The Cowboy's Family (Family Ties Book 2)

by Carolyne Aarsen

  And each time it did she had to remind herself that she and her children were here and they were safe.

  However, she’d paid a price for her lapse in judgment, and the cost was the trust of her children.

  “Make cake?” Hope looked up at her expectantly.

  “We can make a cake for sure,” Tricia said, grateful for the tiny crumb her daughter threw her. “But not until tomorrow. Though maybe Grandpa wants pie.”

  “You get enough for pie?” Zach asked. “You were gone awhile.”

  It was a casual comment, but it caught her directly in the guilt zone. “You told me to take my time,” she said, choosing her words more carefully

  “I did. Of course. I thought because you took so long you weren’t finding any.”

  “I walked down to our usual patch. It was loaded. I would have gotten more but my sandal broke.”

  Zach eased out a sigh. “Honey, really? Sandals to pick blueberries?”

  “I know. My boots were in the barn.” Hard not to sound prickly. Since she had returned to Tall Timber, she felt she was always defending her actions.

  Zach gave her a careful smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” His apology smoothed the tension from her neck, and she recognized it as a slow movement between them toward a rebuilding of a broken relationship. A relationship she had sorely strained with the actions of her past.

  “Get berries,” Hope said, marching to the door.

  “Me come too,” Cash called out, sliding off his chair and rushing to join his sister. Tricia followed them, but as she closed the French doors behind her, she couldn’t help a quick glance Mason’s way.

  Only to find him, once again, staring at the kids.

  As if trying to answer a question about them.

  Chapter 2

  “Sit down, sit down,” Zach said, waving to an empty chair after Tricia left with the kids. “Do you want coffee now that you’re here? Just made a fresh pot.”

  “Sounds good.” Mason dragged his attention away from Tricia’s retreating back and the twins toddling alongside her. She seemed to move carefully, as if she’d been hurt. Which raised another raft of questions.

  Though the kids seemed happy to be around her, he sensed hesitation in their relationship.

  “Cream or sugar?” Zach asked as he got up and limped across the kitchen.

  “Just black.”

  Zach came back holding a mug with a picture of an older cowboy on a horse that proclaimed World’s Greatest Dad.

  Zach eased himself down in his chair. “Sorry. Been running after the kids all evening to give Tricia a break. I’m more tuckered out than they are.”

  “They seem perky yet,” Mason said, pulling the mug toward himself, glancing at the clock. Nine already.

  “Yeah. They don’t really know the meaning of the word schedule yet,” Zach said with a sigh. “Hopefully that’ll come with time. Anyhow, I’m glad you’re here. Looking forward to seeing what you’ll be doing with the horses.”

  “I understand I’ll be working with your daughter?” Mason asked.

  “The horses belong to her,” Zach said, folding his hands on the table in front of him and tapping his thumbs together. “Thought it would give her a start on this new life she keeps talking about starting.”

  “New life?” Mason tried to make the question sound innocuous, but Zach’s words raised a red flag. He took a sip of coffee, trying to act casual.

  “Old history,” Zach said, looking down at his hands. “Water under the bridge and all that.”

  He would like to know what the man meant, but he’d be here for at least a month. He’d find out sooner or later.

  “So, if she will be helping me, what about the kids?” Mason asked. “I’m guessing they’re hers?”

  Zach’s gaze narrowed, and Mason knew he had stepped over a line.

  “They are hers. And I’ll be taking care of them while she’s working with the horses,” he said. “But only in the afternoon. I’m too old to watch them all day.”

  Mason wanted to ask more questions but sensed he was venturing into territory that was technically none of his business. At least not according to the Tye family.

  She’s okay with leaving her kids in her injured father’s care.

  The words ran through his head as he turned back to Zach, who shifted as if to make himself more comfortable. Mason knew about Zach’s injury, but seeing him struggle made it more real.

  “So do you have a place to stay?” Zach asked.

  “I’ve got to find a hotel or motel yet,” Mason admitted. “I made some calls but haven’t been able to find anything. When I get back to town I’ll see what’s available.”

  “There’s some kind of running race deal going on in town this weekend,” Zach said. “I don’t imagine you'll find a place on the short notice.” He rubbed his fingers over his chin. “We got a couple of cabins on the property,” he said. “Why don’t you stay here? It would make it a lot easier all the way around.”

  “Oh I don’t want to impose,” Mason protested. “I certainly hadn’t figured on that.”

