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Kitabı oku: «Finding The Road Home», sayfa 2

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“Aunt D, that policeman is here again,” Seth called.

Mitch Rainbolt was back?

“Uh-oh. This can’t be good,” Daisy murmured. She handed PJ off to her grandmother and hurried to her feet and out the door. When the screen door slammed against the house behind her, Daisy cringed.

Relax, she told herself and slowed her gait to a casual stroll as she moved across the yard, while pushing her wild mane away from her face.

Again, she was struck by how he seemed to command the surrounding space. And from what she recalled about the embarrassing moments in his arms, the man was 100 percent muscle. Hair the color of warm chocolate peeked out from beneath his gray Stetson. As he approached, she could see that he held an animal carrier.

“Chief, did you forget something?”

“No, I brought you something.”

“Is that a...cat?” she asked.

He held up two fingers. “Two.”

Daisy stared at him for a moment, touched speechless by the kind gesture.

“Turns out Rebel Vet and Rescue has an overflow of kittens this time of year,” he continued. “These are from the same litter. Eight months old. They’ve been spayed, neutered and vaccinated courtesy of my third brother, the vet.”

“Just how many Rainbolt brothers are there?”

“Several. Plus a sister.” He nodded toward the departmental SUV. “I’ve got supplies in the vehicle.”

“Supplies too? That’s awfully generous.”

“Is it?” He raised a brow. “Or maybe it’s the vet’s way of ensuring that you become a loyal customer.”

Daisy chuckled. “In that case, I’d say he’s a savvy businessman.”

Mitch set the carrier on the grass and opened the top. With the first sounds of mewing, Daisy’s nieces and nephews and her grandmother appeared, eager to see what was going on.

“Kittens,” Seth said, peering into the carrier. Both had white and black patches with white boots and predominantly black faces. “Are they twins, like me and Grace?” He smiled, his face more animated than she’d seen since they had arrived in their new home.

“You’re right. These two are brother and sister,” Mitch said. “One has a white nose and the other a black nose.”

Once Daisy sat on the ground, it didn’t take the animals long to climb right out of the carrier and into the grass. The one with the star-shaped patch on its nose head-bumped Daisy’s hand, seeking attention, while the other waddled toward Mitch.

“Oh, my, they’re so friendly,” she said.

Mitch gently picked up the kitten who’d valiantly attempted to crawl up his leg and placed it back on the grass.

“Whose are they?” Grace asked.

“It looks like they’re ours. Chief Rainbolt brought them,” Daisy said.

“A housewarming gift,” he said gruffly. “They’ll keep mice out of the house.”

“Well, Mitch, that was sweet of you,” Alice said.

“I probably should have asked first,” he murmured.

“Nonsense,” Alice said. “This is exactly what the children need right now. Thank you.”

Mitch met Daisy’s eyes as he answered her grandmother. “You’re sure I didn’t jump the gun?”

“Gran’s right. This is perfect. Thank you.”

He gave a short nod.

Sam and Christian wiggled to the front of the group until they were closer to the carrier.

“What are their names?” Christian asked.

Daisy pulled little Sam to her lap before she looked up at Mitch.

“You get to name them,” Mitch said.

A cacophony of excited responses sounded at the announcement as each child spoke over the next.

“Can I hold them, Aunt D?” Seth asked.

“One at a time and very gently,” Daisy said. She turned to Mitch. “Thank you.”

“I guess that means they can stay,” he said.

“Oh, yes. Of course.”

“Then you’re welcome.” Mitch nodded toward the drive. “Want to help me grab those supplies?”

“Sure.” She put little Sam on his feet and stood.

Alice raised a brow and once again offered a mischievous grin.

“Stop that,” Daisy whispered before she followed Mitch to the police vehicle.

Mitch popped the rear of the Tahoe and pushed his Stetson to the back of his head. Reaching into the vehicle, he handed her a bag of litter.

“Not too heavy?” he asked.

“Not much heavier than a ten-month-old,” she answered. When their hands touched, Daisy jerked slightly at the brief contact and did her best to appear nonchalant. For a moment their eyes connected. Clear brown eyes with a golden hint searched hers before he looked away.

She couldn’t remember ever seeing eyes quite that color before.

“Chief, this is...well, thank you. It’s unexpected and really, your timing couldn’t be better.”

“Yeah, I figured.” He grabbed several plastic bags from the back of the vehicle and placed them inside a litter box before he closed the rear window and liftgate of the Tahoe.

“You did?” She blinked, somewhat confused.

