by Taryn Plendl
“Thank you both for coming today.” Mr. Davis sat behind his desk and loosened his tie before shuffling through papers and opening a manila folder. “We’re here to read through Dalton’s Will and to settle his estate.” He paused, clearing his throat. “For the most part, everything’s in perfect order. Dalton kept meticulous records, and I’ve been through everything.”
I nodded in agreement without even seeing proof. I knew how careful Dalton had been with everything pertaining to the ranch. There was no surprise there.
“We can go over specifics of what he wanted to see happen with the ranch and its future, but I think it’s best for you both to understand he was adamant that his requests be followed.” Mr. Davis made a point to look at each of us.
His pause made me anxious. Of course, we would follow Dalton’s wishes. Glancing over at Mirabelle, I could see that she too must’ve been thinking the same thing.
“Dalton has left the ranch to you both,” Mr. Davis stated clearly.
“What?” I asked, sitting up straight.
“Wow.” Mirabelle leaned back in her chair.
I gripped her hand tighter, because I was afraid she would pull away, but also because my head was suddenly spinning. What was Dalton thinking?
I sat across from Mirabelle in the booth of the small diner. She kept her head down, playing with her straw, deep in thought. The morning had been emotional for us. It was hard to sit there and listen to Dalton’s wishes, knowing this was it. After the legal stuff was taken care of, all we had to do was exist without him.
“Are you okay?” I asked, worried by how quiet she had been since we’d left Mr. Davis’s office. Most of the information we gathered was to be expected, but there had been some pretty big surprises, and I needed to know where her head was.
“I’m just so confused.” She sighed, looking up at me for the first time since we’d sat down. A wild curl hung in her eyes, and I wanted to reach out and wrap it around my finger, just to feel it against my hand.
“About what?” I asked instead. Our food arrived, so she waited until the waitress left to answer.
“I guess I just don’t understand what he was thinking.”
Part of me was happy she was feeling the same way as me.
“Are you upset he left half the ranch to me?” That Dalton split the ranch equally shocked me. He’d never mentioned anything like that to me.
Mirabelle shook her head. “No, of course not. I guess I just wish I knew what he was thinking, you know, mostly about me.” She absently chewed a fry, staring at the wall over my shoulder. “I have no idea what I’m supposed to do now. I thought I had my next steps figured out, but now, everything’s just a mess.” With her brows knitted in a frown and her lips set in a grim line, she looked so sad.
“Well, maybe Dalton was trying to tell you something. Maybe he thought you belonged here instead of on the East coast.” At that moment, my response was more about what I wanted than what Dalton had, but with our last conversation still fresh, I didn’t feel bad about saying it. He wanted her back on the ranch as much as I did.
“Really?” she asked with wide eyes. “Did he say that?”
“He might’ve mentioned it. He never liked you being so far away from him.” I wasn’t sure she was ready to hear about our last conversation, or maybe I wasn’t ready to share it with her yet. Before I sprang my feelings onto her, I needed to fix things. The last thing I wanted was to scare her away again.
“Well, he’s not here anymore, so what does it matter now?”
Her words had a bit of a bite to them, and I had to remind myself she was hurting. She was also baiting me, but I wanted her to stay because she wanted to, not because I wanted her to.
“Is there really no other reason for you to stay, Mirabelle?”
A small shrug was her answer, and we ate the rest of our meal in silence. The lack of conversation did nothing for my confidence. If this was some random girl, I wouldn’t have an issue. If I was just looking to get off, this would be easy. Without Dalton as a buffer, we were completely failing in the communication department. If I had any idea how to open up to her, I would’ve already done it. God knows I wanted to be the person she remembered before she felt rejected by me. Finding a way to bring back her beautiful smile with something to warm her soul instead of drain her, was my top priority. Desperation and fear churned in my gut. The only thing I was positive of was I couldn’t fucking lose her again.
“Would you mind if I run into the hardware store before we head back?” There were a handful of items I needed for the ranch, and the less time I spent away from the ranch right now was best.
