“I said it, didn’t I?”

  By the time they made it to the truck, silence had taken over again.

  She watched him ride away from the driver’s seat of the truck. Oh my. She had it bad for him.

  CHAPTER 13

  Baxter slid into his usual spot at the long table in the kitchen of Grinning Spurs and looked at each of his brothers. Over the last two weeks they’d gotten to know each other better, but a wall still existed that would need work to tear down. He hadn’t seen Abriella since he’d dropped her off at her truck days ago, and he’d been working relentlessly on the land as well as taking care of things at Dragonfly Spurs long distance. He was ready to have a good breakfast and recharge his batteries.

  Melba was whistling as she stirred something at the stove. Although Baxter didn’t believe he needed someone to take care of him, the Colt men realized soon enough that the fifty-something grandmother not only enjoyed coming to the ranch, but she was a damn good cook. So, they told her she was welcome to stay as long as they were there.

  She set a large bowl of scrambled eggs in the center of the table and Arc grabbed up the spoon and helped himself. Within seconds the bowl was empty.

  Baxter forked two pancakes and a spoonful of fried potatoes and dug in. Although his mom was a decent cook, she was a self-proclaimed “tomboy” who would rather spend her time working the land than in the kitchen. With this being the case, he and Brennan had learned early in life how to fend for themselves. She was a good mother, had been a great balance between nurturing and firm when necessary, but she tended to shut down when she didn’t want to talk about something terrible. So Baxter wasn’t surprised that she’d never mentioned that Buzz still owned Dragonfly Spurs.

  Melba placed a platter of T-bones on the plate. Baxter speared one of the sizzling steaks still covered in melting butter and used his knife and fork to cut a tender piece off. This was the life. The Colt brothers had been working hard, and a good meal, even breakfast for dinner, was the best thing for a hungry cowboy.

  He forked another piece of steak and chewed thoughtfully. Swallowing the bite, his mind automatically traveled to Abriella.

  What the hell had been wrong with him when he took her back to her truck? He’d been a thick-headed block. She’d caught onto his distance and he’d felt like a jackass. Talking about Buzz had been a kick in the teeth.

  He didn’t regret asking Abriella to marry him, but he did wonder if he had too much of his father’s blood in his veins. What if he couldn’t be a good husband? What about kids? That was a lot to think about when she hadn’t even said yes, but he wanted to become a father… only he never had a good role model to show him how it was done.

  The first thing he needed to do was completely open up.

  If he wanted to marry her, and he did, not only because of the stipulation, but because he cared for her, he’d have to admit to everything. She deserved the truth. Would she say yes? Maybe not, but it was a risk he’d have to take.

  What if she said no?

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose. If she didn’t marry him how would he even think about dating another woman, or think of having a relationship with someone who wasn’t Abriella? The idea turned his stomach.

  Looking at each of the men chowing down on their food, how could he tell them that he wasn’t interested in this any longer if he didn’t have Abriella? They’d never forgive him. They’d made a pact to finish this until it was done. He was locked into this situation whether he liked it or not.

  Baxter couldn’t do this to Brennan. His brother was a puppet in this as much as Baxter was, and he’d always protected his family. He’d even grown to like the company of the other men and wanted to get to know them better. They were blood and he’d protect them too.

  Yet, he also wanted to protect Abriella.

  Stabbing a potato, he popped it into his mouth and chewed, but he’d lost his appetite. This was all his fault. The second he started having feelings for her he should have cut things off. She’d never believe him if he told her he truly wanted to marry her and not for the crazy stipulations of his absent father’s will. However, that wasn’t entirely true. Yes, he cared for her, but he couldn’t get past the fact that he was on a timeline. Six months, and it loomed like a black cloud over his head.

  He did care for her and wanted her in his life.

  Hell, since he’d arrived in Tarnation, his life had turned upside down.

  What if he didn’t tell her about the pact he and his brothers had? Once they were married he could prove to her that he cared for her.

  Shit! He was screwed. How could he keep that secret?

