The Cowgirl Meets Her Match (Elk Heights Ranch)

by Kristin Vayden

  “Nope.”

  “Then at least be quiet so I can answer your brother’s question.” He kissed her mouth softly.

  “Guys...” Sterling closed his eyes and drew out the word.

  “Yes. You need to talk with Jasper,” Cyler replied, and Sterling opened his eyes.

  “Today?”

  “Probably would be wise. You gotta realize Jasper is already going to have a few strikes against you for trying to steal Kessed, then you jump ship and go after Harper? Probably didn’t settle well. You guys need to work it out, or else Harper won’t be comfortable with the situation, and you’re screwed before you even have a shot,” Cyler explained.

  “What he said.” Laken kissed his cheek and walked out of the hug.

  “Just lay it out, man to man, and you’ll be fine. Jasper’s a good guy, and if this works out with you and Harper, he’ll be your brother. Think ahead, man, and do things the right way,” Cyler added.

  “Yes. I get that. I’ll text him and see if maybe we can talk before I pick up Harper.”

  “When is that?” Laken asked, her grin back in full force.

  “About one,” Sterling answered.

  “You’ve got plenty of time then.” Laken pulled down several plates while Cyler put the eggs on the table along with a stack of buttered toast and a plate of bacon.

  Sterling studied the food. “Guys, thank you. I really appreciate all that you’ve done for me. Not just the food and keeping me busy...” He directed the comment to Cyler, who nodded in response. He turned to Laken next. “...but also for giving me a home. It’s something I haven’t had in a really long time, and I—I honestly forgot what it felt like. Thanks for reminding me.”

  Laken’s eyes were shimmering as she looked down, biting her lip. After a breath, she turned back to Sterling. “Honey, we love you. This is your home. But thank you, it’s...it’s really great to hear that you’re happy here. I was really worried you’d hate it.” She shrugged, a tear trailing down her face.

  Sterling was horrified. “Why in the devil would I hate it?”

  “You’ve had a hard year, the most difficult part walking away from the marines. You loved being deployed, you loved traveling...this is pretty much the opposite.” She shrugged a shoulder as Cyler reached across the table and grasped her hand.

  “As a man, I get how you need purpose, something to aim for and strive to achieve. You had that, and then it was taken away. It’s hard to find your footing, but you’re getting there. And your sister and I...we care.” As Cyler spoke, his baritone conveyed his sincerity.

  Sterling was humbled, nodding to Cyler then offering his sister a small smile. “Thank you. I appreciate every moment. And don’t worry about me, Lake. I might not be a cowboy, but I’m tough like one.”

  Laken chuckled. “You are.” She wiped a tear away. “Gah, I’m so freaking emotional it’s killing me.” She sniffed delicately and wiped her eyes again.

  “It’s all good. Your tears don’t freak me out.” Sterling gave her a lopsided grin.

  “Now that we’ve had our eggs properly salted...” Cyler winked at Laken, earning a glare in return.

  Sterling chuckled but covered his mouth with his hand as Cyler continued.

  “...let’s dig in.”

  Sterling took care of the dishes after breakfast, and as he was finishing up, his text alert went off.

  He unlocked the screen and read the message from Laken with Jasper’s contact information.

  Now was as good a time as any.

  He tapped in the number and frowned at his phone, trying to gather his thoughts.

  Hey Jasper, would you be able to talk with me later today?

  After he sent it, he groaned in frustration, realizing Jasper wouldn’t have a clue who had sent the text. He fired off another quick one.

  This is Sterling.

  The message bubble appeared, signaling a reply, and he waited impatiently.

  Ten am?

  Sterling expelled his pent-up breath and tapped a quick reply.

  Sure. Where do you want to meet?

  Jasper replied almost immediately.

  I’ll come to your place.

  Sterling nodded, then tapped his agreement into the message box and sent it.

  He had two hours, and that was a lot of time to think, damn it.

  Opening up another message window, he started a message to Harper.

  Still on for one?