Mitch nodded “I don’t want to get into your business, but I’ve been where you are. Not exactly, but close enough.”

“Oh?”

“Trust me, Rebel will be there for you. I can guarantee that.”

She stared at him, uncertain of what to say. While a part of her scoffed at the idea that anyone could possibly understand what she was going through, there was something about Mitch Rainbolt that said he was sincere.

“Cats aside, this town has a lot to offer kids...families.” He paused, seeming to hesitate at his next words. “The Rebel Community Church has a week of vacation Bible school coming up soon. The town has a Fourth of July parade and festival. Later in July, the Rebel Ranch has a kids’ fishing derby.”

“Sounds like a great way to get city kids involved and feeling like this is home.”

“True. The Weekly Rebel, our local paper, has a calendar of events.”

“Thank you.”

He lifted a bag in each hand. “This bag has wet food, and this one is full of supplies and a few toys.”

“Thank you, again. I’m a bit overwhelmed by your generosity.”

“Don’t give me too much credit. This is all Tucker.”

“Tucker?”

“My brother the vet.” He looked at her. “You’ve got five kids here, and you keep thanking me. Are you really okay with adding two more to your bunch?”

“Don’t even think about taking them back. This is the best thing that’s happened to these kids in months.”

He was silent for a half beat before his questioning gaze met hers. “Mind my asking how they lost their parents?”

“Car accident. My brother-in-law lost control.” She took a deep breath. “Fortunately, the kids weren’t with them.”

A flash of pain crossed Mitch’s face, and he shook his head. “I’m sorry for your loss, though I’m glad you and your family found your way here. This town has a way of healing the soul. I’ll be praying for you and these kids.”

Praying? Daisy blinked back emotion. Mitch Rainbolt was nothing like she expected. The interview had not prepared her for the man in real life. She dared to glance at his left hand. No ring. Which, of course, meant nothing. And really, why was she looking? No man in his right mind would be interested in a woman with five kids.

Just the same, she knew without a doubt that her new boss was dangerous to her peace of mind, and she hadn’t even started work yet.

Chapter Two

The voices of reason were carrying on a fine discussion in Mitch’s head Monday morning regarding the fact that he’d brought Daisy Anderson mousers. What was he thinking? The simple act bordered on personal, and he didn’t do personal.

As he dumped water into the office coffeemaker, he rationalized the gesture as simply being neighborly. Mitch was the police chief. He’d have done the same for anyone new to town. Especially someone who was going to be working for him.

The internal conversation was still going on when at 6:30 a.m. the coffeemaker spit and hissed the last drops of a fresh brew into the carafe and the buzzer to the employee entrance of the station sounded. Mitch checked the peephole and let Daisy in.

Points for his new hire. She was early for her day shift.

He gave a mental nod of approval. Everything about the woman said professional. Although she was dressed in black slacks and a tidy white blouse, with her wild hair pulled back into a twist on the back of her head, he was still unable to avoid noticing how nice she looked. And awake. As if she’d been up for hours. With five kids, one being a baby, he supposed she probably had been.

“Morning, Officer Anderson.”

“Good morning,” she said, glancing around the small police department office. “Sorry. I don’t have my security badge yet.” She inhaled deeply. “Smells wonderful.”

He poured coffee into his favorite mug and nodded toward the pot and a stack of paper cups. “Help yourself to Rebel Roast. We have our own roasters in town. A pop-up shop that’s here from May through September. Oh, and Henna will be here any minute with donuts.”

“The desk officer?” Daisy’s eye narrowed a fraction as if to ask, Seriously?

“Yeah. Her parents own the only donut shop in Rebel. Popular enough to be in business year-round. It would be an insult if I refused Eagle Donuts.” Mitch shrugged. “Besides, she only brings them in on Mondays, and they’re the best donuts in the county.”

“Get ’em while they’re hot.” Henna pushed open the door and caught it with her hip while balancing a small bakery box on top of a large one. Dressed in a departmental gray uniform, her straight, black hair was trimmed to skim her chin. A wide, generous smile graced her face.

When both Mitch and Daisy stepped forward quickly to catch the door for her, Mitch’s hand covered Daisy’s.

“Sorry,” he murmured.

“Thank you. Daisy, right?” Henna said with a welcoming smile. “Henrietta Eagle. But I go by Henna for obvious reasons.”

“Nice to meet you,” Daisy said. “Thanks for all the help you’ve provided getting my paperwork squared away.”