  He tuned into the conversation between Ash and Brennan from the other end of the table.

  “I plan to ask her out. I bet she likes Italian. Or Mexican. I know she likes cowboys,” Ash said with a Colt grin that showed off deep dimples, a bit cocky for anyone’s tastes, but Baxter couldn’t judge him. Not too long ago he’d had the same smug streak.

  Brennan looked up over his stuffed fork, scowling, but he didn’t say a word, just stared at Ash. Obviously the two men both had a thing for CC, yet from what Baxter knew, neither of them had initiated anything with her. Brennan had always been a bit shy around the ladies. Ash seemed pretty confident. There was some obvious tension between them which surprised Baxter since he’d never seen his smooth, go-with-the-flow brother caught up in knots over anything, not even a girl. Especially one that didn’t even know he had feelings for her.

  Ash continued with, “I think I’ll stop by the clinic this evening.”

  A loud scraping sound of utensil meeting plate brought Baxter’s attention to Brennan who had his head bent, shoveling eggs into his mouth until his cheeks puffed. His shoulders were slumped and he had a white knuckled grip on the fork. Things could get ugly fast.

  “We had a shipment of hay come in this morning,” Arc said casually, maybe to switch up the conversation.

  He must have caught onto the tension between the brothers, or he just liked talking shop over dinner. Baxter didn’t mind. He’d gotten to know the man better and they found they actually had a lot in common. They’d both taken a leadership role in their families when Buzz had disappeared. Although Baxter didn’t know him well, he could see that he tended to stay quiet unless he had something important to say. “I took a drive, stopping at a handful of the rental properties. I made some notes if you’d like to take a look,” Baxter offered.

  Arc nodded. “Sure. I also have the invoices you need to sign.”

  “Any more steak, fellows, before I shut down the stove?” Melba asked.

  “I’m good” and “No thank you” came from the brothers.

  “Thank you for the fantastic grub. I’m stuffed,” Adam said.

  “I enjoy cooking for five strapping men. Much different than your father. He liked his grits in the morning and steak along with a plain baked potato in the evening. He was stuck in his ways, yes indeed.” Melba whistled while she scooped more fried potatoes into the bowl.

  Baxter finished the last bite of T-bone. “The cook on the meat is perfect, Melba.” He savored the flavor as he chewed.

  She patted his shoulder, smiling. “All of my boys are grown. I miss cooking for them.” She went back to the sink, washing the dishes.

  “Can I help?” Adam asked.

  “Finish your meal.” She waved a hand. “I like piddling in the kitchen.”

  Silence blanketed the table until…

  “I have some concerns.” Brennan pushed his empty plate away, bracing his elbows on the table and clasping his hands. “Some of us were late this morning.” He targeted Ash in his sights.

  Ash’s mouth turned down. He eased back into the chair and crossed his arms. “I was a half hour late,” he said through gritted teeth.

  “Time stands still for no one on a ranch,” Brennan said calmly, although Baxter could see the underlying tsunami ready to let loose.

  “We’re all late at times.” Baxter hoped to defuse the bomb.

  “We can all work harder at being on time,” Arc said, focusing on Ash who was glaring.

  “Did you want me to call and check on Stillwater or be out on the land on time? There’s only one of me,” he gritted out.

  “You being late made me late in feeding the cattle.” Brennan narrowed his gaze.

  “Come on. Admit this has nothing to do with me being late, but all about a pretty brunette.” Ash grinned.

  Although Baxter didn’t like it one bit, he also agreed that the fact that they both were attracted to the vet was causing a rift. Nothing could break up brotherhood quicker than a beautiful woman.

  Brennan lowered his hands. “For you to even say that shows your ignorance. That certain vet has standards that doesn’t include a cocky cowboy.”

  “How about we relax. This situation has us all under stress,” Baxter said.

  Unfortunately, the two men weren’t satisfied.

  “It’s okay. He’s just sore because CC is interested in me,” Ash said with a tormenting grin. “She was here today to see me.”

