Page 11 of Bravo

“Good to see you, brother,” he says.

“You, too, Dylan. Where are the dogs?” Since I haven’t seen Bravo —or Dylan and Tucker’s dogs, Delta and Tango —I’m assuming they’re outside.

“In the backyard with Dad,” Tucker replies. “They’re playing fetch.”

I smile, happy that my boy can finally unwind and relax.

We head into the kitchen where my mom is standing in front of the stove, a wooden spoon in her hand. She glances over her shoulder. “Your hair looks nice.”

I cross the tile flooring and wrap her in a one-armed hug, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Thanks, Mom. I told Floyd you said hi.”

“Good.” She returns her attention to the stove. “Now go and convince your father to see Floyd because he’s refusing to let me cut his hair, and he’s starting to look shaggy.”

“Who’s starting to look shaggy?” My father’s deep baritone fills the room, and I turn as he steps into the kitchen with a smile. His beard has gotten a bit longer since the last time I saw him, now down to his sternum, and his gray hair has grown out so it’s curling over his ears.

The same hazel eyes I share with Dylan and Elliot stare back at me, full of joy. “It’s good to see you, son.” He embraces me then pulls back to look at me. “You look good. Not at all shaggy. I think your mother’s eyesight must be getting bad.”

My mother rolls her eyes, but a smile toys at the corner of her lips. “Hewent to see Floyd today. Which is more than I can say of you, Tommy Hunt,” Mom replies as my father releases me and wraps his arms around his wife’s waist.

What used to gross me out when I was a teenager now has me yearning for a marriage of my own. A partner to share this life with. Maybe someday, God willing.

“Where’s Elliot and Riley?” I question.

“There was a fence down in pasture two, so they’re fixing it.”

“A fence down? From what?”

Dylan leans back against the counter. “A tree fell on it during the storm a few days ago. There’s another storm gearing to hit later this week, so they wanted to make sure it was up just in case we need to rotate due to more damage.”

I nod and make a mental note to ride through the pastures tomorrow and make sure there’s nothing else that needs repairing before storm number two hits.

This time of year, we get more sleeting ice than anything, which can cause downed trees and impassable roads.

“Hey, we already did it.”

“Did what?” I ask, my gaze fixing on Tucker.

“We rode through the pastures and checked all the fencing. That was the only one down.”

It shouldn’t surprise me that he knows exactly what I was thinking. When you not only grow up with someone but also spend every waking moment working alongside them, it’s difficult to keep even your thoughts a secret.

“I don’t know why you’re telling him that,” Dylan adds, plucking a grape from the fruit tray my mom set out onthe counter. “You know he’s still going to take that ride. I’m surprised he’s not out there now, double-checking our work and whatnot.” He grins.

I laugh. “I’ve been gone for three months, and yet you can still read my mind.” I don’t even try to pretend like he’s wrong. I’m a micromanager when it comes to this ranch, even though I don’t have to be because they love this place as much as I do.

“Always, brother.” He grins. “Can’t get anything past us.”

My phone buzzes, so I withdraw it from my pocket, and my own smile breaks out when I see Silas’ incoming video call. “Hey there, cousin,” I greet as soon as I answer.

“Hey, I want you to meet someone.” He shifts the camera, showing me the most adorable tiny pink baby I’ve ever seen. “This is our son, little Asher Matthew Wiliamson.”

“Let me see!” My mother practically shoves through my brothers to get to the phone. “Honey, he is perfect!”

“Thanks, Aunt Ruth,” he replies. I can hear the smile in his voice, and knowing everything my cousin has suffered in his life, I cannot thank God enough for this happy blessing He bestowed on both Silas and Bianca.

“You are so welcome. How is Bianca?”

“I’m good!” we hear her call out from the background. The camera shifts, showing us the dark-haired beauty who captured Silas’ guarded heart. She smiles happily, looking exhausted but thrilled. “He’s perfect.”

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