“Thanks, Dad.” I roll my eyes, and he smiles.
I might bitch about Gus, but I have some damn good brothers who always looked out for me.
Hopping in Rhett’s truck, I drive down to the pasture where the pregnant cows are grazing. I roll down the windows and breathe in the cedar and early hints of mountain laurels. If they were in full bloom, I’d climb up a tree and grab some flowers for Baylee because those are her favorite.
I keep replaying that conversation in my head from last night. The look of devastation and heartbreak in Baylee’s eyes will haunt me if I don’t make this right.
After I park the truck, I slide through the fencing and join my brothers. “Sorry it took me so long to get here.”
“No need to explain,” Rhett says as he heads toward a heifer and scratches her behind her ear. “Hi, honey,” he tells her sweetly before he turns back to me. “The roads are bumpy as hell, and I’d rather you not hurt yourself, so take your time. You probably shouldn’t be out here today.”
I squint at the bright sky and take in the rolling hills that spread as far as the eye can see. “It’s funny because when I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up and leave, but now…”
“Now you miss it.” Rhett nods. “Ranching’s in your blood, Maverick. I’m glad you had football when you were young, but you’ll always have this place when you’re ready.”
I can’t really explain the sense of relief that washes over me. “Thanks, bro.” Rhett hands me a clipboard to take notes while he and Jace check the cows.
“You gonna join us at the Rattlesnake Ridge Ranch Rodeo in three weeks? I know you can’t compete, but it would help morale if you could cheer on the team.”
“Count me in. I can patch up all your booboos when you’re done.”
“Little shit.” Rhett laughs, but then he frowns. “So what’s going on with Baylee?”
Taking off my baseball cap, I wipe my forehead. “We had a memorable conversation with Nicole last night.” I recount what happened, and by the time I’m done, Rhett’s face is grim. “Things had been going really well otherwise. The only sticking point is Baylee being on the fence about dating me long distance if I’m able to play again.”
“You ready to choose a life that doesn’t include her?”
The mere thought makes it hard to breathe. “I don’t see why it has to come down to that. Why can’t we play it by ear?” Even as I say that, I know that’s not what I mean. I love her, and one way or another, I want this to work out.
“Because she’s a single mom, Maverick, and single moms need to know you’re not yanking their chain.”
“I’m not yanking her chain. I never would’ve gotten involved with her if I was just screwing around or sowing my wild oats. I got that out of my system a long time ago.”
“Thus, the lovely reunion you had with Nicole last night.”
“It was awful. I felt sick. And then Baylee and I had this huge argument afterward, and she slept in the nursery. It took me forever to fall asleep, and then I didn’t hear Leo wake up for his two a.m. feeding, so she must be exhausted today.” And she left before my alarm went off and hasn’t responded to my texts.
Rhett crosses his arms. “Look, it’s gonna take time to smooth her ruffled feathers. But in the meantime, every single woman ina fifty-mile radius has her sights set on you now. Maybe it’s a good time to be more public with your girl so you can let everyone know you’re off the market.”
“That’s a great idea.”
Jace pats my shoulder. “As long as you’re not ‘shoplifting the pootie.’”
I shove him away, grateful nothing in my shoulder pinches. “Bro, giveJerry Maguirea rest. And I’m not ‘shoplifting the pootie.’ Jesus.”
The asshole chuckles. “Just fucking with ya.”
I’d tackle him to the ground and rub dirt in his face if I didn’t have to worry about my injuries.
Though, speaking of Tom Cruise flicks, that gives me an idea. “Do you think y’all could stop into town this evening?”
I explain what I want to do, and after they give me shit about my plan, they agree.
We’re just about finished when I spot a mama under a tree on the far side. There’s a shadow beneath her. “I think there’s a new calf over here.”
My brothers look up, and I point to the distance.
When we approach, the calf stands on wobbly legs. “Whoa, baby. We just need to take a look at you. Make sure you’re okay.” I hold my good arm up and her tail wags. I pet the mama first and then kneel down by her baby, who looks up at me with big brown eyes.