  “She was here to check on the horses, but it’s okay. She has a taste for real men and not boys.” Brennan responded with a chuckle.

  Oh shit! Baxter saw the look in his brother, the tight jaw, the glossy eyes, and the thin lips, that warned that things were headed down the wrong path.

  “Stop the bullshit,” Arc said through tight lips. “If I get indigestion I’m going to be pissed.”

  “Hell, boys. Let’s all take a step back. We’re tired and this is all new for everyone. We need time to get adjusted. We’re brothers and not enemies.” Adam attempted to take things down a notch.

  “He’s right. We’re all in this together,” Baxter supplied.

  All smiles returned to the brother’s faces. Melba transitioned from whistling to singing a song about forgiveness and patience.

  Whatever was going through Brennan’s head made him snicker.

  Ash’s jaw tightened. Apparently they all had that death glare when they were angry.

  Baxter suddenly got the feeling there was more going on here than a beautiful vet with pretty eyes.

  Melba stopped singing and made a tsk, tsk sound with her tongue.

  “You’re upsetting Melba.” Ash swiped a hand down his whiskered jaw and some of the tension released from his body.

  “I’m upsetting her?” Brennan laughed now, clenching his hands into tight fists. “She can probably see right through you and that’s what’s upsetting her.”

  “Oh, sweet boys. You behave yourselves now. How about I slice you each a piece of that peach pie from yesterday?”

  “No thanks,” Brennan and Ash said in unison.

  Melba looked up at the ceiling and said a short prayer. “Amen.”

  “Listen to her, boys,” Arc warned. “Pie will do you both some good.”

  Brennan turned his narrowed gaze to Baxter. “You should ask him what he left back in Stillwater.”

  Ash stood up so fast that he sent his chair flying to the floor. His eyes were piercing, his jaw tight, and his hands clenched into a white-knuckled grip. He looked like a warrior preparing for battle and things were escalating fast. “You fucking dipshit. That ain’t none of your business!”

  Brennan flew up from his chair and it struck the wall, leaving a dent. He looked about as dangerous as Ash. The two men faced each other across the expanse of the table.

  Arc and Baxter stood too while Adam shook his head in frustration. “Hey, things are getting out of hand quick,” Baxter ground out, feeling his own anger rising. “Both of you need to calm down. Whatever’s going on we can discuss it like adults.”

  “Whatever the hell is biting you both on the asses, how about we talk about it? I don’t know—” Arc was interrupted by a growl coming from Ash.

  “I’ll see you boys later.” Melba hustled out of the room, shaking her head frantically.

  “Why don’t you ask your brother. He’s the one that’s keeping all the secrets,” Brennan muttered.

  Ash didn’t remove his eyes from him. He was seething now. “Keep your mouth shut or I’m going to shut it!”

  “I don’t think you have the balls.” Brennan rounded the table and the two men met, toe to toe, chest to chest. All they were missing were loincloths and long hair to be called Tarzan.

  Baxter’s patience was waning. “If you two are going to act like boys, then take it outside!”

  “There’s only one boy in this room,” Brennan forced through clenched teeth, his chest rising and falling.

  Ash took a step forward, pushing Brennan who responded by grabbing Ash into a tight head lock. The two bumped the table, sending dishes clattering and glasses falling over, puddles of tea forming on the floor.

  Arc and Baxter jetted forward, each grabbing a brother and dragging him back, holding them in a confined grip. Although Brennan and Ash were over six foot and muscular, the older brothers were a few inches taller and broader, and probably stronger. However, it was much like pulling two gales from each other.

  “You’re an asshole!” Ash said lowly.

  “And you’re a shithead for leaving the woman who’s carrying your baby!”

  The room became eerily quiet. All eyes were glued to Ash who turned beet red.

  “Did I come at a bad time?”

  Baxter swiveled. Abriella stood in the doorway. Her green eyes were round and her face was flushed.

  “Shit!” he muttered.