“Not at all. I’m gonna wait by the truck, okay?” She headed off, her arms wrapped around her waist as if she was holding herself together.
For a brief moment, as I crossed the road, I contemplated going to her. She looked sad, tired, and just plain overwhelmed. I made an effort to be quick with my errand so I could get her home and take care of her.
M I R A B E L L E
What the hell did I do with half of the ranch? Truth was, so much had changed over the years since I’d left. Nate’s training clinic and private clients were two things I knew nothing about. And thinking of the financial aspect of running an operation our size made my head pound. Hard work and sweat was the easy part.
And Silas thought I was upset Dalton split it between us, but I wasn’t—not in the least. He was family as much as I was. They were like brothers. We were going to need to have some serious discussions if we were going to continue the ranch the way Dalton had envisioned. Talk. Yeah, we’d failed at that task so far.
“Is there really no other reason for you to stay, Mirabelle?”
The answer to his question was yes. One really big yes was the tall cowboy in the hardware store. As hard as I’d tried to forget every memory for the past four years, no matter how far I ran, I would never truly break free from this place. My home was ingrained in me. The clean air and unspoiled landscape called to me like never before, yet doubt remained.
The late spring day was shaping up to be a beautiful one. The ever-changing sky was bluer than I’d seen in a long time—not a cloud in sight. Despite the warmth in the valley, snow topped the mountain peaks like a cloth draped over a table. The contrast between the white and the green new life growing below was breathtaking.
“Well, hello again.” The deep voice approached from the left. “Mira, isn’t it?”
My drinking buddy from the bar stopped in front of me, flashing his white smile. His clothes didn’t appear to see much work, and one glance at his soft hands and shiny nails proved my point. Did he get manicures? Why would he want our ranch if he wasn’t a true rancher?
“Hi, Rick. Nice to see you again,” I lied.
“What brings you to town today?” His voice was casual, but he eyed me too closely, almost like a predator stalking its prey. It was creepy.
“Just random errands.” I shrugged. I wasn’t about to give him anything.
“I see. So, how are you doing without Dalton? If you need any help, I’d be happy to help out.” His grin widened as he inched closer to me.
There was no chance to respond before Rick slammed against the side of the truck. Silas pressed his forearm against Rick’s neck, holding him in place. Silas’s nostrils flared as he leaned forward. His glare was fixed on its mark, watching intently. The veins in his arms bulged. I should’ve been scared. I should’ve told him to stop. But something about what he was doing left my stomach in excited knots. Warmth filled me from head to toe. Watching how he was acting almost made me believe I could be more to him.
“What fucking part of ‘stay the fuck away from her’ was hard to understand?” Silas growled low and serious. His chest heaved as he held Rick in place.
Shaking myself from whatever temporary wonder I’d been in, I finally reacted. “Silas, you’re choking him.” I pulled on his arm as Rick gasped for air. “Silas, please stop,” I begged.
Silas re
leased a coughing, sputtering Rick, flinging him away from me in the process. His muscles jumped and jerked under my hand, and I couldn’t remember a time I’d ever seen Silas this angry.
“What the fuck, Si?” Rick squeaked, hands on his knees as he gasped for air. “I was just talking to Mira. No harm in that.”
“Wrong, fucker.” Silas stepped back toward him, but rather than touching him again, he stopped. “I told you to stay away from her. That means no talking to her. In fact, don’t even fucking look at her. You get me?”
“Don’t you think Mira can speak for herself? It’s not like you’re together.” Rick stood up straighter. Cockiness covered his features. Apparently, he wasn’t worried anymore about Silas coming after him again because I’d stopped him before.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Rick.” Silas wrapped his hand in Rick’s shirt and shook him. “Mirabelle is mine. We are together, so you can get whatever thoughts you had about moving in on her out of your ugly fucking head.” Silas flicked him in the head before he shoved Rick and stepped to where I stood, slack-jawed, wide-eyed, and unable to move.