“My pleasure. Great to meet you in person. I’ve got your uniforms in the back room, and your security badge and a few other things at my desk.” The boxes wobbled. “Can you grab that top one?”

“Got it,” Daisy said.

“That’s for you to take home to your kids,” Henna said.

Daisy’s eyes rounded. “How did you know? I mean, about the kids.”

“My sister works at the elementary school. Unlike me, she can’t keep her mouth closed. I heard you registered three of them for school and one for preschool in the fall.”

“Yes, but it’s not a secret or anything,” Daisy said with a smile. She opened the box and looked inside. “Donut holes. Thank you.”

“Welcome to Rebel,” Henna said.

Mitch silently observed the interaction. He’d known from the first interview that Daisy would fit right in. Then again, Henna got along with everyone. The last hurdle would be introducing her to his curmudgeon deputy. He glanced at the clock. Who was running late, per usual.

A half hour later, the door buzzed and then opened yet again. Roscoe McFarland stepped into the room. A Rebel Police Department ball cap that rested on the back of his bald head completed his uniform. The senior officer who bore a passing resemblance to the cartoon character Popeye nodded in acknowledgement when he spotted Daisy standing just inside the door.

“Roscoe, meet Officer Daisy Anderson,” Mitch said. “Daisy, this is your partner, Roscoe McFarland.”

Mitch wasn’t sure whose eyebrows shot up faster—Daisy’s or Roscoe’s. He hadn’t told either that they’d be riding together since the decision had only been made late last night as he mulled the fact that Daisy was the sole guardian to five children. No doubt both would not like the plan, but occasionally there were perks to being the boss.

“Not today.” Roscoe adjusted his hat and grabbed a donut. He took a bite, chewed and swallowed before he met Mitch’s gaze.

“Excuse me?” Mitch crossed his arms, looked pointedly at Daisy and then stared Roscoe down.

The senior officer had the good sense to appear embarrassed. “Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am. Pleased to meet you.” He turned back to Mitch and held up a bandaged thumb. “I’ve got an appointment to get my stitches removed. Then I’m headed to the county office to discuss my retirement portfolio.”

Mitch took a deep breath, determined not to let the crusty deputy push all his buttons before noon. “We discussed this last week. If your appointments aren’t on the calendar, they don’t exist.”

“I’m sorry, Chief Rainbolt, but my thumb and my pension are mighty important. I’ve got questions regarding my IRA and my insurance benefits that can only be addressed by a professional.”

“Gallegos has already headed out to patrol the lake.” Mitch shot a glance at the calendar and then to Henna. “What about—”

“No, sir,” his desk officer said, reading his mind as usual. “He’s on vacation until next Monday.”

Nothing like being undermined by his senior officer in front of the new hire on a Monday morning. Mitch turned his gaze to Roscoe, clearly communicating his displeasure. Yeah, it was all downhill from here.

“Officer Anderson, you and I will monitor traffic in Rebel today,” Mitch said. “We leave in fifteen.”

“When he says fifteen minutes, he really means ten,” Henna said. She nodded toward the back room, and Daisy followed.

“Been thirty years without a partner,” Roscoe grumbled once the female officers left the room.

“I plan to use the wisdom of those years to get Officer Anderson fully acclimated to Rebel. For now, you’re her field training officer.”

Roscoe gave a slow shake of his head. “FTO? Bad enough you got me handling traffic citations and parking meters ever since that incident last year. Now you’re sticking me with a new recruit,” Roscoe said. He snagged a second donut before he turned and headed to the door. “I don’t like it.”

“You don’t have to like it,” Mitch said to his retreating form. “And she isn’t new. Just new to us.”

“Same difference,” Roscoe muttered.

Mitch downed his coffee and poured another cup, rethinking the decision. He was supposed to be up an officer when he hired Daisy. But with the information about her five children, he had amended his plans and the schedule for now.

His new officer had inherited a family. What would those kids do if they lost her? Images of his own childhood flashed through his mind.

Nope. Mitch didn’t want to find out. He had two other day shift officers who could handle the heavy tourist areas around the lake. For the interim, he’d keep Roscoe and Daisy working together and stationed where they were least likely to run into serious offenders.

Of course, once again that made him the relief officer. It was the only plan that would ease his conscience and let him sleep at night. All he had to do was keep them from figuring out what he was doing.

When Daisy entered the department lobby in uniform eight minutes later, Mitch offered a pleased nod at her spit-shined appearance. If only all his officers took such care in the details of the uniform.

