizing.
Kait pulled her attention from the windshield and frowned at him. “I think you just missed the turnoff for Hardbodies.”
Shit. He did. Hitting his blinker, he turned left at the next available street and backtracked to the bar. Isaac and Avery were already waiting for them in their vehicle. Buzzing down his window, he pulled up alongside them. “Hope it’s okay if there’s two more. Being the pain in the asses they are, my brothers decided to invite themselves.”
Isaac grinned. “The more the merrier.”
With that issue resolved conflict-free, they hit the road. Roughly sixteen minutes later, he trailed Isaac down the dusty drive leading up to Tebow Ranch. They pulled in front of a massive stone lodge he assumed to be the main house. Taking Isaac’s cue, he shifted into park and cut the engine. A young man who bore a striking resemblance to Isaac jogged down the steps of the front porch, his expression curious and friendly as they all climbed from their vehicles.
Isaac gave the kid a nod. “Nathan, come say howdy to everyone.”
The boy quickly lost his brief shyness and became their personal McCoy ambassador as he led them and Hairy inside the house and introduced the rest of the clan. Besides Isaac and Nathan, there were two other brothers there with their wives—Aron and his sweetheart, Libby, and Joseph and his bride, Cady. The McCoy’s instantly made them feel at home and like lifelong friends rather than strangers they were meeting for the first time. As Ford accepted a glass of sweet tea from Libby, it hit him how much he’d missed the south, particularly Texas. Honestly, there was no such thing as a stranger here. As long as you minded your Ps and Qs and didn’t cause trouble, a true Texan tended to welcome you with open arms.
Libby passed another glass to Kait. “Avery mentioned you’ve never seen a cow before.”
That naturally earned a ton of ribbing from everyone. Her face beet red, Kait clarified the situation again. “Up close.”
“Well, best fix that right now.” Libby snapped her fingers. “Boys, show Miss. Kait around while the rest of us girls get lunch ready.”
For being such a petite little thing, Libby had no trouble wrangling the men to carry out her edict. Within seconds, him, Kait, Zander, Colby, and the McCoy brothers ventured out to the fenced pasture. A good portion of the herd had come in for their own lunchtime meal and were either grazing or congregated around the nearby water tank.
Propping his arm on top of the split rail, he soaked in the sight. It’d be a lie to say it didn’t bring back memories. And not all of them bad, either. Ranching might not be the life he’d wanted, but there was something about it that never completely left your soul.
Aron sidled up beside him. “Do you miss it?” He chuckled, assumedly at Ford’s confusion. “I’m not the psychic in the family, in case that’s what you’re wondering. Isaac mentioned your family runs cattle too, though you’ve moved on to other things.”
He eyed Aron for a long moment before safely guessing the man had no clue what the other things entailed. While he personally was fine with anyone knowing his business, sometimes it was better to slowly ease a new friend into the details. He’d leave Aron in the dark for now. “Some things I miss. Can’t say that includes always gettin’ up at the ass-crack of dawn and smellin’ like cow shit all the time. But I miss the horses. I had a real pretty Appaloosa who I’d swear was sweet on me. ‘Course, mighta been the apples I always brought along that won her over.”
“Feel free to saddle up one of the horses.” Aron’s gaze slid to Kait as she joined them. “Hell, both of you take one out.”
“Take what out?” she asked, apparently not catching the first part of his suggestion.
“Horses.”
She stared at him like she’d just been handed a death sentence. “I have no idea how to ride a horse.”
“Not that hard,” Aron assured. “Most people pick it up quick.”
“And then there’s me, who’d fall off and break my neck, basically making this the worst vacation in history.”
Aron chuckled. “Suit yourself. Still think you two should at least go visit the horses. I know they’d love some company.”
Not about to turn down that invitation, Ford grabbed Kait by the hand and hustled her toward the big red barn Aron pointed to. Laughing, she tugged on his arm. “I don’t think the horses are going anywhere. We can walk.”
“To hell with that. And you’re too slow, pokey.” He scooped her into his arms and loped the final few yards to the stable. Once they were inside he lowered her to her feet and dragged in a deep breath before releasing it with an, “Ahhhhhhh.”
“Wow, I was expecting it to smell stinky in here, but it doesn’t. It’s kind of nice. Like cedar and a freshly mowed lawn.”
“That last part is the hay. Sweet, isn’t it?”
She sniffed loudly before nodding. Unable to resist, he stooped to kiss her, putting a little extra tongue into it while he was at it. Her eyes sparkled as he pulled his head back. “What was that for?”
“The heck of it. Plus, you’re sweet too. Had to reconfirm it with a taste.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep.” He scratched his jaw. “Though I think I need another, to be sure.” He lingered a little longer on this one, running his tongue along the outer edges of her teeth before delving deeper. Breaking the kiss again, he licked his lips. “Sweet as candy.”
A soft nicker sounded to the right of them. He chuckled. “Oops. I said the magic word.”
“They like candy?”
“Sometimes. It’s the sugar.”
“I had no idea.”