Did he really just tell Rick we’re together? While my mind whirled in circles of confusion, Silas wasted no time getting me in the truck.
“Want to tell me what the hell that was about?” I asked quietly as he drove out of town.
“He’s going to keep sniffing around, Mirabelle. He thinks he can get the ranch if he goes through you. It’s better if he thinks we’re together.”
His words hit me like a punch in the gut. I stared out my window and watched the scenery pass, trying to keep the knot in my stomach from turning to tears.
As soon as Silas stopped the truck, I unhooked my seatbelt and hopped out. I needed to get away from him.
“What the hell’s wrong now?” Silas rounded the truck and stood in front of me. “Dammit, Mirabelle, I’d love to spend one day without accidentally pissing you off.” He looked so stressed out.
I felt bad for making things so hard between us. So much was left unsaid, and there never seemed like a right time to address everything.
“I’m sorry, Silas. Everything is fine. I’m just overwhelmed.” I sighed. “You’re right, a fake relationship is the way to deal with Rick.” I tried to sidestep him, but his arms circled me, and he herded me back against the truck. His lips were on me before I could argue, not that I truly wanted to protest.
Warmth covered my body as Silas pressed fully against me, holding me against the hard metal. His lips moved firmly, yet meticulously against mine. His tongue ran along the seam of my lips, demanding I open for him. A soft moan escaped me, and he took the opportunity to plunge his tongue into my mouth, tasting and searching as he drew me closer against his body. His hand rested underneath my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek as our tongues mingled. I ran my fingers down his back, pulling him even closer until there was no space left between us. His heart beat against my chest. His rigid muscles pressed against my breasts.
It was better than I’d ever imagined.
Unfortunately, he stopped too soon, leaving me breathless and wanting for more.
“Let me assure you, Mirabelle”—he pushed his hips against me, his hard erection nestled against my stomach, causing an ache to form between my legs—“there is not anything fake about this—not now and not ever.” Silas touched his forehead to mine, looking deep into my eyes.
“But yesterday, you said nothing had changed,” I managed to get out, trying to catch my breath.
“Exactly. Nothing has changed. My feelings for you are the same today as they were four years ago when you ran.” He placed a soft kiss on my forehead, causing my thoughts to spin out of control.
“I don’t understand,” I whispered. His confusing words made me feel like I was in an alternate universe.
“Si!” Nate hollered from the barn, causing us to turn. “Fuck, man, I’m sorry, but we have a problem.”
“Go,” I said, nodding to the barn.
“We still need to talk, Mirabelle.” He squeezed my hips before heading to the barn.
What just happened?
My brain took several minutes before it functioned enough to command my legs to move. As I entered the main house, my thoughts were jumbled. What had I missed? Just when I convinced myself I had a grasp on something, fate took a new turn, propelling me in unexpected directions. My emotions were a rollercoaster ride I couldn’t seem to get off. I needed to find some sort of clarity in this mess of things.
“That was some kiss, my dear.” Caroline winked at me from the kitchen. Heat crept up my face.
“I’m a mess, Caroline,” I admitted.
“I know, dear.” She handed me a couple of bags. “Put those sandwiches in these, please. The boys are sleeping in the field tonight. Apparently, an entire section of the north fence is out, and Ryke needs both Si and Nate out there.”
I did as she asked, helping her gather provisions for an overnight trip.
“What about the horses and the evening chores?” I hated knowing so little about my own ranch.
“A couple of off-site hands will come in this evening and again in the morning to make sure everything is taken care of,” Caroline confirmed, making me feel a little better. Just as we finished packing everything, Nate and Silas walked into the house.
“Thank you, Caroline.” Silas kissed her on the cheek as she handed him everything.
“You’re welcome, dear. You boys stay safe. Call on the radio if you need anything,” she said as she wiped the counters.
It was obvious they’d done this before. What else had I missed?
