LITMIR.BIZ

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in the herd. How sometimes they fight to the death.”

      “That’s how it is in the wild. And I also think that’s what makes this place so beautiful… so untouched…”

      “And why you don’t want to leave it,” he finished.

      “Can you look at this beautiful place and tell me that it should be destroyed. Homes constructed…roads built…and the traffic—”

      He held up his hands. “Wait a minute, I never said anything about developing this land.” There wasn’t anyone in the business that would give him the time of day, let alone invest any money in another project with his name on it.

      She turned her back to her daughter and glare at him. “You’re in real estate,” she said, her voice low and controlled. “Isn’t that why you’re so eager to sell it?”

      “I was in real estate,” he said. “Besides, I can’t do a damn thing right now.”

      “You haven’t even tried to make a go of the Rocking R. I’d say that’s giving up before you give it a chance.”

      “But I’ve never ranched before in my life.”

      She crossed her arms over her breasts. “So, you could hire people.”

      “Meaning you and your father?”

      Something flashed in her eyes, then it was quickly masked. She shrugged. “It’s just something to think about.”

      He studied her for a long time. He couldn’t help but think back to another persuasive woman, one who ended up making a fool of him.

      “All I’m thinking about right now is finding my brother…”

      He paused when he saw two riders coming over the rise from the other side of the creek. They must be friends because Livy was waving at them.

      Tess sighed. “Well, looks like it’s time you met some of the neighbors.”

      “Who?”

      “Well, Randells of course. Looks like your family has come to welcome you home.”

      CHAPTER THREE

      HANK Barrett had lived along the Mustang Valley all of his seventy-plus years. And he’d been a neighbor of the Randell family for that same amount of time. Three of the now-grown boys, Chance, Cade and Travis, were like sons to him. Hank had been lucky enough to raise them after the loss of their mother, and their daddy had been sent to prison.

      He slowed his horse as he caught sight of the couple across the creek on Rocking R property. He recognized Tess Meyers right off, and her young daughter, Livy, playing by the creek. The tall, well-built man was a stranger, although nothing made him think she was in danger as the two stood by their horses.

      A closer look had Hank seeing more. The familiar way the man carried himself, the slight tilt of his hat. He smiled. So Sam’s boy had returned to the valley.

      Chance rode up beside Hank. “Who’s that with Tess?”

      Hank gave him a sideways glance. “Take a closer look.”

      Chance’s eyes narrowed. “From a distance I’d say he looks a little like Travis. But he’s in San Antonio to interview a new veterinarian.”

      “I’d say it’s Sam’s boy. Your cousin.”

      Chance smiled, and tiny lines fanned out around his eyes. That was about all that gave away his age of forty. The expert horseman was in top shape. He needed to be to keep up with his young family, his lovely wife, Joy, and two young daughters, Katie and Ellie, and his baby son, Jake.

      “That’s Luke? That skinny kid who looked like he’d cry if you said anything to him?”

      Hank looked back at the couple across the creek. “I’d say that was because you and your brothers did your share of intimidating that youngster.”

      Chance rested his forearm on the saddle horn. “So you think he’s going take over the ranch?”

      Hank shrugged. “Not sure, but as head of the family, you should welcome him back.”

      Luke barely remembered any of his Randell cousins. Only that he was too young to hang around with them.

      “Who’s the old guy?”

      Tess smiled. “Hank Barrett. And you better not let him hear you call him that.”

      Luke recognized the name. “Isn’t he the one who took in my cousins?”

      “And raised them. He’s also your neighbor. The Circle B Ranch borders the other side, but now it’s owned by Chance, Cade and Travis.”

      Tess smiled and waved as the two rode across the creek. “Hello, Hank. Chance.”

      “Tess. How are things going?”

      She stood alongside a calmer Whiskey. “Can’t complain.”

      Hank climbed down, along with the other rider, and removed his hat. Sparse patches of white hair covered his balding head. He had a friendly smile and clear hazel eyes.

      “Hank, Chance, I’d like you to meet Luke Randell.”

      Hank was the first to respond as he offered a hand. “I knew you had to be Sam’s boy.” His smile disappeared. “Sorry to hear about your daddy’s passing.”

      “Thanks.” Luke shook the hand.

      Next came Chance. “It’s been a while, cuz.”

      Luke nodded. These people were strangers to him. “I’ve been gone a long time.”

      “Sorry about your father. Was he sick long?”

      “I wouldn’t know, I hadn’t seen him in years.”

      “Sorry to hear that, too,” Hank said, then glanced at Chance. “It’s nice that you’re back.”

      “Mr. Hank! Mr. Chance!”

      They turned to see Livy come running toward them. The child couldn’t get there fast enough.

      “Well, if it isn’t the prettiest five-year-old girl in the valley,” Chance said.

      Livy blushed. “What about Kate and Ellie?”

      “Well, Katie is eight, and Ellie is almost six.” He reached out and touched her nose. “So that leaves you.”

      The child turned shy and leaned into her mother. “Did you know that Whiskey almost runned off with that horse?”

      “So that’s the commotion we heard,”

      Hank said, he turned to Tess. “Was it that little buckskin?”

      “Yeah…that little tease,” Tess said. “She finally went back to the herd. We had a devil of a time trying to calm Whiskey.”

      “Yeah, he bucked and whinnied but Mommy and Mr. Luke held on tight.”

      Chance walked over to the bay quarter horse and rubbed his neck as he looked him over. “Man, he’s a good-looking son of a gun. How is he working out?”

      “He’s a great horse, Chance,” Tess told him. “Easy to train.” She paused. “Come by the ranch and see for yourself. And I wouldn’t mind some advice.”

      He smiled at her. “I got plenty of that, not sure if it’s any good though.”

      For some strange reason Luke was feeling as territorial as that alpha stallion. That was crazy.

      “I wouldn’t even have Whiskey if it wasn’t for you…and your generosity,” Tess told him.

      Chance pushed his hat back. “Okay, then pay me back by winning the NCHA title.”

      “I’m working on it. But with Dad sick, my time been limited.”

      “If

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