  She lifted the small white box in her hand. “I-I brought chocolate croissants.”

  Baxter’s mind blanked and several seconds of awkward silence passed. He stared back at her, trying to find his voice that was lost.

  Brennan broke free from Baxter’s grip and straightened his ripped shirt. Ash did the same as the room stayed awkwardly quiet.

  “Abriella.” Baxter’s voice broke like a nervous teen as he stepped forward and took the box. “Thank you for bringing these.”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Brennan grabbed the box and wasted no time reaching for one of the treats. He bit into it and some of the redness in his face faded.

  “I should have called first,” she said. “Should I go? Yes, I should. I’ll call later.” She took a step back.

  “No, please don’t.” Scratching his temple with his thumb, Baxter shook his head. “I’m glad you’re here. We were just…” He looked at the table that was sitting cockeyed, knocked over chairs, and coffee and tea spilled on the floor.

  “Solving a problem with brotherly love?” A flash of a smile came to her expression.

  Baxter felt his heart flutter. From where he stood he could smell her, and she was a breath of fresh air. “Yeah, something like that.”

  She looked around the mess and worked her bottom lip. “Do you fellows need help cleaning?”

  The brothers all continued to stare.

  “No. You don’t need to help. Ash and Bren here can take care of it. Right, boys?” Baxter eyed each of them in irritation.

  They responded with nods and a shifting of dusty boots. Some embarrassment would do them some good.

  Her smile turned magnificent. This wasn’t how he wanted her to meet his brothers, but he suddenly felt more for her since she didn’t turn and run away after seeing grown men act like children.

  “Abriella and I are taking a walk. I sure hope by the time we get back you’ve gotten that ‘brotherly love’ out of your system.” With one final glare at each of them, Baxter grabbed his hat off the hook and jammed it on his head once they were outside.

  She turned to him, looking apologetic. “I’m sorry that I just showed up. I should have known better.”

  “I’m the one who should be apologizing. As you can see, we’re still getting to know each other. It’s taking some of us a little longer than others.”

  “Really. I can come back if you need to take care of family business.”

  “Please stay. I need some air and I did invite you to come out any time.” He didn’t want her to leave. He especially didn’t want to have to go back inside and worry about the drama between his brothers. He reached for her hand and entwined their fingers. “Come on. Let’s walk. The land is the prettiest at this time of day.”

  *

  Their hands fit together nicely. Those were the thoughts running through Abriella’s head as they walked the beaten path away from the house. The setting sun cast an orange glow in the sky and the view was amazing, but what made it more remarkable was having Baxter next to her. She could easily believe they were a couple, but was that foolish?

  She’d wanted to see him. Needed to see him. She’d thought of nothing but his marriage proposal and she’d come to a decision and couldn’t wait to tell him.

  This was much like a fairytale. They could overcome any hurdles they came across to make this work.

  They made their way to the crest of a hill and he still held her hand. His long, wide fingers warming her palm. And her heart.

  They both took a seat under the tree.

  He shifted so that he looked at her. “I’m sorry you had to see that back there. I don’t know what in the hell came over them, but they’ll have to figure it out.”

  “I’m sure this is a stressful situation. All five of you working a new ranch. Living together. Although you have the same blood in your veins, you all seem different.”

  He nodded. “I wasn’t sure I’d see you again.”

  Focused on the upheaval of thoughts inside her, she cleared her throat. “Tarnation isn’t big enough to hide in. I just needed some time to gather my thoughts.”

  “Have you come to any conclusions?” Lines of concern etched his eyes and he let go of her hand.

  “I won’t lie, this has been a whirlwind.” To hide the shaking in her hands, she clasped them tightly in her lap. “The first time I met you I knew there was something between us. Something unique. When you asked me to marry you, I used it as an excuse to deny what I wanted.”

  “I know it seemed too fast, impossible. But I want you to marry me. I need to tell you some—”

  She pressed her lips to his, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Yes, Baxter! A million times yes! I’ll marry you.” She couldn’t contain the excitement.

 

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