The next morning, the rain was gone and the sun was shining. Brady ached to move and get the circulation back in his arm. He glanced down at Lindsey. Just as she’d been all night, she was curled up against him.
A strange feeling tightened his chest. She’d been carrying quite a burden around on those small shoulders of hers. And he felt privileged and humbled that she’d trusted him enough to share it with him.
She stirred in her sleep, shifting closer, and her breasts brushed against his chest. He bit down on his lip, feeling his body stir. She was killing him in more ways than one. He wanted Lindsey. He had from the moment he’d opened his eyes and seen her that first day on his porch. Keeping his hands off her during their evening together had been difficult, especially since they’d made love just the night before. He knew what it felt like to touch her, to feel her body react to the pleasure he’d given her.
He also knew that his longing hadn’t stopped, his desire hadn’t been quenched. He still wanted her more than ever. But right now she needed a friend more than a lover.
He grimaced. Friends with a woman? It had never been his style, but this pretty redhead had changed his mind about a lot of things. She’d pushed her way into his solitary life, making him rethink all other commitments.
Lindsey stirred once again. This time she blinked, then finally opened those incredible green eyes.
“Good morning, Doc.”
With a gasp Lindsey sat up as she tried to regain some brain function. She’d spent the night with this man. She glanced down in relief to see they were both dressed and sharing the sofa in Brady’s house. Memories flooded back and she remembered it all, especially the things she’d told him.
She brushed her hair away from her face. “I should get back to the cabin.” She started to stand, but Brady stopped her.
“What is it about mornings that you’re always so fired up to leave?” he asked. “Or are you just running out on me?”
She didn’t want to acknowledge the closeness they’d shared last night. It had been far more intimate than anything physical that had taken place between them before. Now she’d shared her heart with this man.
“I just need to check on my parents.”
“Okay, go call, but you better tell them you have plans this morning.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I do?”
He nodded. Even with his hair mussed and his beard heavy, he was sexy as all get-out. “It’s Wednesday and the clinic is closed this morning,” he reminded her. “So how about playing hooky with me?”
She didn’t like where this was leading. “Brady, I told you last night—”
“Doc, I’d like nothing better than a repeat of our night together.” His voice turned husky. “Making love with you was incredible. But you’re not ready.”
She found herself blushing. Would she ever be ready for someone like Captain Brady Randell?
A lazy smile appeared on his handsome face. “So get sex off your mind, along with everything else, for a little while anyway. We’re going horseback riding.”
“You can ride?”
“I’ve been able to most of my life.”
She frowned. “You know what I mean. With your bad leg.”
“My leg is fine. I’m sure I can handle Dusty. Come on. I’ve been cooped up too long. I need to see some sky.”
She got up so he could stand, too. “I’ll still need to check my messages to see if there are any emergencies.” She quickly went through about a half-dozen voice mails. One was from her mom. Lindsey returned the call and relieved her mother’s concerns. She also heard about the meeting this morning between Jack and his sons. Once Lindsey hung up, Brady handed her a cup of coffee.
“Here, I think you need this.”
“Thanks.” She took the mug. “I also need a shower.”
“I could use one, too. You go first, and I’ll get in a short workout.”
She nodded. “I carry a change of clothes in my car.”
“I’ll get them. You hit the shower.” He headed for the door, but she stopped him.
“Brady, thank you for last night. You could have taken advantage of the situation.”
He nodded. “Just so you know, Doc, I’m not always going to be a nice guy. Not when I want something. And I want you.”
Hank wasn’t sure how he was going to handle this meeting with Jack. He’d expected it years ago. Now the boys were adults, he wasn’t even needed here, except that Chance asked him to come along.
Although the three sons had turned into six in the past few years, Chance, Cade and Travis were going to talk with Jack first. Jarred, Wyatt and Dylan would be arriving a little later.
Hank and Chance drove from the Circle B, and they were to meet Cade and Travis along the creek. As they got out of the truck, they saw the tall figure of Jack Randell already waiting under the trees.
They made their way down the slope beside Lindsey’s cabin where they saw an attractive woman on the porch. He knew she must be Jack’s wife and Lindsey’s mother, Gail Stafford Randell. Hank nodded in greeting, not wanting to stop and visit at this time.
“Damn,” Chance hissed and stopped on the path. “I didn’t think it would be this hard.”
“It’s time to face him,” Hank said.
“I know, let’s get it over with.” Chance nodded at the two riders coming in. “Here come Cade and Travis.”
They rode in from the direction of Travis and Josie’s house. Hank’s chest tightened at the thought of his own daughter, Josie Gutierrez. He hadn’t learned about her existence until she came to find him. He’d welcomed her with open arms, then after her marriage to Travis, he’d gifted her with Circle B acreage to build a home. He’d divided the rest of the property between the boys he considered his sons, Chance, Cade and Travis.