Inspired by the wonder in her voice, he took her hand and led her to the nearby stall. A handsome quarter horse watched them approach, its ears perked forward in hope. He stopped in front of the animal and rubbed his hand over its velvety muzzle. The horse nuzzled his palm and snorted, evidently disappointed at the lack of candy. “Sorry, fella.”
Kait chewed her lip. He squeezed her shoulder encouragingly. “It’s okay, you can pet him.”
“Are you sure he won’t bite me?” She gave him a sheepish look. “I know, I’m a huge ninny. Feel free to make fun of me.”
“Never. It’s good you ask, because some horses do. But this guy—I can tell he’s a big softie.”
Her movements hesitant, she stretched out her hand and cautiously touched the white star blazed on the animal’s forehead. When the horse patiently stood there, she grew bolder and trailed her fingers down to his nostrils. He sniffed her with another loud snort before fluttering his lips along her hand. A laugh broke from Kait. “Holy crap, that feels weird.”
“He thinks you’re sweet too.” Shaking his finger, he offered the horse a stern look. “Easy fella, that’s my girl you’re gettin’ frisky with.”
The animal gave one last snort, making it clear what he thought of his competition.
Kait was unusually quiet all of a sudden. He dropped his gaze to her only to discover she was already looking at him. Her expression was unreadable, something that made him uncertain. Did she not like him calling her his girl? He’d done it twice now. Well, the first time he’d called her his woman. Close enough. He opened his mouth, fully intending to bring their evolving relationship out in the open, but her next words stalled him short.
“How the hell do you h
ave sex on a horse?”
He gaped at her. “What?”
“Seriously, he hasn’t stopped moving and shifting around even once, and I can’t imagine him standing still while two or more people are boinking away on top of him. I’d imagine he’d be annoyed as hell.”
It wasn’t until she brought up the two people or more part that it clicked. His confusion clearing, he grinned. “You’ve seen my movies.”
“Uh, no.”
“Then how do you know about the horse?” he challenged.
“Roger told me.”
He’d have to have a chat with his cameraman about that. “Instead of explaining it, I could show you.”
“Were you not paying attention to the whole falling off and breaking my neck thing?”
“You wouldn’t.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I know. Because you’re never getting me on one of these Death on Hoof things.”
Gusting a weary exhale, he pulled her against his side. “We’ll see.”
“No, we won’t. Not ever, ever, ever, times infinity happening.”
A scuffing noise sounded behind them and they both turned to see Zander standing in the doorway of the stable. He had an odd look on his face, like maybe he’d overheard the last part of their conversation. The damn punk had no place to be all uptight and uncomfortable, considering some of the kinky shit he likely did in those sex dungeons he frequented. “Lunch is about ready.”
Kait appeared to be distinctly relieved at being deprived some Nookie On Horses 101. He brushed his mouth against her ear. “Don’t think you’re gettin’ off scot-free. We’ll talk more about this later.”
He ushered her outside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust after the shade of the barn. Blinking against the sunspots, he glanced toward the house and noticed the big silver pickup parked next to the Yukon. “Looks like more company’s arrived. Wonder if it’s another McCoy?” Judging from Nathan’s earlier breakdown of the family tree, they seemed to be related to the whole damn state of Texas. Kind of a miracle there was no blood connection to the Becketts.
“It’s not a McCoy.”
There was something to Zander’s tone that didn’t set well on him. A strange tension spiked the air, adding to the sensation. And that’s when the owner of the truck climbed from the vehicle.
No, it definitely wasn’t a McCoy.
Reeling like he’d just been sucker punched, he stared at his dad.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
She didn’t need to be told who the stranger standing thirty feet in front of her was. He was a dead ringer for Ford. Only a twenty-and-some-odd-years older version of him. Even the smile he sent their way was the same as Ford’s. Or she should say that Ford’s was the same as his father’s, seeing how he’d inherited it. Regardless, that smile slowly faded as his gaze landed on Ford, replaced by what could only be described as shell-shocked disbelief. The two men stared at each other, neither budging from their frozen state.
Just when she thought they’d take root and become a permanent feature of the landscape, Ford cracked out of his statue-like state and whipped his gaze to Zander. “Nice, asshole. I told you I’d think about it.”
“We’re sick and tired of waiting on you two stubborn idiots.” Colby stomped down the porch steps. “So we did something about it.”
Ford’s father scowled, his attention veering to Colby. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m here to talk to Isaac McCoy about breeding a couple of our horses.”
The screen door whined open and Isaac appeared. “Sorry, Wayne, but that was only partly the reason I called you.”
Wayne Beckett yanked off his Stetson and slapped it on top of his pickup’s hood. “Would someone explain what the devil is goin’ on?”
Zander stepped forward, his gaze leery. “Me and Colby conspired with Isaac to get you here. This feud between you and Ford needs to stop. Now.”
Their father jutted out his chin. “It’s not me you need to tell that too.”
“Yes, it is,” Colby countered. “You both are responsible for this stupid twenty year silence. And now you’re gonna talk. Because nobody’s goin’ anywhere until you do.”
Ford snorted. “Good luck with that. I have the damn car keys. I’ll leave your asses here. No skin off my back.”
