Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 76759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I feign a yawn. “I guess I should get to bed.”
“So tomorrow is the day?” Donny says.
He’s referring to me telling my parents I’m going on the tour, of course.
“I guess I’ve put it off long enough.”
“They won’t be happy,” he says.
“Rub it in, why don’t you?”
“Why do you want to do this again?” he asks. “I’m not quite clear on it.”
I hold out my left hand. I need a manicure. “It’s a chance to see Europe. I’ve never been.”
“Then go for a couple of weeks with us,” Callie says. “You don’t have to go the whole time.”
Callie clearly doesn’t know I’m madly in love with her brother. No one does. Not even the rest of the awesome foursome.
I pause. Maybe I could tell Callie the truth, but not Donny. He’d freak.
“I just feel strongly that I want to do this,” I finally say. “I’d still be in school anyway if I hadn’t graduated early. Mom and Dad have no reason to need me here. They didn’t know I’d be here until a couple of weeks ago.”
“Yeah, but you’re still their baby,” Donny says.
I cross my arms. “I’m a grown woman capable of making my own decisions.”
“You’re a cowgirl through and through, Bree,” Donny says. “The most of any of us. Even Dale, though he stayed on the ranch, is far from a cowboy. You’re Dad’s true progeny. The only one to share his interest.”
I huff. “I’ll still share his interest six months later. I just want to go.”
“But once Callie and I leave,” Donny says, “what will you do?”
I rise, pace across the deck and back. “I’ll go with the band. I’ll make myself useful. And if I can’t, I’ll stay out of their way. But I’ll be at every concert cheering them on. Rory’s going to be a Steel soon. Shouldn’t a Steel be with her, cheering her on?”
Donny narrows his gaze at me. “A Steel will be. Brock will be there.”
He’s right. That argument doesn’t hold any water.
“I mean a Steel who she’s not going to marry.”
Donny shakes his head. “For the life of me, I don’t get what you’re doing, sis. But I support you. I’ll have your back. And I’m glad Brock will be there to keep his eye on you.”
“No one needs to keep an eye on me,” I say, my tone petulant.
“You’re still my little sis. So yeah, I’m going to have Brock keep an eye on you.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever.” Brock is only two years older than I am, but he’s got a Y chromosome. I love my brothers and cousins, but they take this overprotective chivalry way too seriously.
“Give us a call tomorrow,” Callie says. “After you tell your mom and dad.”
“If they don’t react well, I’ll probably be on your doorstep.”
“It won’t be that bad.” Donny rises and gives me a brotherly hug.
“I guess we’ll see.” I sigh. “I think I’m going to bed. Good night, you guys.”
I head up to bed.
I didn’t say good night to Mom and Dad or Aunt Marj and Uncle Bryce, who are all still sitting on the other side of the deck, deep in conversation.
Instead, I head straight for my room, take a quick shower, and then flop onto my bed wearing nothing but a pair of cotton panties.
And I dream about Jesse Pike.
The next morning, I get up early. Ranching work starts with the sun, sometimes before.
Mom and Dad are already at the breakfast table, and I don’t know where Diana is. Probably still asleep. She gave up keeping ranching hours when she went off to college to study architecture.
In fact, she’ll drive back to Denver today to continue her internship. Then she’ll be back for the holidays.
“Good morning, Bree,” Mom says. “Coffee’s on.”
“Where’s Darla?” I ask.
“She’s taking a few days off. Spending time with her family so she can be here for the holidays.”
“You’re not letting her go home for the holidays?”
“We offered, of course,” Dad says. “But she wants to be here.”
I shake my head. “I can’t say I understand that decision, but whatever.” I go to the cupboard, pull out my favorite coffee mug, and pour a healthy dose of coffee. Mom makes the best coffee—strong, black, and robust.
I take a sip, thinking. I’m going to work with Dad today, but Donny is right. I need to let him and Mom know my plans for the first of the year.
“We’re going to the office today, Bree,” Dad says. “I’ve got some work to do with Joe and Bryce on the financials. We have some new contracts coming in for fruit. You can help me with all of that. We’re expanding the Granny Smith orchard. I know that’s your favorite.”
He’s right. I do love the tangy tartness of the green Granny Smith. “I’ll be glad to, Dad.”
“I have to tell you that it works out really well that you were able to graduate early. I’ll sure be able to use you come the first of the year. One of our best men is leaving, and I thought I’d have to replace him, but instead, you’ll be able to fill the void.”