They made their way to the edge of the creek, and to Jack. The two Randell men faced each other as if they were gunslingers from the Old West, instead of father and son. There was more silence as Cade and Travis dismounted and stood alongside their older brother. This was how it had been for years. You got one Randell brother, you got them all.
Chance spoke. “Well, we’re here. What do you want?”
“Not a thing,” Jack assured them, “except to see that y’all are doing okay.”
“We’re just fine. No thanks to you,” Cade said.
Jack’s gaze examined them all closely. “Yes, you boys have turned out fine.” He took a breath. “I know this is a little late, but I want to apologize for not being around to raise you, and for causing you so many problems. I know it couldn’t have been easy after I got sent away.”
Hank could see the emotions all the men held in check.
“You’re right,” Travis said. “It wasn’t easy, but as you can see, we survived. So it’s a little late to be worrying about us now.”
Jack nodded, looking pale under his tan, weathered skin. “Yes, you turned out fine. Thank you, Hank.”
Hank nodded. “My pleasure.”
Jack slipped off his hat and ran fingers through his hair. “There’s one other thing I want to ask. You can be angry with me all you want, but don’t take our problems out on Lindsey. She’s innocent in all this. She only wanted to meet you all.”
“She should have told us who she was,” Travis said.
“Maybe, but I’m asking you to not hold that against her. She’s a good veterinarian, and that’s all that should matter.”
Cade spoke up this time. “Or she might be a way for you to worm your way back into our lives.”
Jack looked stricken. “If I’d wanted that I wouldn’t have waited over twenty years.” He put his hat on his head. “When a man gets to a certain age, he realizes he needs to make peace with his past. So I promise you that when I leave here today, it will be for the last time.”
Brady had forgotten how good it felt to be in the saddle. The last time he’d ridden had been on his dad’s ranch a few years back. He wasn’t going to wait that long again.
He was on Dusty, and Lindsey was on Luke’s roan gelding, Rebel. They were headed for the valley as the sun warmed up the early December air. Although they had worn jackets, he didn’t doubt that they’d have them off before long.
“This was a great idea,” Lindsey said.
“I come up with a few.” He rested his hand against the saddle horn, giving his horse the lead.
“Your leg feeling okay?”
He grinned. “I told you, it’s fine.” In fact, he hadn’t thought about it once. His concentration had been on Lindsey. She was smiling. He hadn’t seen that in a while.
“I thought we’d head for the valley,” Brady said. “It wouldn’t hurt to check on the herd to see if they’re okay.”
“Good. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve had the time to go by.”
“You’ve had a few things going on, Doc.” They rode side by side as they approached the rise. “Besides, there haven’t been any incidents since the mare was shot. Maybe Hank’s new security system is doing its job.”
They started down toward the creek, looking for the mustangs. Instead, they saw a group of men.
Lindsey pulled up on the reins. “It’s Jack. He’s with Chance, Cade and Travis.” She looked at Brady. “Maybe we should leave.”
Brady watched the exchange between the men. His cousins were agitated. “They don’t look happy.”
“Oh, Brady, Jack’s not as well as he’s been pretending. And this stress isn’t helping.”
He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Then tell his sons about their father’s illness.”
She shook her head. “Jack would never forgive me.”
Brady wanted to shake them all. “Then the least we can do is even the odds. Come on, let’s go stand with your father.”
They made their way down and dismounted by the trees. Brady escorted Lindsey the rest of the way down to the group.
“Good morning, cousins,” Brady said. “Hank, Uncle Jack.”
“Lindsey, you shouldn’t be here,” Jack said.
“Maybe I should, since I’m the one who started all this.” She looked at the three brothers. “It was never my intention to cause trouble.”
“Jack’s right, Lindsey,” Cade said. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“Yes, it does,” she corrected him. “Jack has been my father for the past dozen years. I love him.” She fought tears. “Okay, he’s made mistakes, but we all have.”
“Lin, please.” Jack went to her. “You don’t need to defend me. We all know what took place all those years ago. I need to own up to it with my boys.”
“Dammit, we’re not your boys,” Chance hissed.
Jack looked stricken. “I know. I gave up that privilege a long time ago.”
There was only silence, until they heard the sound of the riders. It was Jarred, Wyatt and Dylan.
“We heard shots fired,” Jarred called out.
Hank cursed. “Any ponies hit?”
Wyatt shook his head. “The herd scattered, but I think they’re okay.”
“Where did the shots come from?”
He pointed toward the west. “Same area as before.”
“Well, this is going to stop today.” Chance headed toward Lindsey. “You think I can borrow your horse?”
“Of course. I’ll go to the cabin.”
Chance went to Dusty and mounted up. His brothers did the same.
Brady was going to ride, too, but Hank stopped him. “Let’s go in the truck. If the boys can’t reach them, we’ll be able to head them off.”