“We should be back tomorrow night.” Silas leaned in toward me, speaking softly. “We need to talk.”
I nodded, unsure where things stood with us. His fingers feathered my cheek before he left.
“Caroline?”
“Yes, sweetie?”
“I need to borrow the ranch car. Is that okay?” I asked, thankful as hell when she agreed. After giving her a quick hug, I rushed to my room. I had something to take care of, and now was as good a time as any.
As I pulled a small bag from the top of my closet, I dialed Shiloh’s number.
“Hey, Mira! How are things at home?” Her voice wrapped me in warmth.
“I’m a hot mess.” Nervous laughter bubbled in my chest. “Silas kissed me.”
“What? That’s good, right?” Shiloh asked, clearly waiting for more.
“I think so, which leads me to the real reason I called. I need your help.”
“Anything, Mira. You know this.”
I knew then, without a doubt, I was making the right choice.
S I L A S
“She left?” My voice rose to a level Caroline didn’t approve of, if the look she gave me was any indication. “Sorry,” I mumbled, pacing back and forth in the kitchen.
How could she fucking leave again?
We ended up staying in the field for two nights due to the extensive fix needed on the fence. When Ryke called to tell us the fence was down, he wasn’t joking. We’d spent the first day scrapping the old parts to see what we could still use.
The whole situation didn’t sit well with me. How did one segment look like a tornado went through, but nothing else was destroyed? It was as if someone deliberately drove a fucking Mack truck through it and then left.
I worked Ryke and Nate so hard, by the time we left, they were ready to hang me up by my gloves. But my mind was consumed with getting back to Mirabelle and finishing what we’d started. I sure as hell didn’t expect to walk in and find out she’d left the same day we did. The bad part was, I didn’t know where she went. She’d told Caroline she needed to do something and asked to borrow the ranch car. Apparently, she was considerate enough to call and let Caroline know she arrived safely and would be in touch.
I dialed her cell, cursing under my breath when it went straight to voicemail.
“Ow!” The smack to the back of my head made my brain rattle, a hurt like only Caroline
could do.
“Now, Silas, you need to go clean up, do your chores, and calm down. That girl is fine. Obviously just needed to get away.” She scowled at me before mumbling, “Although, with the way you’re acting, I can’t imagine why she’d want to come back.”
It took everything in me not to stomp off. One of Caroline’s many talents was to make me feel like a little boy, and I sure as hell didn’t need to give her another reason to smack me again.
Nerves knotted my stomach and made my palms sweat. A shower was needed to clear my head before I did something stupid. I thought I’d finally made a breakthrough with Mirabelle. That kiss was more than I could’ve dreamed. Her presence alone set my thoughts on fire. I was conflicted most of the time, not wanting to do or say anything that would make her run again. However, the moment our lips touched, everything was as it should be. In a week full of complete chaos, she was suddenly calming the storm.
Well, right up until she’d run again. I had to figure out a way to get her back. Now that I had a taste of her, I couldn’t live without her.
After cleaning up and getting dressed, I headed out to the barn. Nate was putting things away, while Ryke already had a colt in the ring.
“What’s wrong?” Nate asked, furrowing his brows.
I must’ve really looked bad if Nate noticed. He wasn’t usually too aware of people’s moods until it was too late. By then, Ryke usually had stepped in to cool things down and protect his brother from his unfiltered mouth.
“She’s gone.”
“Wait, what?” He dropped the strap he was cleaning.
“Yeah. I have no idea where, and I swear, Nate, I’m fucking losing it.” I explained what Caroline had told me when I walked in looking for Mirabelle.
“Well, maybe . . .” Nate trailed off. “Fuck, I’ve got nothing, Si.” He shrugged, his head shaking from side to side, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at his words. He managed to say exactly what I was feeling.
“Me neither, buddy.” I sighed and picked up a bucket of feed and set off to work, needing to get my mind off everything. These animals needed my attention right now. After I finished, I would figure out what to do next.