  When a bubble didn’t pop up, he tucked the phone in his pocket and strode out to the barn. Cyler had mentioned that he’d welcome some help out there after breakfast, and Sterling wasn’t one to dodge work.

  If anything, today was the day for manual labor. Work out the stress and anticipation. Nothing sounded more welcome.

  “Hey, can you give me a hand?” Cyler asked as Sterling walked into the barn.

  “Sure thing.” Sterling strode over to Cyler.

  “Hold it right here. I got it level, but once I start hammering in the nail, it will probably try to move on you.”

  Sterling leaned against the pine two-by-four, holding it in place, keeping an eye on the bubble to make sure it stayed level. Cyler pounded in the galvanized nails with the practiced ease of a construction worker, and soon Sterling’s job was rendered unnecessary as the nails held the board in place.

  “Next one.” Cyler nodded to a board leaning against the wall of the barn.

  “Got it.” Sterling picked it up and carefully swung it around so that it would fit beside the other beam.

  Cyler set the level then tapped the board Sterling was holding with his hammer, making slight adjustments till the bubble hovered perfectly in the middle.

  As Cyler was finishing up nailing the second board in place, he addressed Sterling. “So, your sister doesn’t know, but I have something planned for the next two days. I’m going to need you to hold down the fort for me.” He dusted off his hands and regarded Sterling. “Mostly, everything is taken care of, but you’ll have to ride out and check on the herd, make sure none of the gates blow closed, and feed Margaret.”

  Sterling nodded. “Not a problem. So, where are you taking Laken?”

  Cyler grinned. “We’re going to Salish Lodge up by Snoqualmie Falls. They have wood-burning fireplaces in each room. She’s going to love it.”

  Sterling chuckled. “Romantic.”

  “That’s the plan,” Cyler answered with a wink.

  “Great, well, when do you leave?” Sterling picked up a pitchfork and headed toward Margaret’s stall.

  “We need to check in by four, but I’m hoping to be out of here by noon. It’s not that far of a drive, but it would be fun to hike around the falls first,” Cyler answered as Sterling tossed Margaret a flake of alfalfa. The green dust settled around her as the mare lowered her head to sniff at her breakfast.

  Sterling opened the stall door and patted Margaret’s large frame as he walked to the back of the enclosure to clean up the manure and lay down fresh hay.

  “Here’s the wagon.” Cyler followed him in and set the wagon close.

  “Thanks.”

  Cyler patted Margaret’s rump as he left the stall. “I’m going to tell Laken. That way she has time to pack. Lord knows, that woman takes forever to accomplish that task.”

  “I had a childhood that was dictated by Laken’s inability to pack clothes. Don’t even start with me, man,” Sterling teased as Cyler walked out of the barn.

  Cyler gave Sterling a commiserating grin over his shoulder as he walked out into the sunlight.

  “Well, looks like it’s just you and me for a while, old girl.” Sterling watched Margaret out of the corner of his eye as he completed his task. He’d come to a place where he wasn’t totally scared shitless of the huge animal, but that didn’t mean he trusted her.

  Not by a long shot.


  As he wheeled the wagon out of the stall, he patted Margaret’s hindquarters, making sure she knew he was there so she wouldn’t kick.

  Not that he’d ever seen her kick.

  But there was always a first time for everything, and he didn’t want it to be him.

  As Sterling slid the barn door closed, his phone buzzed. After pulling it out of his pocket, he saw that Harper had replied to his earlier message.

  One, it is. Of course, you have to brave my big bad brother before that. You do realize he’s cleaning his gun right now...

  Sterling chuckled. As if that intimidated him. Guns were merely an extension of himself in combat. Hell, he half wanted to drive down to Harper’s house and help Jasper do it correctly.

  Grinning, he replied.

  Does he need help? Guns don’t intimidate me... Give me a horse and that’s a different story.

  The bubble popped up.

  Damn, should have seen that one. Okay, he’s not cleaning his gun. He’s planning on taking you for a trail ride around a steep cliff.