Jack followed the group up toward the parking lot. “Mind if I go along?”
“I don’t see why not,” Hank told him.
Gail Stafford was waiting on the porch, but Jack only called to her that he’d be back soon.
“Take care of your mother,” Jack said.
When Lindsey started to argue, Brady reached for her. “Look, it’ll be better if you stay here. Then I don’t have to worry about you, too.”
She nodded. “Just watch out for Jack.”
“Sure.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. “We’ll be back soon.” He tipped his hat to Gail, then hurried to Hank’s truck.
“You drive, Brady,” Hank insisted, then headed for the passenger side while Jack climbed in the back door.
Brady started the engine and headed toward the highway, all the time aware of the danger. “Maybe you should call the sheriff, Hank.”
Hank pulled out his cell phone. “A lot of good it’ll do us.”
“It’s a precaution. If anything happens today, we want it on record that we called the authorities.”
Jack spoke up from the backseat. “I take it these guys have taken potshots at the ponies before.”
“We’ve had two wounded in the past few months. Thanks to Lindsey, the little buckskin mare recovered.”
“That’s my girl,” Jack said proudly.
Hank continued to fill him in as Brady turned off the highway. Jack climbed out to open the gate, then returned to the truck.
“The lock’s been busted,” he told them.
Hank’s fist hit the dashboard. “I’ll get these guys if it’s the last thing I do. And I might just tan their hides before I turn them over to the sheriff.”
“I might just hold them down for you.” Brady drove along the bumpy dirt road, then turned at the fork. After another half mile, he pulled off and parked. They all climbed out, then Hank took two rifles off the rack in the back window of the truck.
“I’m not going in without backup,” he said.
Brady called Chance to learn their location, then he silently walked toward the spot where he and Lindsey had found the camp once before. He heard voices, and used a hand signal to alert Hank and Jack that he was going closer.
The thick mesquite bushes were great cover so he could peer at the intruders. Four teenage boys were sitting on the downed logs, drinking.
Brady returned. “There’s four of them,” he said. “Teenagers. They have two rifles, but it gets worse. They’re passing around a fifth of whiskey.”
“Somebody raided their daddy’s liquor cabinet,” Jack said.
“Their parents aren’t going to be happy to have to bail them out of jail, either,” Hank added. “I’m pressing charges.”
Brady wasn’t crazy about dealing with drunk kids, especially holding firearms. He pulled out his phone and called the sheriff again, telling him what they’d found.
Closing his phone, he reported, “A deputy is on his way.”
“I’m not letting them get away. So it looks like we’re on our own,” Hank said.
Brady looked at Jack, noticing his rapid breathing and pale complexion. “Are you okay?”
Jack brushed off the concern. “Sure, I’m fine. I’ll hang back in case one of them tries to run.”
They circled the area, then Hank showed himself first. He cocked his rifle and pointed it. “Okay, boys, the party’s over.”
The teenagers jumped up, shouting curses. One tall, thin boy boldly stepped forward. “It’s only an old man.”
“Well this old man is going to make your life miserable.” Hank waved the rifle. “Now, move away from the weapons. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“We don’t have to listen to you,” the same kid mouthed off.
“Look, I’m the one holding the rifle on you. And you’re trespassing on my land, shooting at defenseless animals. Wild mustangs. So I’d suggest you keep your mouth shut. Now, move.” He waved the barrel of the rifle to show the direction.
Brady came into view. “I’d do as he says if I were you.”
They reluctantly walked away from their whiskey and rifles. “My daddy isn’t gonna like what you done,” one of the boys said as he swayed on his feet.
“If your daddy’s smart, he’ll whip your butt for this stunt.”
The boy cursed. “Old man, you’re gonna be sorry. My daddy is important in this town.”
Brady could see one of the smaller kids looking panicky. Then suddenly the boy took off running. “Dammit.” He looked at the other kids. “Don’t even think about it.”
Suddenly they heard the boy cry out. Brady went to see that Jack had tackled the kid. Brady smiled. “Hey, Jack, you need some help?”
“No, I got him.”
Brady turned back to the other boys to see if they’d lost their attitudes.
“What are you going to do to us?” the kid asked.
“Nothing. We’re turning you over to the sheriff.”
Just then Chance came riding in. “Good, you got ’em.” He climbed down as Jack brought in the other boy.
Chance took the rope off his saddle and began tying the boys’ hands.
Brady gave his rifle to Cade when he arrived, then went to help Jack. The man was leaning against the kid’s truck. They tied the teenager’s hands with rope from the truck bed. Brady directed him toward Chance, then came back to Jack.
“You don’t look so good,” he said, seeing the blood drain from Jack’s face. “I think we should head back.”
“I wouldn’t mind that.” He pushed himself off the truck, swayed, then collapsed.
Jack Randell was unconscious before he hit the ground.