“Why do you look like you have a question for me?” she asked as she climbed into the Tahoe’s passenger seat and pulled the seat belt into place.

“Not at all. I was just noting that a twenty-pound duty belt doesn’t seem to slow you down.” He fastened his own seat belt and looked at her. “Did Henna provide you with the information and password for the online training webinars?”

“Last week. It’s been reviewed twice and completed.”

He blinked. “Wait a minute. This is your first day and you’ve already completed the training?”

“Yes, sir.”

“It took half my department two days to figure out how to access the internet and register.”

“Maybe they need computer classes.”

“Yeah. I guess so.” He shook his head. “You took the exam too?”

Daisy nodded.

Mitch looked over his shoulder, signaled and changed lanes. “The county requires an eighty percent pass rate, or a retake is required. After two retakes they’ll recommend a class. It’s free. No cost to the officer.” He adjusted the rearview mirror. “It can be a challenge with the different county and city laws to keep straight, so don’t feel bad if you have to retake.”

“I got a one hundred percent.”

“What?” His brows shot up. “I...um. Wow. Nice work.”

“Is there something else?” she asked when he was silent for several moments.

“The firing range. You’ll need to qualify yearly.”

“Completed.”

He looked at her.

“I passed. No worries.”

“I wasn’t exactly worried, though you did take me by surprise. I spend a good amount of my time around here herding cats. I hadn’t realized that I’ve unconsciously lowered my expectations.”

“After nine years in uniform, I’m accustomed to being underestimated.”

Mitch jerked back. He’d insulted her when the truth was she was the most competent hire to come along in years. “Is that how it sounded?” he asked. “No offense was intended. It has nothing to do with you being a woman.”

“None taken.” She met his gaze, her eyes revealing nothing. “Tell me about Officer McFarland.”

Mitch took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Thirty years on the job next summer. He tried retiring at twenty, but got so bored he asked for his job back. Now he’s going to try again in a year.”

“He has an issue with being my partner?”

“Roscoe has an issue with being anyone’s partner. He’s always flown solo,” Mitch said.

“A partner after nearly thirty years. No wonder he’s got his feathers ruffled.”

“Roscoe always has his feathers ruffled. But think positive,” Mitch said. “You’ve got the day shift. Come fall, you’ll be home in time to pick up the kids from school and have dinner with them. Most new hires work graveyard for the first year.”

“You’re giving me preferential treatment?”

“No, ma’am. Think of it as a trade-off. You don’t have the night shift, but you do have Roscoe.”

“Which is more challenging, Officer McFarland or the night shift?”

Mitch’s lips twitched at the question. “I can’t make that call.”

“And what about Henna?”

“Definitely not challenging.”

Daisy stifled a laugh. “No. I meant, what is her role at the department?”

“Henna pretty much runs the place. She does a bit of dispatching, handles the administrative duties, including handling the chief of police. If you need something, she knows where to point you. During the school year, she also manages our school liaison program at the elementary and high school.”

“That’s a lot multitasking.”

“Oh, she’s good.”

Daisy’s gaze remained out the window, taking in the town as they drove up and down Rebel’s patchwork of streets. “How long have you been in Rebel?” she asked.

“Me? I was born here.”

“You’ve been in the department how long?”

“Too long.” Mitch shook his head at the understatement. “Elected chief four years ago.”

“You’ve never wanted to leave Rebel?”

“Sure. Lots of times. However, I’m known for my terrible timing.” He released a short laugh. “I always figured it was the Lord’s way of telling me that I belong in Rebel.” Though being police chief hadn’t been in his long-term plans when he’d started down this path.

Mitch’s dash began to buzz. He pressed a button on his steering wheel to receive the call. “Rainbolt.”

“Chief.” Henna’s voice filled the vehicle. “Reece called. Asked if you could stop by the ranch when you have time. He said to tell you that it’s definitely not an emergency.”

“Thanks. Officer Anderson and I will head over there.”

“Roger that, Chief.”

Mitch turned to Daisy. “Since I’m showing you around town, this is as good a time as any for you to see Rebel Ranch.”

“Rebel Ranch?”

He nodded. “Owned and operated by the Rainbolt family. I’m pleased to say it’s an integral part of the Rebel community.”

“Your family owns a ranch?”

“The largest guest ranch in the county. My brother Reece runs the place.” He was unable to keep the pride out of his voice. After a rocky start, Rebel Ranch was now a thriving business.

“You mentioned a couple of brothers and a sister.”

