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“Act natural,” Cash said.
They must’ve failed the assignment because the brothers wore identical looks of suspicion when they got out of the car.
“What’s going on?” Rory asked as he walked toward the gathering.
“Just hanging out,” Ivan replied casually.
Nick hadn’t budged from his spot by the car, so Cash headed his way. He knew Nick had planned to tell both Rory and Charles of his decision to leave the FBI, and Cash worried it hadn’t gone well. Was Nick having second thoughts and worried about how Cash would take the news?
“I can hear your wheels turning from over here,” Nick said when Cash neared. “Give that hamster a break. I’m fine. We’re fine. Everything is fine.”
Cash wrapped him in a big hug and kissed the side of his neck. “Just fine?”
Nick pulled back and kissed him softly on the mouth. “I would’ve said things are excellent before we pulled up to find the entire ranch waiting for us.”
“Not the entire ranch,” Cash replied.
Finley ran around the side of the barn and pulled up short next to Kieran.
“Okay, now everyone is here waiting for us,” Nick said. “What’s going on?”
“You first,” Cash replied. “Did everything go okay with Charles?” Rory only wanted Nick to be happy and close by. Charles could be a different story.
Nick inhaled deeply, and Cash couldn’t resist bracing himself. His boyfriend snorted and shook his head. “Stop.” Nick kissed him hard. “Charles said he only wants me to be happy. He apologized for making me feel like I needed to act a certain way to please him. He told Rory and I both how proud he is to be our father.”
“That’s wonderful,” Cash said.
“And he said it’s about damn time we”—Nick gestured between Cash and himself—“got our heads out of our asses.”
Cash shouldn’t have been surprised. “I thought I was a better poker player than that.”
Nick laughed and kissed him again. “Speaking of poker, what time do the festivities start?”
“Not long from now,” Cash replied. “I want to show you something first.” He took Nick’s hand and led him toward the barn. The crew parted to let them pass, then filed in behind Cash and Nick. Their excited whispers made him smile. A gift for one person on the ranch always turned out to be a delight for everyone.
Nick stopped short when Jake brayed and the goats bleated. He looked at Cash with an expression of pure joy. “You didn’t?”
Cash laughed and nodded. “Finley and I picked up four Pygmy goats from a rescue today.” Jake brayed again. “And a donkey. Turns out the goats love Jake, so we couldn’t leave him behind.” And Cash freaking loved him, so there was that too.
Nick kissed him hard before hustling toward the stalls where the noises were coming from. “Oh my God!” Nick pulled the enclosure door open and stepped inside the converted space. He dropped to his knees, and the goats rushed him. “Hey, guys,” he said as they bounced all over him.
“Girls,” Cash corrected.
“Hey, ladies.” Nick looked over his shoulder at Cash. “What are their names?”
“Whatever you want them to be.” Cash stepped inside to give Jake equal attention. He didn’t jump around to show his enthusiasm, but he did lean his body into Cash.
“This one is Reba,” Nick said, pointing to one. Then he picked up the smallest one in his arms. “This one is Martina.” The crew outside the stall all made helpful suggestions, and Nick settled on Tammy and Kitty for the final two goats.
They played with their newest pets long after everyone else left the barn. Rueben returned a while later, looking frustrated.
“What’s up?” Cash asked.
“It’s my turn to pick up the pizza, and my truck won’t start,” Rue said.
“Again?” The dealership had replaced the starter twice in the past year. Good thing it was still under warranty. “I’ll call the dealership on Monday and ask them to tow it in again.” Cash reached into his pocket and pulled out his key chain. “Take mine. There’s plenty of gas.”
“Thanks, boss.” He took a few steps back. “We’re trying the new pizza joint in Last Chance Creek that Tyler and Owen won’t shut up about.”
