Page 29 of A Heart Falls Cowboy Christmas

He wanted his children to be knowledgeable and love the ranch, but not being the one in charge of their teaching?

Uncomfortable? Wary? Sad that the world was changing?

Still, Sasha seemed to have it more than under control. She stood in the perfect position that if Firecracker did spook, Sasha could nab Tyler and swing him to safety.

She also spoke with quiet authority to her brother. “Firecracker does like you caring for her, but sometimes she gets scared, and she’s very big. She could hurt you without meaning to, and then she’d be sad. You can only be near her and the other animals when you’re with a grown-up.”

“I know.”

Tyler stroked the brush again, eyes intent on the horse. Sasha’s attention was mostly on her brother, but she must have sensed someone watching because she glanced over and smiled when she spotted Caleb.

She winked then spoke to Tyler again. “Yes, you do know. But when something is important, we say it over and over so it stays important. Tell me something else that’s big and important when you’re around Firecracker.”

“I have to be quiet. And happy inside but not jumping-up-and-down happy. Cuddling with Mama happy so the horses know I’m a good person.”

“That’s right.” Sasha tapped Tyler on the shoulder. “What do you say if it’s time to brush her back and belly?”

Tyler offered Sasha the brush. “I need help. Time to move the box.”

“Excellent.” She took the brush. The little tyke crawled down quietly and then stepped away until his back hit the stall wall, waiting patiently until Sasha patted Firecracker on the side then leaned over to adjust the mounting box. She stood, and Tyler walked forward slowly, climbing up into position before gently returning his hand to Firecracker’s flank.

“Good Firecracker,” he said.

Sasha handed back the brush, and as they started up again, Caleb slipped away without disturbing them.

The barn wasn’t silent—it rarely was. The horses shifted gently from foot to foot, the ranch dogs raced through the aisleways, and a constant low murmur of voices all blended into the familiar melody that was the ranch.

Caleb soaked it in and let it fill his soul.

He paused when he spotted Dustin through an open doorway.

His youngest brother had a saddle on the stand and an assortment of leather and metal tools beside him. “There’s a sight I don’t see often.”

Dustin looked up from his task, a stitching awl in his hand loaded with heavy duty waxed line. His lips quirked upward. “Me working? Or me sewing?”

“No false modesty, bro. We both know you’re no slacker. At least not anymore.” Caleb ducked the piece of leather Dustin threw at him then leaned on the doorframe of the tack room. “The sewing part is new.”

“Yeah, I was polishing them up and noticed more than a few of the older saddles are showing some wear and tear. More aesthetics than structural, though. I’ve spent the day restitching loose seams and replacing saddle strings. I’m nearly done.”

Caleb watched his brother smoothly use the awl to work the thread into the existing holes, back and forth and then in the opposite direction in the traditional strong saddle weave. “Good job.”

“Thanks.” Dustin glanced up. “Hey, I was hoping to catch you before the day was done.”

Right. Caleb checked over his shoulder then spoke quietly. “Should have told you right away, but I spoke to the lawyers. They’re proceeding with what needs to happen to keep Charity’s mother from contacting either Charity or her sister again. They suggested restraining orders, just in case.”

Dustin sighed heavily before meeting Caleb’s gaze. “Thank you. I hate that it’s necessary, but⁠—”

“But it is. From what you two told me, April has only ever had her own best interests at heart. That doesn’t seem to have changed.” Caleb grunted. “Even if she has changed, Charity doesn’t need to welcome her back with open arms, or even reluctant ones.”

“The ladies both know that, and so do I.” Dustin sat back. “I’m glad for the update, but it’s not what I needed to talk to you about.” He tilted his head toward the other chair in the room. “Sit.”

“That bad?” Caleb asked, but he did as requested.

Dustin took a deep breath then dove in, repeating his conversation with Uncle Frank regarding an heir, and the acknowledged problems behind the thought. “I see where he’s coming from, and I can understand why he wants what he’s built to have lasting value. Still, he wants to be clear that he hopes Crooked Creek can stay in the family, but not at Silver Stone’s expense.”

Caleb got that, but a moment of frustration still flickered that he hadn’t been the one Frank approached.

He pushed the annoyance away just as fast. The logic behind talking to Dustin first was more than sound. Caleb would have to get over himself.