“Tucker and Reece live here in Rebel. My sister, Kate, spends a lot of time on the road with the rodeo circuit.”

“The rodeo. That’s fascinating. I’ve been to the rodeo in Denver quite a few times during the stock show, but I don’t recall seeing her name on the programs.”

“You probably have and didn’t know it. She’s a rodeo clown.”

Daisy’s mouth rounded with surprise. “There are female rodeo clowns?”

“The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctions over six hundred rodeos a year. But there are only a handful of female rodeo clowns. That explains why you’ve never heard of her.” He smiled as once again his pride took over. “My sister is one of the best.”

“Good for her.”

He nodded. Not adding that while he was proud of Kate, he worried about her safety too.

When Mitch turned onto the ranch drive, he caught Daisy staring at the elaborate metalwork that comprised the archway and gate to Rebel Ranch.

The sight of the ranch entrance against the clear blue, cloudless summer sky really was awesome. Seeing Daisy’s reaction reminded Mitch that Rebel Ranch had come a long way from their humble but heartfelt beginnings. His brother Tucker often said that Mitch needed to stop focusing on the pain of the past and remember the good things from their childhood.

Trouble was, Mitch was the oldest, and he remembered things differently from Tucker. It was as though they had different childhoods. In a very real way, that was the truth. Mitch had been raised by their mother. The rest of the siblings were raised by Mitch.

“That’s some view.”

His gaze followed hers up ahead and farther down the tree-lined drive to a pond surrounded by a canopy of weeping willows. Ducks glided across the sun-dappled surface of the water. Beyond the pond, two barns rose up on the left.

“They have ranches in Colorado, of course. Lots of them,” Daisy said. “But I have to admit, I’ve been a city girl all my life. This is my first visit to any ranch.”

Mitch sneaked a look at the woman next to him. Her eyes sparkled and a smile lit up her face as she took in her surroundings.

“I guess I’ve sort of taken all of this for granted,” he mused. “Though Rebel Ranch has grown since I was a kid. Evolved, you could say. All thanks to Reece. He’s the businessman in the family.”

“What was it like when you were a kid?”

“This was my grandfather’s land. He ran a successful horse ranch.”

“You were raised here?”

Mitch nearly laughed out loud. He grew up in a trailer on the other side of Rebel. “No. We visited my grandfather on the weekends. This wasn’t even called Rebel Ranch growing up. This was my mother’s daddy’s ranch.”

“Your mother inherited the ranch?”

“Not exactly. It’s a long boring story. The local gossips would be happy to fill you in at the barbershop or the beauty parlor.”

Yeah, pretty much anyone in town would be happy to talk about how his grandfather refused to let Mitch’s father on his land, and the Rainbolt kids didn’t inherit the ranch until both their parents passed.

Daisy swiveled in her seat, her attention now focused out his side window. “What’s that?” she asked.

Mitch turned to see what had caught her attention. In the middle of the pasture yard, ranch hands were setting up tents. “They’re getting ready for the first big ranch event of the summer.” Mitch parked the vehicle and unstrapped his seat belt. “And now I know why my brother asked me to come out here.”

Daisy opened her door and took a deep breath. “That smell. Horses and hay.” The words were spoken with the wonder and awe of a child at Christmas.

Mitch smiled, trying to see the world from her eyes. Didn’t work. He’d lived in Rebel for far too long. The next thing he heard was a plaintive cry of surprise as she stepped down from the other side of the vehicle.

“You okay?” he asked.

“I am, but my shoes will never be the same.” She groaned. “These are new duty shoes too.”

Mitch held back a chuckle as he realized exactly what just happened. “You stepped in something, I take it.”

“Yes.” Disgust laced her voice.

“My fault. I should have given you a heads-up. When you’re on the ranch, always look before you step.”

Daisy laughed and gave him a sidelong glance from across the hood of the vehicle. “That information would have been handy five minutes ago.” She shook her head and wiped her feet back and forth on the gravel.

“Come on. There’s a hose on the side of the house.” Mitch waved a greeting to a few of the ranch hands while he and Daisy crossed the yard.

“What a lovely house. Is this yours?” she asked as they approached a sprawling stone ranch home.

“No. It’s the main building for the guest ranch. Reece built the place. They’ve got a billiards table and a giant flat-screen television and such. The smaller ranch events are held there.”

“Where do you and the rest of the Rainbolts live?” Daisy asked.

“I live in town. My brothers have built homes on the property.”

“The guests? Where do they stay?”

