by Vivian Arend
She narrowed her eyes, but the next swallow she grimaced harder than usual. A reluctant nod followed.
“You trust me?” Travis asked, looking between the two of them.
Cassidy answered for them both. “Of course.”
Travis cupped Ashley’s face tenderly in his palm for a moment before kissing her. “Rest. I’ll be back in a bit.”
She nodded again, eyelids fluttering closed.
“She’s going to be okay,” Cassidy reassured him, partly for Travis’s sake, partly for his own as they walked to the door.
“She will.” Travis stared back at the bed with misery in his eyes. “Can you stay with her? There’s something I need to do.”
“Sure, but…” Cassidy paused. “Don’t do anything drastic, T.”
His friend shook himself alert. “Don’t worry. I’ll be a complete grownup. And for the first time in my life, I know exactly what that means.”
He was out the door before Cassidy could stop him.
Chapter Thirty
Travis dragged a hand through his hair, pacing back to the large front windows for the third time. The familiar setting of the home he’d grown up in was yet another reminder of what he was about to sacrifice.
Although sacrifice was the wrong word. The price was something he was more than willing to pay.
“Sit down,” Mike Coleman ordered. “Blake will be here in a minute.”
“I’m here.” His oldest brother shouldered through the door, marching up to surround Travis in an enormous bear hug.
It helped, having that firm grasp, and it burned, because what he was about to say might hurt the family he cared deeply about. But if it protected the people he loved…
Travis smacked Blake on the back then retreated, facing them both and letting it out. “I can’t let this go on. I can’t let the people who mean everything to me be in danger like this.”
“The vandalism?” Mike asked, pulling out a chair at the long family table and gesturing for them to join him. “RCMP are already looking closer into what happened.”
“It’s more than the vandalism.” Travis shook his head, considering his words carefully. “Dad, I care about you and Mom. Care, hell—I love the entire family. More than I ever realized, and it’s only hitting home now. You’ve always been there for me even when you’ve given me shit. I’ve learned from you that sometimes the right thing is the toughest thing, but you still do it.”
His father nodded slowly. “What do you need to do?”
Travis took a deep breath. “I want to know what it would take to get a buyout on my share of the ranch.” Blake’s eyes widened. “Not all at once. The goal isn’t to ruin the Six Pack holdings. And I’m not saying this is going to happen, because I haven’t had time to talk to Cassidy and Ashley, but I didn’t want to do that without talking to you first.”
A long pause of near silence followed, the click, click, click of the pendulum in the cuckoo clock by the front door the only sound.
“I need to know there’s another option. A way for me to take my family and set up somewhere they will be safe. Where we can live without worrying about getting hurt or hurting others.”
Blake stared at his hands where he’d folded them on the table. “You think you’re going to find a better place than right here?”
Familiar anger shot through Travis. “Ashley’s in the goddamn hospital, Blake. Not only that, but she’s worried sick that Mom is going to be ripped into next, or one of the girls, or the kids.”
“What?” Mike demanded. “Why would she think that?”
“She heard the gossip from the horse’s mouth. It’s the reason she took off from the picnic to go stew on her own.” Travis rose to his feet, pacing to steady himself. “Cassidy got roughed up by an asshole in the middle of what’s supposed to be a friendly family event.”
Memories of their conversation before they’d made the move to Rocky rushed him. Cassidy had warned things would be hard. Ashley had said bad attitudes would be worth dealing with, but none of them had considered beyond themselves.
And none of them had considered being put in physical danger.
“It’s bullshit to think we brought it on ourselves by being different, but in spite of that, we can deal with fucked-up attitudes. But none of us want to be the reason that Daniel’s boys get picked on, or the Six Pack ranch gets vandalized more and more often. If we stick around, there are no guarantees that any of you are safe, and that’s what none of us can stomach.
“But I can’t give up on Ashley and Cassidy either.” He lifted his gaze to his father’s. “Maybe you won’t understand this, but I love them. Both of them, and I know that might not seem right, but it’s also the most right thing I’ve ever had happen. I’m not letting go. I’m holding on with both hands, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them with me and keep them safe.”
“You ready to fight all of society for this, son?” his father asked. “Because no matter where you go, there will be people who won’t like what you’ve got. People who will tell you you’re wrong, and that your choices are hurting others.”
“What I do isn’t hurting anyone else, and I’ve got enough love in me to share with more than one person,” Travis snapped.
Mike grinned. “Damn right, you do.”
He hadn’t said much, but the squeeze of his father’s hand that accompanied the words made his response as good as a shout.
Travis’s throat tightened, and he had to take a moment to compose himself. Goddamn. He needed more practice with this emotional shit, because he was one step away from bawling like a bare-assed baby.
“Thank you.”
Mike shook his head slightly. “You never do things the easy way, do you, son?”
Travis snorted. “I guess I don’t.”
Blake eased back into the conversation. “I’ll put this out there. Every time my family grows, I learn about loving more than one person. I don’t think you’ve picked an easy row to hoe, but you’re also one of the most stubborn cusses around. I think you can do anything you put your mind to.”
