Page 48 of In Bed with the Rancher

“I’ll be damned. You can’t understand trying to do the right thing or the nice thing,” Wade said, shocked that Wynn actually was puzzled why someone wouldn’t do him harm. “Why in the hell would I want to deliberately hurt you? Damn, Wynn, to my way of thinking, life is a whole lot better and you have more friends being nice to people. You ought to try it sometime.” He shook his head as Wynn continued to stare at him, obviously confused. “You’re really at a loss about this, aren’t you?”

“I know I’ve made you mad plenty of times. Absolutely furious.”

“Yes, you have. That doesn’t mean I’d enjoy doing that to you. I don’t get a thrill out of being mean and I don’t seek revenge, either.”

Wynn dropped the rope and sat back, but he said nothing. He just looked at his brother.

“You know, Wynn, for the first time in my life, I feel sorry for you. You don’t even know what you’re missing.” They stared at each other and Wade thought if a creature had appeared from outer space, he wouldn’t have been any more puzzled. But this was his blood brother; he had to try to reach him.

“You know, Wynn, as toddlers and little kids we fought constantly and we really never outgrew that, which is sad. You and I should be brothers, in the deepest sense of the word.

“You’re my twin and we don’t understand each other or like each other. We can’t even sit out here and enjoy a cup of coffee together before you go. We have no common ground and that’s sad.”

“I took Olivia from you. She’s the perfect woman—every man’s dream. You’re not angry over that?”

Wade stared at him a moment in silence as he gave a slow shake of his head. “No, Wynn. Olivia’s a wonderful woman, but she’s better suited to you.” They sat quietly a moment. “You know, it’s not too late to become real brothers. Do you want a cup of coffee?”

Wynn’s eyes widened with surprise and he tilted his head as he stared at Wade. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I am. If Lucy was here, or Jack, I’d make that offer to them and we’d sit and chat. I would with Mom or Dad, too. The rest of us all enjoy each other’s company and like to be together. That’s family at its best. It’s not too late for us to become real brothers.”

Wynn blinked and nodded. “I suppose I could try... Okay, we’ll have a cup of coffee together.”

“Just sit there. I have some brewed. I’ll bring it out.”

He left, wondering if they could tolerate each other for ten more minutes. He was back with mugs on a tray that also held cream and sugar, spoons and napkins. He set the tray on a table between them.

“Well, this is a first,” Wynn remarked with sarcasm in his voice.

“Yeah. We might as well give it a try.”

Wynn picked up his mug and took a sip. “I guess I should say thank you because it’s a relief to me that you’ll keep my secret.”

“Sure, Wynn,” Wade replied. “You might try life my way sometime,” he said, “and I don’t mean by trying to pass yourself off as me.”

“Olivia made me promise I wouldn’t do that anymore,” Wynn said, sounding more like himself and making Wade smile as he shook his head.

“She’ll learn.” Wade leaned forward and held out a hand to his brother. “I think it’s wonderful that you and Olivia are in love. I truly wish you the best.”

“You mean that, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. I’m sincere about everything I’ve said to you.”

Wynn accepted the proffered hand and shook it.

Wade smiled as he gave a playful punch to his brother’s shoulder. “I can’t believe my twin is getting married.”

Married... At the mention of the word, his thoughts went to Ava. It’d been weeks, but still memories of her slammed into him. He couldn’t seem to forget her.

Some men did—the guy that walked out on her. But he couldn’t.

Wade drew a deep breath. He remembered how his heart beat faster and his whole body responded to just the sight of her. Her blue eyes melted him and if he saw her in the distance or across a room, desire consumed him. There was no way on earth he could see her the way he saw other women. She was gorgeous, special, unique. But she’d never be his, not the way Olivia would soon be Wynn’s.

His brother’s words drew him out of his reverie. “I may have to try life your way. I know how to act the part. Maybe I should try to live the part and see if I’m happier.”

“You don’t have to try to be like me,” Wade said, focusing on Wynn again. “Just be considerate of your family and others. I think you’ll find you have more people who like you. Life ought to be better. Start with your family and be nicer to them. As I just said, they bear the brunt of your anger and deceptions.”

“They do. Anybody else would retaliate. Thanks again about the baby. I’ll send her money until she’s grown and educated. I’ll do what’s right.”

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