Page 49 of In Love with a Ranger

“Christina,” he interrupted, laughing as he hugged her close. A small airplane was coming in for a landing in the distance, and Houghton was sitting in the van taking a little nap while they walked around in the sunshine. The remote airfield was surrounded by trees and grass, with a few strange-looking flowers coming up that caught her eye almost immediately. “Sweetheart, they are going to love you because of all those qualities – even the mushrooms.”

As the plane landed, taxiing forward, both took several steps back until she saw Gideon waving at the pilot.

“It’s my brother-in-law,” he exclaimed happily. “You’ll like him – but not too much, okay? He’s a huge goofball and so outgoing that it makes it hard not to like him. I think Giselle is the boss in their relationship because that man has no backbone when it comes to my little sister.”

Just hearing that made Christina feel a little better. If they could deal with strong female personalities, then maybe she would fit in with his family. The last thing she wanted to do was alienate someone Gideon cared for by being hard-headed.

As the pilot cut the engine, she saw two heads in the plane just before the door opened. A skinny guy got out, who was all smiles with spiky hair, waving happily, before opening the second door on the plane. The other guy got out and stood there, bracing one hand on the plane and the other holding a large duffel bag. The pilot turned, talked to him for a moment, and then walked over toward them.

“G-Mannnn,” he called out, jogging over and hugged Gideon easily. The two clapped each other on the back before Gideon turned to her. “Austin, this is my wife, Christina. Sweetheart, Austin is Giselle’s husband and you can call him Austin or by his call sign, Sparky.”

“It’s very nice to meet you,” she began, holding out a hand – and heard a boisterous laugh not a moment before Austin hugged her tightly. “Oh!”

“We’re all a bunch of huggers, so you better get used to it, little sis, or should I call you Mrs. G?”

“Just call me Christina – or Chris.”

“Will do, Chris,” Austin grinned, saluting her… and then lowered his voice, looking at them. “Y’all wanna meet ol’ Panic before we head out? My brother-from-another-mother could use a few friendly faces in his inner circle. He’s a little quiet, so if he doesn’t talk much, it’s okay.”

“Austin…” Gideon hedged, his voice almost a protective growl, causing her to look up at her husband.

“She’s safe, dude. The man’s chill factor is at zero, and everything bothers him – so no hugs there, okay – but definitely say ‘hello’.”

Gideon grabbed their bags as Austin walked her toward the plane and the quiet man standing there warily. He looked like he was expecting an attack at any moment and had dark circles under his eyes. His face had this pinched look, and stress ebbed off of him in waves.

“Is he okay?” Christina whispered to Austin.

“Yeah, he took something to help him calm down enough to fly, but…”

“I thought you said he was a pilot.”

“Keyword, Chris – was…” Austin said grimly, causing her to look at the outgoing man in surprise. He looked worried and quite aware of what the other man was dealing with – which was a little alarming. “Hey Panic, meet my new sister-in-law, Chris… and that big oaf is my brother-in-law. Can you believe little Giselle is related to that giant? I swear his mom used a little too much fertilizer in the garden during her pregnancy – ain’t nobody that big naturally.”

And Panic cracked a faint, scared smile.

“Hi, Panic,” Christina said gently, extending a hand toward him. “You will absolutely love it here. There is such a calmness, such peace, and it’s life changing. Now, when they dole out chores to you for the farm – could you ask to watch my cows? Their names are Larry, Moe, and Curly, and sweet as could be.”

“They're named… after the three stooges?” Panic said carefully.

“We’ve got a chicken named ‘Double D’ – but that’s for Lena to explain,” she smiled, and the man let out a nervous laugh, looking at her in wary surprise. “Trust me, this is the best place to recoup, and Jill will absolutely smother you with hugs if you let her.”

“I don’t know about all of that…”

“Then tell them, and don’t be afraid to. They are not judgmental and very respectful of each person’s personality.”

Panic nodded, getting this skittish look in his eyes once more as he looked past her shoulder. Gideon was coming to her side, and Houghton was walking up to them from the van, waving politely.

“That’s Houghton, and he’s like a big brother to all of us,” she explained softly, smiling at Gideon. “We are all so glad to meet you – and welcome to Reserve Ranch. We’ll see you when we return from Texas. Okay?”

“Sure,” Panic said simply, but his voice lacked conviction.

“Let’s go,” Gideon urged quietly, putting a hand on her lower back and guiding her toward the plane door that Panic had left open. As she climbed into the small plane, she saw the other man jerk back away from Houghton, and the man held up both hands, pointing at the van and then his bag. Obviously, he wanted nobody to help him with his things.

Friendship, trust, and understanding. Jill was going to have her hands full trying to teach that one anything; she mused painfully. Her heart was breaking for the private struggle he was fighting, and she wished that on no one.

“Hustle, bro, another plane is incoming…” Austin ordered jokingly. “Hop up, buckle up, and then shut the door.”

Gideon joined her in the cramped space, and she loved it. It was cozy back there, she thought, squeezing herself under his arm, practically hugging the man. Yep, hugging her husband for the length of the trip was not going to be torture in the slightest, and she hesitated as an idea hit her.

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