Cocking one eyebrow, Zander lifted his hand, the Yukon’s keys dangling from his fingers. “Probably shouldn’t have left ‘em on the counter.” He leaned against the tailgate of the pickup and flashed his father a grin. “Doesn’t look like you’ll be goin’ anywhere soon, either.”
Wayne’s eyes narrowed. “I’m gonna kick your ass.”
“I’ll hold him down,” Ford growled.
Colby tossed his arms up. “See how you two can work together if you just put your minds to it?”
It took everything in her not to laugh. Yeah, it was warped logic, but also true.
Wayne shifted his focus to Ford. “I don’t have all damn day. Might as well get this over and done with.” Turning his back on them, he stalked toward the far fence.
Everyone’s gaze slid to Ford. He remained rigidly glued in place. She laced her fingers with his and squeezed. “You need to do this.”
He looked at her, revealing the dark clouds in his eyes. Anyone else might have interpreted them as anger, or more of his stubbornness, but she saw it for what it was. Hurt. Uncertainty. The specters of the past were still latched on to him. She stroked his palm with her thumb. “Do you want me to come with you?”
He didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah.”
Nodding, she offered him another squeeze and they started across the lawn. The tension remained a living presence radiating from him as they approached the fence where his dad stood waiting. They hauled short in front of the man and she extended her free hand toward him. “I should probably introduce myself. I’m Kait, your son’s PA.”
“No, she’s more than that,” Ford interjected as Wayne’s big, calloused hand closed around hers. “She’s my girl.”
She jerked her stare up to him. It was the third time he’d alluded to her being his in some way. What the hell did that mean? Did he...see them as a couple now? As much as she longed to ask the questions burning in her heart, now wasn’t the time for it. The focus needed to be on mending the past.
Wayne rubbed his chin. “I’m not too proud to admit I have no damn idea what a PA even is.”
“It’s short for personal assistant,” she explained.
“Huh.” Wayne eyed Ford. “So you’re some important hotshot?”
“You know damn well what I do.” Ford ignored the warning look she sent him and plowed on. “I make dirty movies and TV series.”
She sighed. “No, they’re more than that,” she pointed out, deliberately mimicking his own words from moments ago. “They’re naughty and risqué, yes, but it’s cutting edge stuff and the network is eating it up. Hence the reason they’ve already renewed you for two more seasons.”
Wayne worked his jaw from side to side like he was chewing that news over. “Take it that’s a good thing?”
“It’s a very good thing.” She propped her elbow on the fence and panned her focus between the two men. “They’re in talks with your son about another potential series. He’s a really hot commodity. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hollywood doesn’t knock on his door any day now.”
Ford had stopped glaring at his father and instead had his gaze pinned to her, all ferocity wiped from his face. The warmth in his eyes reached deep into her heart and wouldn’t let go. As for Wayne, he was staring at his son speculatively. If she wasn’t mistaken, there was a hint of pride etched into his weathered features. She decided to test her theory. “Just imagine, one day you might see Ford on TV at one of those big Red Carpet premieres. Heck, maybe you’ll even be there with him. Assuming you’re talking to each other, of course.”
Wayne rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not that I didn’t want to talk, or stay in touch. He’s always known where to find me.”
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“And you’ve always known where to find me,” Ford bit out. “Funny how the rest of the family has no problem visiting me in Michigan, but you’ve never once made the trip.”
“You know me and your ma can’t be in the same room together for more than five minutes.”
“You don’t have to come when she’s there. Jesus Christ.”
Wayne wagged a finger in Ford’s face. “Don’t you take the Lord’s name in vain. You’re not too big I can’t pull you over my knee and whop ya one.”
“Try it and I’ll toss you in that water tank.”
Oh jeez. Time to get things back on track. She blew a short, shrill whistle, halting them in mid-rant. Both men gaped at her. She planted her hands on her hips. “Let’s try this again. Only without the yelling.”
Ford grumbled under his breath. She squinted at him. “What was that?”
“I said I don’t see the point. All this talk of Red Carpet premieres doesn’t mean anything. I could win a damn Oscar and it wouldn’t be good enough for him.”
“Why the hell would you say something like that?” Wayne demanded, clearly outraged by the mere suggestion.
“Because it’s true. Nothing I’ve ever done has been good enough for you. I can’t muck out a stall right. I cuss too much. I fuck too much. I’m destined to fail at everything.” It was Ford’s turn to jab a finger at his father. “But you know what, old man? You were dead wrong. I made something of myself. I have a thriving company and an incredible woman. If that’s your definition of failure, then I’m A-Ok with it.”
A healthy dose of the indignation melted from Wayne’s gaze. “Son, I never thought you were a failure. Not one single damn time. Yes, I was hard on you. But only because I was scared once you got out there in the world, you’d realize you didn’t need me anymore. And that’s exactly what happened.” He hung his head, his shoulders drooping like the weight of the world rested on them. “Guess I created a self-fulling prophesy.”
He looked so pitiful, she itched with the need to hug him. Probably that’d make things even more awkward. Her heart aching for them both, she peered at Ford. The fine sheen in his eyes nearly triggered her own tears. She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, he carried through with the unspoken desire in her heart.