  Zach waved off his objections. “You’re not imposing. I invited you. Besides, it would be more convenient if you’re right on the ranch. We could really get our money’s worth from you.” He winked at Mason as if to let him know he was joking.

  If keeping an eye on Tricia and the kids was part of the job, staying close would be ideal.

  “It sounds like an idea. Tell me how much rent you want, and we can make arrangements.”

  “No, no,” Zach said, slapping his hands together. “The cabin’s empty anyway.”

  “But we can talk about it when it comes time to settle up the bill.”

  Zach’s only reply was a nod. Then he held Mason’s gaze. “So I sensed you’re not too keen on working with my daughter when you’re training the horses?”

  Mason scratched his cheek, stalling to give himself time to plan a diplomatic response. “I work by myself. The only time I work with the owner of the horse is when I’m doing a horse clinic.”

  “In that case consider this a month-long horse clinic,” Zach said. “Only you’ll be working with about ten horses.”

  “Is she keeping them all?” Mason asked. “When I’m doing a clinic, the focus is establishing a connection between the horse and the rider. Getting them to join up. I like to take a week for each horse and owner.”

  “I understand. You’ll be paid for the six weeks you’re here. That’s the plan. But Tricia wants to take them a step further. She’s hoping to turn them into barrel racing horses. There’s a bigger premium on them than on just a trained horse. And we should know. Grace and I spent enough money on decent barrel racing horses for Tricia when she was competing.”

  “I take it she doesn’t compete anymore?”

  Zach shrugged. “I think she’d like to, but she’s got the kids now.”

  A beat of silence followed his comment. Mason thought again of what his boss had told him. How the kids had ended up here at the ranch without Tricia. How she had abandoned them.

  The door opened behind them, and the kids' happy chatter broke into the moment.

  “We have berries,” Cash called out. “Lots and lots of berries.”

  “Make a cake, make a cake,” Hope chanted, hopping from one foot to the other.

  “We’re not baking a cake until tomorrow, because you munchkins have to go to bed,” Tricia said closing the door behind her.

  Hope stood still and glared at her mother. She stomped her foot. “No go bed.”

  Mason caught the look of dismay on Tricia’s face at her daughter’s rebellion. As if she wasn't sure what to do.

  She glanced over at Mason. “So thanks for the ride, and I guess we’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Like she was trying to get rid of him.

  “I told Mason he should stay on the ranch here,” Zach said as Tricia set the pail of berries on the counter.

  “What?” Tricia’s narrowed gaze flicked from
Zach to Mason. Not hard to tell she wasn’t impressed. “Why? That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.”

  “Makes a lot of sense,” Zach said. “He’ll be right close by.”

  Tricia held his gaze, as if she was ready to challenge him, then she turned to take Hope by the hand. As she did Mason saw her wince. He also saw the line of faded bruises between the top of her blue jeans and the hem of her shirt. Though Roger had told him about the potential abuse, seeing the results of it was like a punch in the gut.

  “Okay, sweetie, time for bed.”

  “No. Don’t want to.” Hope’s tone was querulous as she squatted on the floor, inspecting a leaf that had fallen off the bottom of the berry pail. Tricia slowly bent down to face her, but Mason could see it was an effort.

  “Would you like a hand?” Zach asked.

  Tricia hesitated a moment, shot a look at Mason, then shook her head. “No. I can manage.”

  She took Hope’s hand, ignoring her protests. “Let’s go, kiddo. Cash, bedtime.”

  This time Hope trotted alongside her, Cash right behind.

  “So these horses. Where did you get them from?” Mason asked after watching Tricia leave, switching his brain to the other reason he was here.

  “Dispersal from a rancher down the road,” Zach said. “Elderly woman. Same situation as I was in. A ranch too big to take care of by herself but no one to take it over. Still hanging on in hope though. Like I was.”

  “But I understood your son is working with you?”

  “Now he is. Engaged as well. One by one my kids are coming home.”

  “You have more children?”

  “Two more sons. One is enlisted, serving overseas, the other is…well, serving himself. Wants to make a big run for the Canadian Finals this year, aiming for the National Finals in Vegas next year. He’s racking up the points and the pain.” Zach waved his hand as if erasing what he had just said. “Sorry. I talk too much. My kids and their troubles are none of yours.”

  A phone rang but it wasn't his.

  “Tricia, where’s your phone? I think it’s ringing.”