  Just thinking about the confrontation had Sterling breaking into a cold sweat.

  Mission accomplished. I’m scared shitless. Happy now?

  He could almost hear her laughter in his mind as the bubble popped up.

  Yes. But he actually is cleaning his gun, weird coincidence. I’ll tell him you want to help.

  Damn, Harper! Sterling wiped his hand down his face and closed his eyes. She wouldn’t really, would she?

  She continued the message.

  He says you should head over here if you want to impress him with your...uh...‘ability to handle your weapon.’ I don’t even want to know...

  Sterling chuckled, recognizing the veiled threat and implication, respecting it as well.

  Be there soon.

  Good response. He’s reading over my shoulder. Ass.

  Sterling rolled his eyes as he walked to the ranch house. Well, at least he was dealing on a level he was comfortable with: weapons.

  As he opened the side door, he heard his sister’s voice. “Check the weather for me, baby.”

  Sure enough, Laken was in full-on packing mode. Sterling gave an amused grin to Cyler who dutifully pulled out his phone to check the app.

  “Warm enough.”

  “Meaning what exactly?” Laken asked from down the hall in the master bedroom.

  “Meaning, if you pack a sweatshirt, it would be a smart idea, but not entirely necessary.” Cyler bit back a grin, and Sterling saluted his efforts at torturing Laken.

  “Gah, you know what I mean,” Laken ground out.

  “Actually, I—”

  “Numbers, Cyler!”

  Sterling chuckled, giving Cyler a high five as he passed and went into his bedroom to grab his wallet.

  Frowning, he realized he was without transportation to Harper’s home. That was something he’d have to fix, but he didn’t have enough time today. Thankfully he’d always saved the majority of his income from the marines, not needing much of it since he’d been mostly overseas. Having a nest egg available was one of the only bright spots of the past year.

  With a sigh, he walked back in the hall, watching as Cyler brought a suitcase out of her room.

  “She’s done?” Sterling asked, surprise in his tone.

  “More or less.”

  “Cyler Myer, I can’t believe you just grabbed a load of unfolded laundry and tossed it in—”

  Cyler interrupted her tirade by letting go of the luggage handle and kissing his wife into silence.

  Sterling glanced away but grinned at his brother-in-law’s effective measures.

  “Let’s go. You don’t really need clothes anyway,” Cyler added when he released Laken from the kiss.

  “Didn’t need to hear that part.” Sterling groaned. “Lake, can I borrow your car while you’re gone?”

  “Sure, the keys are hanging up. You feel comfortable driving?”

  Sterling nodded. “Yeah, I won’t be going far. Jasper wants to have a man to man.”

  Cyler slapped his back. “May God have mercy on your soul.”

  “Whatever. You’re fine. Yes, take the car, have fun, and if you need anything, just text me.”

  “Laken, Sterling can take care of himself.” Cyler tugged on her hand, leading her toward the door.

  Sterling waved as they disappeared to the outside. As the sound of the pickup driving down the gravel road slowly dissipated, he soaked up the silence.

  As much as he loved being with Laken and Cyler, it was pleasant to have a moment to himself.

  He glanced to his phone.

  Damn. He had to get a move on if he was to get to Harper and Jasper’s home anytime soon.

  He crossed to the front door, glorying in the fact that his leg didn’t hurt at all, almost felt strong. It was an empowering feeling, one that made him almost seem whole.

  Unbroken.

  In control.

  He snagged Laken’s keys from the hook by the front door, made sure to lock up, then headed to her little sedan. As he drove to Harper’s house, he tried to play out different scenarios in his mind of possible interactions with Jasper. Like he was preparing a raid, he imagined all the entrances and exits for the conversation, the danger zones, the difficult topics, and the areas that could prove problematic.

  The trip passed quickly, and he soon was driving up the dirt road that led to Spartan’s barn and Jasper’s house.

  He turned off the engine and tucked the keys in his pocket. As he strode to the house, he breathed in a calming breath.

