Page 79 of Stables

“He’s the ranch manager, and pretty much a brother.” I think Ford is as much Black Gulch as any of us.

“More of one than Cade,” Mason says quietly before stuffing a pile of salad into his mouth.

“Who’s Cade?” Char whispers against my arm.

Lori stares at me wide-eyed from across the table and Mason drops his chin, suddenly very preoccupied with his plate.

“Our youngest brother.” I’ll need to fill her in eventually, just not in front of Mason.

As if she can read my mind, Char nods and pokes another fork full of food.

Jack wakes up and begins to squirm in Mason’s arms.

“Char? Did you want to check out the garden? You don’t mind if I feed the baby at the same time?” Lori reaches over as Mason passes her my fussy nephew.

“I’d like that.” Char flashes me a small smile. “Paisley, do you want to go outside?”

Paisley grabs one more piece of biscuit from my plate and nods, letting me slide her down to the floor.

When the door clicks shut behind them, Mason stands and begins to gather the dirty dishes off the table.

“Never thought I’d see you with anyone.” He moves the stack into the sink and pauses before opening the dishwasher. “Looks good on you. It’s about time.”

I’m not sure if he’s being sarcastic, but I don’t feel like arguing. “Thanks. What’s the plan for rotations?”

Talking about myself makes me uncomfortable. It’s no one else’s business who I spend time with, not even Mason’s.

He gives me a deadpan expression then shakes his head. “Bring me the leftovers. You know, normal humans would want to talk about how they met a pretty girl. I guess I shoulda realized you’re not like the rest of us earth folk.” Grinning, he scrapes the last of the food into containers and sets them in the fridge.

He should know that Char is special to me. Her presence alone signifies that.

Mason glances up, then sighs. “Fine. Since we won the bid on that north pasture, Ford is set to take the brunt up there and watch them this winter. It’s hell up there once it snows, so unless someone is coming in a helicopter, he will see them. I just need more cameras around here I guess.”

“What day next week do you need me up here?” I’m hoping Char will want to come too.

The thought of being apart from her makes my skin feel like ants are crawling over it.

He shuts the door and hits the button to start the wash cycle. “All week if you can. We’re running through probably two thousand head and can use all hands on deck.”

“Char can ride. I’ll see if she wants to join the fun.” I don’t think I’ll come up at all if she doesn’t want to.

“Why does she look familiar?” Mason leans against the counter with his hip, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Sophia bought Misty from her.” I’m betting he went with to pick up the horse.

His eyebrows rise. “Ah yea.” Then they fall. “I met her husband—”

“Ex.”

Mason nods. “Yea, I can see that. He was a jackwagon. She looked like she was ready to pop.” His hand waves in front of his belly. “Lazy ass just stood on the porch yelling at her.”

Anger surges through me making my fist clench at my thigh.

I can’t wait to get close to that dipshit again.

“Poor girl has shitty taste in men.” He flips me a lopsided grin before clapping me on the shoulder. “Kidding. Don’t kick my ass. She did a damn fine job on that mare. Maybe she can whip you into shape too?”

“Funny.” I’d do just about anything for her, but I’ll never admit that to my brother.

---