Page 16 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘I’ll be moving out, too,’ said Cap, patting the cream-coloured labrador that leaned against his leg. ‘I’m going to fit out that demountable near the kennels. What do you call it, Bree?’

‘The dogbox.’

‘Yeah, that. Infrastructure’s there for the kennels. It just needs a bit of TLC.’

‘Bulldozer would be quicker,’ mumbled Dex.

‘When did this happen?’ Ash asked his brothers.

‘Today. While you were out, bro,’ replied Cap. ‘We guessed you’d need the room for Mason and the nanny.’

‘So, what were you arguing over?’

The men turned to frown at the elderly man.

‘Charlie has our brand.’ Dex jabbed his finger in the air at Charlie. ‘Why can’t we have it?’

‘Coz it’s mine. It’s always been mine,’ grumbled the old man. ‘You tell ‘em, Bree.’

‘Hey, that’s between you and these boys.’ The redhead approached. ‘Did you get the medicine, Ash?’

‘We did. And this other woman recommended some rusks to try in the supermarket. But I got everything from your list.’ Ash seemed proud of himself.

‘You didn’t get your son a hat, I see.’

‘It’s on a different list.’ Ash shrugged.

‘Yeah, I’ve heard that before … So, I made you some more of those frozen fruit sticks for Mason. They’re in the freezer in that hovel you boys call a kitchen.’ Bree turned to the table as she spoke, ‘You boys do know a fridge is for food, not just for beer and bourbon? And it’s a good place for keeping water cool, too.’

‘None of your concern, Bree,’ grumbled Ryder, his voice deep and stern. ‘Butt out of our business.’

‘Wait. Let’s take a moment to grieve, and remember you said that, cupcake.’ Bree playfully winked at Harper, obviously unfazed. ‘Where did Ash find you?’

‘In the supermarket. I was buying shortbread.’ Her plan had been to eat in her room and not end up in the middle of Woop Woop.

Bree tilted her head, her eyes scrutinising Harper from head to toe. Harper felt naked.

‘Did Ash sweet-talk you into this? He thinks he’s a god to women.’

‘No, it was Mason who did the sweet-talking.’ Harper smiled down at the boy, to tenderly stroke his soft hair. ‘I assure you it had nothing to do with his father. Ashton Riggs is not my type.’ Not that she knew what her type was when it came to men.

‘I’m standing right here, ladies.’

‘Good.’ Bree grinned, ignoring Ash. ‘Welcome to Elsie Creek Station, Harper. If you need me, I’m over at the caretaker’s cottage, just walk around the back. Come on, Pop, let’s hit the mute button and move on from this argument. I’ve got a hot date with some hockey players, and a new batch of gin to try.’ Bree skipped down the steps.

‘I’m Charlie.’ The old man removed his enormous hat before shaking Harper’s hand. ‘Welcome to Elsie Creek Station, missy. You need anythin’ you let us know. I’ll give you a tour in the Razorback once you're settled in.’

Oh, that sounded safe. Not.

‘Not tonight, you won’t, Pop. You’ve been drinking,’ said Bree over her shoulder.

‘Yep, reckon a hot shower and a decent spot of tucker and it’ll be lights out for me, for sure.’ Charlie slapped on his hat and winked at her, only to scowl at the brothers as he hoisted a metal rod over his shoulder. ‘I’ll be taking my property with me and putting her under lock and key. When you’re ready to do the branding, I’ll bring it out, but not until then.’

‘It’s supposed to be our brand,’ called out Dex. ‘We own the station now.’

‘You don’t own the brand.’ Charlie shuffled a little quicker towards Bree, where they hooked arms and began singing as they headed for the cottage.

‘How much have they had to drink?’ Ash pointed at the beer bottles covering the table.

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