  The door swung open, and immediately all his tension melted like snow in the sunshine. “Hey, you.” Harper leaned her shoulder against the door. Her hair was swept up into a high ponytail with the purple ends framing her face. Her open-neck sweatshirt slung low, exposing her sun-kissed shoulder.

  “Hey.” Sterling’s gaze roamed her beautiful face. Her skin glowed, and he realized she wasn’t wearing any makeup. “Damn, you look beautiful in the morning,” he murmured softly as he stepped up onto the porch.

  Her green eyes flashed with amusement before her cheeks colored slightly. “Thanks. I’m sporting the all-natural look today.”

  “I like it.” Sterling’s lips widened into a welcoming smile as he reached out and grasped her hand.

  “Hey, you don’t need to score any points with me. It’s the guy inside. You ready for this?” Harper nodded her head once, motioning behind her, daring him with a sassy grin.

  “I think you’re more nervous than I,” Sterling challenged.

  Harper’s answer rang in her amused laughter. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, Captain.” She swung the door open wide for him.

  “Oh, Jasper, you’ve got company!” she called out before Sterling could greet her brother himself. She led him to the kitchen.

  “Hey.” Jasper turned off the kitchen faucet and dried his hands on the nearby towel.

  “Hey.” Sterling waited for Jasper to make the first move, to direct the conversation. This was on his timeline, and Sterling was happy to let him lead.

  “I’ll, uh, just be back by about noon.” Harper took a step toward the door, distracting Sterling.

  He gave her a questioning glance.

  She gave a quick smile to her brother before turning to Sterling. “I’m checking out a potential second racer. Her name is Audrey. She’s a younger mare, but her bloodline is amazing. Fate’s Fancy is her sire, and her dame is Calendar Girl’s March—both award winners in the barrel-racing world. She’s kind of a pill to ride, so she’s been difficult to sell. I’m hoping that we hit it off.” Harper winked at Sterling.

  “Text when you get there and when you’re done. Uncle Vince said it’s legit, but that doesn’t mean I blindly trust these people,” Jasper warned.

  “It�
��s fine.” Harper rolled her eyes. “But don’t worry, I’ll text. Okay? You actually have your phone with you?”

  Sterling turned to Jasper and tried to get a read on his reaction. “Yup. Ever since you gave me that stupid little tile square, I can’t lose the damn gadget.”

  “And that’s bad?” Kessed asked as she walked into the room. She placed a kiss on Jasper’s cheek and then gave a small wave to Sterling. “Aw, so you’re not just brave on the front lines, huh? Way to show some balls today, Sterling.” She poked Jasper’s ribs. “Go easy on him.”

  “Why are you all picking on me?” Jasper growled. “Just let me know, okay?”

  “Fine,” Harper replied. Her gaze flickered between the men.

  Sterling wondered what was going on behind those green eyes. She seemed indecisive about something.

  She took a tentative step forward then straightened her shoulders, her resolve strengthening in her gaze as she focused on Sterling. It happened in just a moment, but she closed the distance between them and stretched to kiss his cheek, her scent of lemon lingering longer than she, as she spun on her heel and disappeared out the door.

  Kessed’s giggle had him turning to question her amusement.

  “Have fun, Jas.”

  Jasper sighed but apparently wasn’t about to let Kessed walk away yet. He snagged her around the waist and kissed her full on the mouth, creating an awkward silence in the room as Sterling diverted his eyes.

  “See you later.” Kessed’s voice told him the coast was clear, and he glanced back to the parting couple. Kessed gave a small wave as she left through the front door.

  Leaving them alone.

  And there wasn’t even a damn gun on the table to mess around with and clean up.

  “So...why does this feel redundant?” Jasper asked as he strode around the table and pulled out a chair, motioning for Sterling to sit as well.

  “Something does feel familiar.” Sterling tested the waters by following Jasper’s lead into the amusing aspect of their situation.

  “I was led to believe you didn’t have an interest in my little sister.” Jasper drove his statement home as he speared Sterling with a hard gaze.