“There’s a half dozen guest cabins with first-class amenities down that path.” He pointed to the right. “Occasionally Reece uses the second floor of the main house for VIP visitors.”

Daisy followed his gaze down the path through the woods.

“Do you mind sitting on those steps and tossing me your shoes?” Mitch unwound a hose from the side of the house.

A moment later he swung around at the jingle of horse tack. His brother Reece, in jeans and a denim shirt with a black Stetson on his head, sat on an ebony stallion. Why was it that his brother always looked like a dime-store novel cowboy hero? Yeah, the number two son had definitely been first in line when the movie-star good looks were handed out.

“Don’t you have somebody to clean up the horse patties around here?” Mitch asked him. “My officer ruined her shoes.”

“Did she now?” Reece slipped from his horse and greeted Daisy with a megawatt smile. “My apologies, Officer...”

“Anderson,” Daisy said.

Mitch did a double take. Daisy’s expression hadn’t changed. There was none of the usual female flutters and swooning in response to his brother’s aura of charm.

“Officer Anderson, this is my brother Reece,” Mitch interjected. “Reece, this is Officer Daisy Anderson.”

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Reece removed a glove and offered Daisy a hand in greeting.

Daisy glanced at the soiled shoes in her hands and wrinkled her nose. “Um, probably not a good idea.”

“Good point,” Reece returned with a smile.

“You’re the brother who runs the ranch?” she asked.

“That’s right. I’m the handsome Rainbolt brother.” He winked. “Just in case you were wondering.”

Daisy chuckled at the bold assertion. “Your ranch is beautiful,” she returned.

“Thank you. We’re hustling to prepare for our summer kickoff this weekend. We’ve got a real old-fashioned hoedown planned for Friday night.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“It is, and consider this your invitation to join us.”

Daisy hesitated to answer, and Mitch knew she was thinking about her children.

“Friday night’s event is for adults. The rest of the summer is dedicated to families and children,” Mitch added. “Good opportunity for you to meet the townsfolk.”

She nodded thoughtfully.

When Reece took off his hat and put his hand on his heart Mitch wanted to groan.

“Ma’am,” his brother continued. “I’d be insulted if our newest law-enforcement officer didn’t join us.”

Her brows raised slightly, and she smiled. “Then I accept your invitation, Mr. Rainbolt.”

“It’s Reece, and you just made my day.” Once again he offered the full Reece wattage.

Mitch took a deep breath. His brother was on a roll now.

“There’s a ladies’ room inside if you’d like to wash your hands. In the meantime, I’ll take those shoes and get them cleaned up.”

“Oh, that’s unnecessary. I’m sure hosing them off would be sufficient.”

“Miss Daisy, you’ve got to let a cowboy be chivalrous.”

Miss Daisy? Mitch blinked at the words, finding himself unreasonably annoyed.

“It’s the way we do things out here,” his brother continued. “I’ve got some good leather cleaners in the barn. Just take a jiffy. They’ll be good as new.” He nodded toward the guesthouse. “There’s coffee on the counter in there. Help yourself.”

“I, um...” She looked to Mitch.

“You may as well give in now,” Mitch said. “Reece will pester you to death until you say yes.”

She smiled and handed Reece the shoes. “All right, then. Thank you.”

Mitch waited until Daisy was out of earshot, then uncrossed his arms and turned to his brother. “Kind of early in the morning for you to be spreading the malarkey so thick with my new employee.”

Reece merely laughed and headed toward the barn with the shoes dangling from his gloved hands. “Wake up on the wrong side of the saddle?”

“Nope. What you see is what you get. Every single day.”

“Yeah, and I’m still trying to figure out how it is you’re such a curmudgeon when the rest of the family has magnetic personalities.”

“Magnetic, huh? You’re like a used-car salesman on a horse.”

Reece only laughed at the words.

Mitch followed him into the barn where they both grabbed a couple of rags and saddle soap. They worked silently for several moments removing debris.

“I like your Daisy Anderson,” Reece said.

“Glad to have your approval, but she isn’t my anything,” he fairly growled. As if a beauty like Daisy would be interested in a beast like him. Not likely.

“Interesting,” Reece said.

“What?” Mitch asked, his annoyance doubling.

His brother shoved his Stetson to the back of his head and studied Mitch for a moment. “You like her too.”

“Don’t start.” He held up a palm. “The woman is thirty-two years old.”

“Age is only a number.”

“My number is nine years older than hers, and my number is old.” Never in his wildest dreams would someone young and full of so much potential, like Daisy, be interested in someone like him.