Page 2 of Red's Revenge

Pa laughs at me but nods.

“Come on in, boys. Meet your sister!” Pa calls out to the troop of boys waiting in the hall.

Kooper comes in with baby Easton first before Colton enters with the rest of the gang.

Everyone crowds the bed as Pa yells to be careful, and we all survey the new family members. By the time the ambulance makes it to the Ranch, Ma looks like it’s just a normal day and tries to refuse the ride to the hospital.

“Bunny, they came all this way. The least you could do is get checked out.” Pa kissed her indecently and then caught me making a puke face behind his back.

“One day, you’re going to find the love of your life and kiss her just like that, and I hope to be alive to say, ‘I told ya.’” I roll my eyes as we watch the ambulance drive off with Ma and the babies.

Pa hops in his truck to follow, and I wave at them.

“Not likely.”

Chapter One

RED

Istare at the third email from the property acquisition company that has been hounding me for months. According to the information they’ve sent me, Harris County wants to purchase the Ranch to put in a new street and exit for the brand-new bypass that is already ruining our small town.

The words “Eminent Domain” glare at me on the bright screen, making me want to toss the fucking computer out my window. I pick up my phone and call my brother.

“Colton Justice, Esquire,” he answers, and I groan at his professional tone.

“Dickhead,” he chuckles at my greeting and excuses himself from whatever he is doing before he answers my call.

“Just because I’m family doesn’t mean you can call me at work to insult me. Leave that for Sunday supper.” I lean back in my chair and groan when a few vertebrae pops.

“You’re also my fucking attorney Colt. I got another one of those emails. They’re starting to use big fancy terms my redneck ass should not know. I’m regretting helping you study for law school.” I heard the front door open, and my receptionist, Jean, greeted whoever came in.

“Forward it to me. I’ll be over when I’m done with this lunch meeting.” He hangs up as Jean knocks on the door.

“Come on in,” Jean says, holding a business card in her hand and a big smile.

“Red, some business type is here asking to speak with you.” She hands me the card, and I see the same fucking logo from the email I just called Colt about.

“Do they have an appointment?” I raise an eyebrow at Jean.

The woman is old enough to be my mother and sharp as a tack. She winks at me as she leaves, shutting the door. I can hear her saying I’m not available and taking the info for an appointment tomorrow afternoon.

It’ll buy me time to see what Colt thinks of this fucking email.

I sigh as I look out the window. I took over for Pa when he retired two years ago, and I never dreamed how much paperwork it took to run this fucking place. I grew up watching him and the ranch hands care for the horses and cattle. Sure, he had an office, but as a kid, his presence was so big in our home that I just never noticed how much time he really spent there.

He was home every night for dinner and at every sports game we had. I’m fucking amazed at how he did it. I asked him once, and he said it was simpler then.

Computers ruined everything.

I return my glare to mine and can’t help agreeing. Technology is great until it ain’t. Sighing, I picked up the card Jean gave me and stared at the name.

Cam V. Greystone, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions.

“Well, you sound like a right foul twat.” I toss the thing down and stand to get another cup of coffee.

I am busy going over purchase orders, payroll, and looking at the listing for an upcoming cattle auction. I’m writing down some notes about a stud that caught my eye when Colt finally shows up.

“Red, this is a fucking issue.” He slams a packet on my desk as he loosens his tie and unbuttons his suit jacket.

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