Page 61 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “Zoned out for a minute.” He lifted his hand to brush blond strands off his forehead, and the sunlight glinted off his engagement ring.

Mine. Mine. Mine. And it became truer every day. Tyler had learned there was no limit to loving someone. Each time he thought he couldn’t love Owen more, his future husband proved him wrong. This man had worked tirelessly over the past six months to conquer things he never dreamed possible. He went from avoiding any task that required reading or writing to leaving little love notes around for Tyler and reading to him in bed at night to strengthen his skills. Owen had started a smoking hot romantic suspense book the previous evening that had kept them up much later than usual.

“You seem distracted,” Tyler said. “Everything okay?”

Owen smiled, but it wasn’t very reassuring. “I was just hoping Rueben and Keegan would get back before we had to leave.”

Tyler glanced at his watch and wondered again why they were heading out so early. “This was just a meeting in the prosecuting attorney’s office, right? Keegan said they were just going to review some preliminary details about their upcoming trials.”

Owen returned his gaze to the gravel drive and nodded absently. “I would’ve thought they’d be back by now.”

“I know you’re worried about Keegan, so why don’t we wait around until they get home? We can’t check in at the hotel until four o’clock.”

Owen turned his gaze back to him, and Tyler could plainly see the conflict in his dark blue eyes, but he didn’t understand it.

“What’s wrong?” Tyler tried again.

“I know we don’t have to be there until four, but I’d planned a detour to surprise you.”

“What is it?”

Owen’s lips slowly curved upward. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”

Tyler saw movement from his periphery and turned to see Cash walking quickly toward them. “The boss is heading our way.”

“So glad I caught you before you left,” Cash said when he reached them.

“Is something wrong with Keegan or Rueben?” Owen asked.

“No, not at all,” Cash said. “Rueben texted me before leaving the prosecutor’s office. They just went over some prelim court dates and the projected timeline for the actual trial.”

“How’s Keegan doing?” Tyler asked.

“Rue said he handled himself beautifully but thinks he’s strung tight,” Cash said. “But we’ll be here for whatever he needs, and I want you guys to have a great weekend.”

“So, what’s up?” Owen asked.

“The Redemption Ridge web series is taking off in ways I never expected.” Cash looked between them with a proud-papa smile on his face. “The interview you guys did with Rory back in January has reached nearly two million views.”

Tyler and Owen looked at each other and said, “Whoa.”

“There’s a snippet of the interview recirculating all over social media, and I’ve been fielding emails left, right, and center. Your message about the importance of teen crisis prevention has touched so many people, and I have some really exciting news to share.”

“Well, quit teasing us,” Tyler said.

“Lighthouse Youth Outreach is a nonprofit organization in Colorado Springs that partners with psychiatrists and therapists for children and teens. Caroline, the executive director, recently saw the interview and said there are kids in the program who could use mentors like you. They have gym equipment at their center and will invest in some bags and light boxing equipment. They’re just looking to give the kids a healthy outlet to vent frustrations, as you mentioned in the video. I told them Redemption Ridge will donate the equipment, regardless of our participation in the program.”

“Are you kidding me?” Owen asked. “Of course I’d love to volunteer. This is amazing!”

Cash smiled his approval. “You’re going to do great with the kids.” He turned his attention to Tyler. “Your role would be trickier, and I needed to make a few phone calls to see if Caroline’s suggestion was even doable before I talked to you. My lawyers and insurance people have given me the green light as long as I establish some strict rules to protect the ranch and its employees.”

Tyler glanced at Owen, whose puzzled expression matched his thoughts. “What things do you want me to do?”

“Caroline would like to establish a program at Lighthouse that brings the kids to the ranch to work with the animals. Lighthouse would provide transportation and additional supervision, and we’d have to be very selective about the animals we let interact with the kids. It’s a liability risk, but I think it’s one worth taking. What do you think, Ty?”

He was too overwhelmed to answer right away. “Yes, of course. I feel like my horses saved me when I was a kid.”

“This is really exciting,” Cash said as he backed up a few steps. “I don’t want to keep you guys. I just couldn’t wait to share the news with you. We can chat about this more when you get back. Safe travels, and have a great time.” His phone went off with a gate alert, and he glanced down at it. “Rueben and Keegan are back,” he called over his shoulder as he retreated to the house.