The words of praise from his big brother hit nearly as hard as those from Mike. Travis nodded, the tight sensation now wrapped around his chest.
“I want to suggest something, though.” Blake glanced at their father. “Or at least start the conversation. I agree, it’s bullshit for anyone to have to worry about vandals or the kids being set on.”
The understanding was going to kill him. “So you’ll help us find a new place to settle—”
“Like hell. I mean we’ll find a way to make things work right here.” Blake raised his brows. “Where else are there more people who’ve got your back?”
Mike nodded. “If you’re going to buck tradition, why not do it with the weight of family behind you?”
Travis shook his head. “But what if—?”
He jerked himself to a stop.
Those were the same words he’d refused to allow Ashley and Cassidy to use when they started their summer together. He hadn’t let them hide behind what if, and he couldn’t allow himself now either.
What ifs were to be dealt with. What ifs only held you back if you let them become walls.
He nodded slowly. “I have to talk to the others, but if the family agrees this is a battle they’re willing to take on, then I would love to stay. To make some changes in the community, and show people that families stick together, no matter what that family looks like.”
Mike patted him on the shoulder. “That’s my boy. Stubborn, especially when you’re right.”
“Finally,” Blake teased. “Good to have you join the respectable side of the clan.”
Respectable? Travis laughed. “I’ve got two lovers, and you’re calling it respectable?”
“You are making it official, aren’t you?” Blake paused. “Hmm, might have to be a family ceremony. I know you can marry Cassidy or Ashley, but I’m not sure about both of them at the same time.”
Marriage? God, time to shut t
hat one down fast. “Shit, Blake. Don’t go ordering tuxes or anything. We’ll be fine living together.”
“Blake is right.” Mike hit the side of his fist on the table. “Excellent idea. We could set it up during Thanksgiving, maybe.” His father winked at him. “You know, before the kids start coming along.”
Travis’s skin crawled. “Stop, before I change my mind about wanting to stay close to you all. You’re evil.”
They both laughed, the layers of love wrapped up in the taunting.
He needed to get back to Ashley and Cassidy, though. To his new family. Tell them what their options were. See what they wanted to do and make a decision together.
Together. Travis liked the sound of that an awful lot.
Ashley’s throat felt as if she’d swallowed a cat that’d then turned around and done its damnedest to escape.
There was an ache in her brain every time she thought about the loss of her artwork, and yet part of her was already past the weeping.
Everything she’d prepared was gone. There was no way she could be ready in time for the show, and she was going to have to cancel or postpone her commitment. As much fun as continuing to gnash her teeth would be, it wouldn’t bring back her work.
What was more, when she’d lain trapped in the barn, struggling to free herself, her main concern hadn’t been about the paintings. It was the guys who she wanted to know were safe, and in the middle of the chaos and the fear, the realization of how much her world had changed hit hard.
The attitude that all relationships were casual was gone. That level of caring was now relegated to things that could be swapped or remade.
Her guys were irreplaceable and hers. No matter how stubborn and frustrating she found them.
Like now. She was hot and sticky from sleeping off and on since they’d popped her into the hospital bed, and no amount of sponge baths were going to rid her hair of the lingering smoke stench.
But no matter how hard she glared, Cassidy refused to let her sneak into the shower.
“Dammit, Cass—”
He shot up a hand as if he were blocking traffic. Grabbed the pad of paper from beside the bed and tossed it in her lap. “Save your breath and write what you’re thinking.”
Oh, she’d write it down, all right. In bold letters with a quick additional sketch of his face, horns sprouting from his temples. His eyes—bloodshot and glaring. She whipped the book around and held it toward him.
The jerk simply grinned. “Nice. It’s missing my forked tail, but I like how both the a’s in jackass are nice and round. Kind of makes me think of the tomatoes you want to throw at me.”
“You two playing charades?”
They both turned to the door, eager for Travis’s return. When Mike and Marion Coleman stepped through after him, Ashley pinned her smile in place though the edges might have gone a little ragged.
“Ashley seems to have forgotten she spent part of the day holding up a burning building. She wants to traipse around in the shower.” Cassidy rose to his feet. “Mike. Marion.”
“Sit down, son. We wanted to see Ashley again before they shut down visiting hours.” Mike stopped beside the foot of the bed. “You look better, young lady.”
“Thanks,” she whispered.
Cassidy tapped the notepad and Ashley lost her cool. She flipped him the bird, arm thrust toward him before she remembered who else was in the room.
She twisted back to find Mike grinning and Marion examining her thoughtfully. Not the distracted lost in space expression the woman had been wearing recently, but more a considered one, as if she had a specific agenda.
Ashley debated closing her eyes and pretending to be really, really sleepy.
Her hopes were dashed when Marion twirled on the men. “You boys go stretch your legs. I want to talk to Ashley for a few minutes.”
Cassidy moved reluctantly, looking to Ashley to see if this was what she wanted. Travis stood behind him, his chin dipping in encouragement. “Only don’t you talk too much,” he ordered. “Use the notepad.”
Ashley rolled her eyes.
Marion sat in the chair Mike pulled to the side of the bed for her. He kissed her cheek then winked at Ashley. “Come on, boys. I need a coffee.”
