He got to his feet when they reached him, and Cash finally let go of Tanner.

“Hey, Trav. It’s good to see you. I stopped at Trip’s place, but he told me you were here.”

“I came with Retta.”

Cash grinned. “So, I see. And you already moved her in with you?”

“Yeah, I guess I did.”

“Happy for you.”

“Thanks. What are you doing here?”

“Surprising everyone. I had a meeting in Seattle – I wasn’t going to fly right on by and not stop in to join the family for lunch.”

“You went by yourself? No Mav?”

Cash rolled his eyes. “I was glad to get away from him for a couple of days – and I wouldn’t have wanted to drop in like this if he came.”

“Things aren’t getting any better then?”

Cash let out a short laugh. “What do you think? I was calling him and Blane Grumpy and Grumpier before you left and now ....”

Travis chuckled. “Yeah, the Sunshine Twins.”

“Ain’t no sunshine now that you’re gone. The dark clouds have rolled in. And I’m warning you – there’s a storm brewing. He knows about Libby moving the horses over to your place.”

Travis shrugged. “It’s not like I tried to hide it from him. I wanted to talk to him about it, but that’s hard to do when he won’t return my calls.”

Cash grasped his shoulder. “I know. I’m just telling you.”

Travis blew out a sigh. “I wish there was something we could do.”

“We all do but … what? I’m getting to the point where I want to just beat some sense into him.”

Travis laughed. “You can’t do that. The brawls the two of you used to get into were legendary, but you haven’t come to blows in … how long has it been?”

“Over thirty years, and we vowed that we’d never do it again – which should tell you just how close I am to my breaking point that I’d even think about it.”

Travis blew out a sigh. “Do you think he might consider coming home once Libb’s not on the ranch anymore? That was the only possible bright side I could come up with.”

“You’re just trying to ease your guilty conscience.”

“Nope. I have nothing to feel guilty about. I know he’s mad at me for giving Libb an alternative.”

“It’s not the alternative that he’s mad about – it’s giving her a place where she’s going to be around other vets.”

“It’s not just vets he needs to worry about.”

Cash scowled. “What do you mean?”

“Probably nothing, but the girls had a night out last week. I was worried about Libb getting home, but Brent Noonan gave her a ride.”

Cash laughed. “You really think that pussy would dare to make a move on Libby?Shecould hand his ass to him – let alone Mav.”

“I dunno, bud. I just know that she’s moving on with her life. And if Mav wants to try to work things out with her, the first thing he needs to do is come home. And if he doesn’t come soon …”

“I know – he’ll have no one to blame but himself if she’s moved on.”