Page 107 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘Duh. It was obvious.’ She pointed at the boy. ‘They have the same ears, same chin, and so many other familial similarities. Oh, let me guess, you guys were too busy being so self-centred to notice.’

‘Why didn’t you say anything?’ Cap asked.

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Ash frowned at Bree.

‘Because Ryder told me to stay out of your family’s business!’ She glared at the man. ‘Remember that conversation, cupcake?’

Ryder’s jaw ticked as he glared down at Bree. ‘I do.’

‘See, I listen. Even though you had to include me on the muster, I stayed out of the family business, as you requested. So, my job is done, and now I’m leaving.’

‘No, you’re running away,’ said Ryder. ‘And you never run from anything.’

She spun around, her eyes like fire. ‘Because I don’t want to get lumbered babysitting and will not put up with the way you all treated Harper.’

‘We were nice,’ said Cap, offended. ‘Harper and I got on well. She spoiled the police dogs, who adored her. And I trust my dogs—they have a good sense about people.’

‘You were, Cap. But you, Dex, you were the worst. Who was she?’

‘Who are you talking about?’ Dex crossed his arms over his chest.

‘The woman that made you hate all women.’

‘Rack off.’ Dex sneered.

‘And you, Ryder, just blatantly ignored her.’ Bree pointed at Ryder. ‘Not once did you ever hold a conversation with Harper. All of you, shame on you. When she was only here for the boy—’

‘She was going to steal my son!’ Ash’s voice echoed around the porch, as he protectively held his son to his chest.

‘The view from Mount Stupid must look good from where you lot are sitting.’ Hands on hips, Bree fearlessly faced them all. ‘Did you even bother to ask Harper why she was here in the first place?’

‘Did you?’ demanded Ryder.

‘Why would I? When you told me to stay out of the Riggs brothers’ business—’

‘Okay, okay, you win.’ Ryder ripped off his hat. It was that, or he was going to blow his stack. ‘The next time something involves this family you tell us.’

‘Are you giving me permission? All of you.’ She narrowed her eyes at them. ‘To tell the truth and the whole truth, as much as you’d hate to hear it?’

‘I have nothing to hide, but if it affects us like is does with Harper, heck yeah,’ said Cap.

Dex just gave his death glare, but nodded.

‘You could have told us, Bree,’ Ash said in a calmer tone. ‘You were helping me to plan a date with her.’

‘Where I was giving Harper and you the opportunity to really talk. I know she was trying to talk to you.’

Ash remembered how he kept brushing Harper off. How he had distracted her the last time she’d asked to talk to him.

‘Look, I honestly don’t know the details,’ she said, ‘but I purposefully chose not to ask, because Ryder said it wasn’t my business.’

‘Hmm …’

‘Did you just growl at me, Ryder?’

A vein ticked in Ryder’s temple. Tight-lipped, he continued to glare at the redhead.

‘Pfft. I’m outta here. It’s too early in the morning for this much testosterone.’ Bree turned on her boot heels. ‘It’s not my fault you fell in love with the nanny, Ash.’

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