Page 47 of An Endless Memory

Understanding filled his eyes. “You have a large family too. Dad mentioned how many Knights there are.”

“We started our gatherings with the big cattle weekends on the ranch. The food was more of a thank-you, but then we just kept doing it. When Aggie moved to Crocus Valley and got married, her wedding kicked off a new tradition. Now, the parties rotate through everyone’s houses and holidays. It really doesn’t take much for them to get together anymore.”

“Them? Not you?”

Alder was sharp. He’d caught that, and I didn’t realize how I’d phrased it. “I’m ruled by the job. Depending on the season, I might not be able to get away.”

His eyes narrowed.

Shit. “Of course, now that I’m commuting, I’ll be around more.”

He cocked a dark brow. “Commuting. That can be hard on a relationship.”

“Lots of divorces happen when people live together every day.”

A dark cloud rippled across his expression. “Too true.”

I wasn’t sure what I said, but there was a story there. I was surrounded by my new in-laws and I knew very little about them.

Alder stuffed his hands into his pockets. “About this dance recital?”

“It’s my sister-in-law’s dance school. Pretty informal.” I hadn’t planned to attend until Lily had talked to me with her parents in the car. I had an employee put in his notice just as the new guy started. He was going back to school. I needed to get to hiring another person before winter arrived and scared everyone off. The new hire from Baltimore would take a while to get the hang of everything. He was a fresh cowboy. He knew horses, but he didn’t know about raising them or caring for them each day. He could ride, but every day was a lesson.

“Do a lot of people from Coal Haven go to it?”

I took all the burgers off the grill. “Maybe? I’m sure some of her students are from Coal Haven.”

“Right. I won’t be able to stay long. I have some work to catch up on.”

“Sure.” Curiosity rose inside me. As the oldest, he’d lived in Coal Haven the longest. Did he still have connections there? I’d ask Lily later.

Jasper sauntered up to us. Alder’s jaw clenched. I recognized that look from Cody. Poor Jasper and whatever his life’s choices had been.

“Speaking of work,” Alder said to Jasper, “have you found a place?—”

“My severance package is?—”

“Almost gone,” Alder said. Yup, he was a lot like Cody. Even their names were similar.

“I’ve got an opening.” I should shut my mouth, but I found employees in all sorts of places. I’d hired guys I met at horse shows or at the gas station on my way to horse and cattle sales and at those horse and cattle sales. I’d learned to be resourceful over the years.

Jasper studied me, but his expression was serious. “What kind of opening?”

“Ranch hand. Pay is shit, I’m not gonna lie. Most of us do the work ’cause we love it.” Or because there was no one left to do it. “What’s your experience with horses and cattle?”

Jasper gestured to the land around him. “Picture these pastures filled with cattle and horses.”

“And goats,” Alder added.

“And goats. We used to help our grandparents as kids. Less often after we moved to Billings, but enough to keep my skills up.” Jasper rubbed his lower lip between his thumb and forefinger. “It’d just be until I find something in my field.”

“Unless your field keeps downsizing.” Alder spoke in a way that said there was more to the story.

I’d ask Lily.

I’d have to touch base with her on a few things after today. How she felt about her family’s visit. If she was okay with me offering Jasper a job. It was possible that with him hired on, I’d be able to break away more often. Which would mean more time with my wife.

Lily

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