And…they were alone.
It should have been more awkward, but partly Ashley was too exhausted to be worrying about impressing anyone. Plus, now that she knew why Marion had been giving the cold shoulder, Ashley felt like shit.
She opened her mouth to apologize.
“I got something to say to you,” Marion cut in before Ashley could speak. The matriarch of the Coleman clan leaned back in her chair and folded her hands carefully. “But first, I’m gonna ask this straight out. Travis told Mike what you overheard, and that you figured I’ve been distracted and maybe even upset by the gossip in town. Is that true?”
Ashley nodded.
Marion caught her hand, obvious sorrow on her face. “Oh, my girl. I’m so sorry. I had no idea that’s what you thought, and I should have been paying better attention. Yes, I have something on my mind, but it’s not worrying about what tongue-wagging gossips think about me and mine. I don’t give two shakes about their opinions, and I never have. The only one I’m accountable to for my actions is God. The only people I aim to please are Mike and myself.”
Ashley was now sitting poker straight as she attempted to soak this in. “You’re not worried about me and Cassidy being with Travis?”
“Hush—don’t you talk.” Marion sighed. “Of course, I’m worried. I’m a mother, and I have to worry, but not about who in Rocky is looking and judging.” She squeezed Ashley’s fingers tight. “Honey, when you left suddenly last Christmas, Travis was pretty shaken. When I heard you were back I was worried he was going to be hurt again. You got my mama-bear instincts all riled up.”
Ashley wasn’t going to explain her reasons for leaving. “I didn’t intend to hurt him.”
Marion patted her soothingly. “I figured that out later, but the other part of the trouble was…well, I knew Travis leaned both ways, if you know what I mean.”
There was no way not to smile at that phrasing.
“When you came back, I wasn’t sure if Travis was still trying to hide liking boys by being a ladies’ man. I didn’t want him pretending anymore. Mercy, I’ve known he was gay since he was about eight years old.”
So much for one of the things Travis thought was secret. Only Ashley had a point to make. “He’s not pretending to like girls,” she whispered.
“I know that now too. He seems partial to one in particular more than the rest,” Marion teased. Then she straightened, and a fire came into her grey eyes that were so like Travis’s. “And he also loves one man, and now that I see he’s happy with you and Cassidy, I’m going to back off and let you be. If Travis has decided you two are who he loves, then no group of self-righteous, interfering tight-hearted women can possibly make me want anything but the best for my boy and the people he’s chosen.”
The self-professed mama-bear rose to her feet and opened her arms. Ashley leaned into them willingly and held on tight. It was good to have the support of this strong woman. Good to know that the bundle of energy and passion was on their side.
Marion sniffed. “Good grief, girl. Whatever did they do to your hair?”
Ashley coughed on the laugh that rose. “I stink, don’t I?”
Marion pulled back and nodded. “Well, I suppose they had other things to worry about, but you hold on and let’s see what we can do.”
She had a cell phone out and a pair of reading glasses perched on her nose, and the next thing Ashley knew Marion was nodding happily.
“That’s what I thought.” She smiled at Ashley. “My niece Tamara is finishing her shift, but she’s going to come and give you a hand getting washed up.”
“Thank you.” For more than arranging for the shower, but Ashley wasn’t sure how to add in her gratitude for sharing her concerns so honestly. For being accepting.
> “Thank you for making my son happy.” Marion paused, and a firm finger was pointed in her direction. “And if you ever assume that I’m upset with you again, I’ll tan your britches. You’ll know when I’m upset with you, young lady.”
Ashley nodded, relaxing back on her pillow. She smelt like a bonfire and she’d lost months of hard work. Her head ached and her mouth tasted like old socks. But in spite of it all, at that moment?
She was happy.
Chapter Thirty-One
Even though Travis knew his mom wanted alone time with Ashley, it was brutal to wait until she phoned to announce she was ready to leave.
Ashley was crawling back in bed when they returned to the room, her wet hair pulled back into a braid. His cousin Tamara adjusted the IV tube and the oxygen, helping settle her in. Ashley caught a glimpse of Cassidy and smirked.
“I got my shower.” She stuck out her tongue.
Tamara laughed. “Give him hell, girl.”
Marion picked up her purse and got ready to leave. “You rest, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
The room turned into a whirl of farewell hugs, the door finally closing and leaving the three of them alone. Travis slipped to the bed, twisting until he could curl an arm around Ashley and cradle her carefully against his chest. “You get things straightened out with my mom?”
Ashley nodded. “We’re cool.”
“Mike told us about it,” Cassidy shared, joining them on the opposite side and sitting as close as he could. He avoided the IV, but linked his fingers in hers.
“So it comes to this. We need to make a decision.” Travis stroked her arm lightly. “And I’m not telling you to be quiet, but if you listen first, it’ll save your voice.”
He told them about their options. About leaving town, or settling in and fighting. About going somewhere else by themselves, or staying and having the backup of the Coleman clan.
The entire time he talked, Cassidy’s expression grew more astonished until by the time Travis was done Cassidy was pretty much shaking his head.