Page 9

One of his cousins walked out from the kitchen. It was Taylor. In a khaki sheriff’s uniform, Taylor was in his element. Having gone through some formidable crap, it was strange how his cousin remained so steady, easygoing and, for the most part, normal.

“Came to see my dog.”

Both labs ran up to Taylor and began jumping up and down. The man had a way with dogs, actually with most animals. Since he’d planned on marrying Allison, Taylor had moved into her apartment above the flower shop. Taylor and Tobias had decided it was best that the dogs remain together there at the ranch. Another thing he’d have to deal with if he decided to move to Billings was what to do with the dogs.

“How’s home life?” Tobias asked. “I know you guys aren’t actually married yet, but do you have any plans on where you two are going to live permanently?”

“Nah,” Taylor replied while petting the dogs. “I kinda like staying in Allison’s apartment. We’re in the middle of town, so I can get to work in a hurry. It’s relaxing.”

Of course, his cousin could possibly be persuaded to move out to the ranch. The only deterrent would be all the work with the livestock. And then there was the thirty-minute drive into town.

“Yeah, sounds convenient. Wonder what it’s like to not have to dedicate every living moment to animals.”

Taylor studied him. “Burning out, Cousin?”

“A bit maybe.”

Whenever Taylor had something on his mind, he walked in a circle, or sometimes paced from one end of a room to the other. He must have had a lot on his mind that morning because he was making some sort of zigzag pattern on the deck. Much to the dogs’ delight and to Tobias’ annoyance.

“Spit it out.”

“She’s not the right woman for you, Tobias. You need to think this through…”

“Enough!” Tobias got to his feet and made a slashing motion with his hands. “Leave me be. I need a day away from everyone and everything. I’m a fucking grown ass man. I can make up my own mind about who I marry. Damn it!” It was childish, but he stomped his foot.

When Taylor went to open his mouth, Tobias put both hands up. “Whatever you have to say can wait. I don’t need it today.”

He stormed from the deck and headed to the stables.

His horse was saddled and ready in record time. Tobias mounted and allowed the animal the freedom to gallop wherever and as fast as it wanted.

A few moments later, he spotted Luke. The man had a way with horses, rode as if he were part of the animal. Luke, he was born to be in the saddle.

The sun was not quite straight up, but it made for a bright, sunny day. Tobias wasn’t surprised when Luke rode to a group of wayward cows and began working with his ranch hands to herd the animals to a different pasture.

“Go!” He urged his own mount toward the others, not surprised when, moments later, the roar of Taylor’s four-wheeler sounded and his cousin appeared on the horizon.

They worked for three hours straight and it was the best time Tobias had experienced in a long time. He, his brother and cousin had all been too busy doing their own things. He’d forgotten how well they worked together.

It could be that instead of being burned out, he missed the way things used to be. Instead of living with Taylor and Luke, he was alone. Instead of working with two men he trusted and loved, he had men who worked for him.

Sure it was a natural progression but, damn, it wasn’t what he wanted. Family was important and it had taken so long to get Luke back in Montana. And now that he was home, he’d barely been there a few months before falling for Leah and moving to her ranch next door.

Taylor came up alongside. “I’m gonna go on ahead. I better get back to town.” He grinned up at Tobias. “This was great.” He saluted and took off, the four-wheeler at full speed.

“That idiot is going to roll that thing if he keeps that up.” Tobias hadn’t noticed his brother until Luke was beside him.

Tobias nodded. “Yeah, but he’s pretty good handling the four-wheeler. Loves riding it.” It seemed to be true, although it was hard to know if Taylor would have preferred a horse.

Taylor had been shot multiple times while working as a detective, in the city, and his body couldn’t withstand horseback riding.

“I needed this,” Luke admitted. “Great way to get rid of stress.” He eyed Tobias. “Keeps me from wanting to punch your face in.”

“Bring it,” Tobias challenged. “You may be more muscular, but I’m quicker.”

They were identical twins, but Luke had bulked up while he was gone. Tobias worked out, but was not as stringent with his schedule as Luke was.

“You’ll work things out, Brother.” In typical Luke fashion, his words hit home.