Page 49 of Eyes Like a Hurricane

“CTRI?” I ask before I can stop myself.

“Oh thank goodness, honey, I thought maybe I was the only dumbass here who didn’t know what that was,” Leo whispers.

Lachlan turns his head and responds, “Yes, we’re all Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. But we all have different specialties. I’m a DPT, so a Doctor of Physical Therapy.”

Ingrid clears her throat and rocks back and forth on her boot heels. “Hey, everyone, I’m Ingrid, Lachlan’s little sister and co-owner of the ranch with him. I’m the Program Director, but I have a degree in Speech Therapy.”

She turns and glances up at Callum.

“Yeah, I’m Callum, Office Manager and in charge of the finances. Gotta put that MBA to good use one way or another,” he says, before turning back to the grill and nudging Kieran’s shoulder.

Kieran holds up a hand, unwilling to let go of his cooking utensil. “I’m Kieran Braniff. I have the honor of being Aislinn’s big brother, Leo’s partner, and a chef. My job tonight is to make sure Leo doesn’t annoy anyone and Callum doesn’t burn the ribs.”

Laughter rings out over the night, and Carl removes his cowboy hat. “I’m Carl, the Ranch Manager. My beautiful wife, Marjorie—or as you all call her, Mama Marge—is still down at the diner, so I’m here to eat as many starches as I can before I go home and am told to eat my vegetables. Now, that is a secret that doesn’t leave his yard, ya hear?”

Pointing his finger at Lachlan and Callum, I know his comment is directed at them. Either they frequent the diner, or Mama Marge has a way of getting information from them. My guess is both. She seems like a crafty one.

Axel eases out of his chair in one fluid motion as the laughter dies down. Giving us a wave as he crosses his arm in a pose that looks both relaxed and somehow deadly, he speaks in a laid-back tone. “Hey, everyone. I’m Axel. I’m ex-military and in charge of security around here. I also help Carl with ranch duties. I’m fairly good at doing what I’m told, but only when I want to do it. I’m the one to come to if you want to hang out, go fishing, or have someone quietly taken out.”

Everyone chuckles, and I see Ingrid roll her eyes with a wide grin spread across her face. So that’s Britt’s brother. I see the resemblance, but where he is a calm, foreboding presence, she is a bubble of energy.

Trent stands and adjusts his shirt with a scowl in place. He professionally addresses the group as if we were at a medical conference. “Nice to see you all. I’m Dr. Trent Walsh, the Mental Health Program Manager. I focused my studies on the effects of equine therapy on vets. I have come to love working here.”

Paisley snorts, and Trent’s eyes shoot her way. They are locked in a staring battle before he shakes his head and sits back down. Grabbing his beer, he takes a long gulp before setting it back down a little firmer than necessary.

Emma must feel the tension rising, so she quickly cuts in. “Hey y’all, it’s me, Emma. I’m the Volunteer Coordinator but often am at the front desk. We wear a lot of hats around here, so you may see us running around doing all sorts of things, but mainly I’m in the office area.” Little red spots bloom across her cheeks as she fidgets with her fingers.

She glances over at Tucker, who says, “My name is Tucker. I’m a personal trainer, and I work with people once they graduate from the initial programs. My six-year-old daughter, Amelia, is running around somewhere.”

Just then a peal of laughter rings out followed by dog yips. We turn and catch sight of a girl with pigtails dancing in circles as both dogs bound around her in unbridled joy. A smile breaks across my face as I watch her spin and twirl. Chloe adores little kids.

Leo smacks my hip with the back of his hand, and I turn just in time to see Lachlan’s look-alike start speaking. “Hi, you guys. It’s been a few weeks since I could make it out here. But it isn’t every day my big brother invites a girl, so of course I had to make it.” Lachlan squeezes my hand, but I’m too chicken to look up at him. “My name is Declan Ambarsan, and I work with my parents on our family orchard a few miles away.”

“Well, not surprising there. I called that one. The resemblance is a bit uncanny. Paisley, do you want one of them, too? Seems like more than one brown-haired, green-eyed Adonis exists in this town. What do they feed the pregnant women here?” Leo announces.

Paisley makes a strangled sound at the back of her throat. “Oh my goodness! Leo, shut up!” I see her heel just before it connects with Leo’s backside.

Leo hisses, “Don’t you ruin these pants, or you will owe me a new pair to go dancing tomorrow night.”

“You guys, be quiet for two seconds,” I whisper, giving them my death stare.

It clearly isn’t as scary as I think it is, for they both roll their eyes and fold their arms across their chests.

A handsome older man clears his throat and raises his hand, “Hello everyone. It has been quite some time since my wife and I could come to a Saturday night barbecue. But as our youngest son said, it’s not every day a woman catches our oldest son’s attention. We wanted to see her for ourselves. I’m Graham, and this lovely lady is my wife, Lainey.”

I can't stop the smile from spreading across my face as I watch Graham take Lainey's hand to press a kiss against her knuckles.

Leo announces, “And last but not least.”

He points to Paisley like Vanna White.

Paisley’s voice comes out a bit higher than usual, “Yes, thank you, Leo. My name is Paisley. Aislinn is my best friend. I’m an architect in Kalispell.”

Her eyes hit the ground, and she seems to be acting much shyer than usual.

Lachlan holds up his free hand. “Welcome, everyone. Usually, this is a much less formal occasion, but thank you, Leo, for getting introductions out of the way. I see Callum is trying to get my attention. I’m guessing that means the meat is ready. Go ahead, fill up a plate, and take a seat. I’m going to get the firepit lit so it’s perfect for roasting s’mores later.” Then he whispers in my ear, “Would you mind making me up a plate and saving me a seat next to you?”

I nod and walk over to the buffet as Kieran and Callum set the last tray of meat on the table. I load up my plate and turn to find Lainey, Graham, Declan, and Ingrid all standing behind me working on their food. I decide to take the bull by the horns and get the meet and greet out of the way.

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