Page 33 of The Outlaw's Code

“Together,” Shane added. “Your dreams and mine. We can do it all, Calder, as long as we’re doing it together.”

13

SHANE

“You don’t needto be so nervous,” I said as I watched Calder out of the corner of my eye. “Everyone already likes you.”

Calder and I were getting ready for the annual Stratton Ranch bonfire, where all the family would be gathered around. I turned to look at him fully as he finished getting dressed, fiddling with his shirt for the millionth time. I walked over to him, my eyes meeting his in the bedroom mirror.

“Calder?”

“Yeah?”

“No one’s out to get you,” I reassured him. “They just want to officially meet you.”

“You don’t think that makes it worse?” he grumbled. “What if their expectations are way too high? What if I’m better off as an idea than an actual person?”

“Oh, wow. That’s pretty philosophical.” I hummed. “I guess, in a real way, most of us are better off as an idea than actual people, especially if you consider moral goodness?—”

“Or you can just tell me I look good and I’m not going to make an ass out of myself?”

“You look perfect.” I kissed him on the cheek. “And you could never make an ass out of yourself.”

“Much better.” Calder smiled in the mirror before he smiled over at me. “Okay. I think I’m ready.”

Suddenly, his face fell. “Wait. Shit. Will Joseph be there?”

“Probably not. He likes to know that we all get together, but he prefers to keep to himself.” I shrugged. “I think people being too joyful around him makes him ill.”

Calder nervously laughed. “Okay, good. In that case yeah, I think we’re good to go.”

I offered Calder my arm, and he placed his own through mine. A few minutes later and we were out the door, heading towards the UTV. When we pulled up to the main cabin, it looked like the bonfire was already in full swing. There were some people gathered around a fire pit, while others were seated on nearby benches. After we parked the UTV, Levi was the first to greet us, offering us drinks in each of his hands.

“Calder! Hey!” Levi beamed over at him. “How do you feel about drinks made by a burgeoning, amateur bartender?”

“What does that mean?” Calder looked at the drink now in his hand. “Does that mean it’s amazing? Or kind of off?”

“You tell me.”

Calder nervously took a sip of the drink. “Um, it tastes all right to me?”

“Good! That was a test, and you passed.” Levi laughed. “That was made by my sister, Amber. She’s taken up bartending as a hobby and she’ll be delighted to know that you already know how to preserve her feelings.”

“But I actually don’t think it’s bad! In fact, it’s kind of growing on me.” Calder took another sip.

“I like him. I knew I’d like him.” Levi laughed again before he turned his attention on me. “And? How are things going with your new piece of land?”

“No big news yet, but we finalized the map. We know exactly what we want to build and where.”

“Good. I’m happy everything’s coming along for you—” Levi was interrupted by Cameron showing up at this side.

“Shane! And you must be Calder.” Cameron reached out to take Calder’s hand.

But Calder seemed stunned in place. “Uh, are you… you’re not…”

“Cameron Clarke? Yep. That’s me.” Cameron chuckled. “Sorry, it’s probably weird, randomly meeting me here. I haven’t been around the ranch as much lately because I’ve been off filming season one of a crime thriller for a streamer. Fingers crossed for season two!”

“And fingers crossed for an Emmy!” Levi added. “That’s what those are called, right? Emmy’s?”

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