  Tricia came back down the hall, frowning as she glanced around. “I left it here when I went berry picking.” She followed the sound to a corner of the kitchen where it lay, buzzing and ringing on the counter.

  She picked it up, glanced at the screen, and put it down again.

  “Not answering that?” Zach asked.

  “It’s Perry.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “Someone from the past.”

  “Old boyfriend?”

  “Yes, Dad.” Tricia’s voice held a snap, as if ashamed and angry at the same time.

  Meanwhile, Mason committed the name of said boyfriend to memory. He’d have to tell Roger. He might want to find out more about this guy.

  Tricia slipped her phone in her pocket and walked down the hallway, her steps uneven. She closed the door on the bathroom, silencing the laughter of the kids.

  Zach gave Mason another apologetic smile. “Sorry. Again. Things you don’t need to know about.”

  That’s where Zach was wrong, but Mason tried to look disinterested.

  He took another sip of his coffee and set the mug aside. “If you could tell me where I'm staying, I’ll take my stuff there and have a look at the horses after.”

  “The only one in the corral is the horse Tricia was working with. The rest are still out in the pasture,” Zach said. “Kane doesn’t have time to move them until tomorrow morning.”

  “Okay. I’ll get settled in and we can start tomorrow.” He stifled a yawn. It had been a long day of driving and he had to check in with Roger.

  Something he preferred to do in private.

  “So what do you think?” Tricia asked. She stood on the bottom rung of the metal gate, her arms draped over the top, her chin resting on her folded hands as she watched the horses that Mason had just finished bringing to the home place from the pasture.

  It had taken them all morning, but now they were locked up in the corral. Though Cash and Hope weren’t down for their nap yet, her dad was willing to watch the kids so she could have another look at the horses. “Do you see potential?”

  Mason stood beside her, easily looking over the top rail at the gate. Even though she had a step up on him, his head was still above hers.

  “They have nice conformation,” Mason said, an approving note in his voice. “Your dad said you have registration papers on most of them?”

  “Yep. Some San Peppy and a dash of Doc Bar,” Tricia said. “Quarter horses all.”

  “The blood of champions,” Mason said.

  She looked them over with a glimmer of pride. Her father had chosen well.

  The horses stamped now and then, warding off the horseflies that always came with the warmer weather. The day had started out cool, but now, in the early afternoon, the summer sun created a gentle heat. The herd circled the corral, always staying together. Tricia smiled as they trotted past her, dust kicking out from their hooves.

  “I think they have a lot of potential,” Tricia said, watching as they slowed at the far side of the corral, turning to face them.

  “Zach mentioned you hoped to finish them off as barrel racers?” Mason tapped his fingers on the top rail of the fence as if impatient to get started.

  “Yes. If we can get a good start on them, I know I can get them to where they’ll be worth a lot more money.”

  “So you are not too attached to them,” Mason said.

  Tricia couldn’t help but smile. “If you’re a horse person, you’re always too attached to any horse that comes in your yard. It’s always hard to see them go.”

  “Have you had to let others go?”

  “I haven’t trained many horses,” Tricia said, “but I’ve had to say goodbye to a few barrel racing horses.”

  “And she cried a river of tears every time.”

  Tricia spun around at the sound of Kane’s voice.

  “Don’t need to tell all my secrets,” Tricia said, wrinkling her nose at her brother.

  Kane just grinned as he walked toward them, one hand in the pocket of his blue jeans still sprinkled with hay dust, his other held out to Mason. His cowboy hat sat low on his head, shading his deep-set eyes. He glanced at Mason, who straightened to face Tricia’s brother.

  “Hey. I’m Kane,” he said as Mason took his hand. “The only responsible member in this family.”

  Tricia blew out her breath in a puff of disgust. “Ignore anything he says to you,” she said to Mason. “Ever since he got engaged he’s been feeling feisty.” She turned back to Kane. “Speaking of, how did Faith do on her last test?”

  “My beloved fiancée is thrilled to announce that as of this afternoon, she is officially a teacher.”

  “That’s great news.” Tricia stepped down from the fence, pumping her fists in celebration. At another time in her life she would have launched herself at her brother and hugged him.

  But her ribs still hurt, and Kane had been keeping her at arm’s length ever since he picked her up from the hospital in Okotoks. She knew she didn’t deserve to be treated any better after what she’d put her family through, but it still stung. She was trying to put her life back together. Trying to make up for the time the family lost not seeing Hope and Cash. Kane’s emotional distance hurt more than she wanted to admit.

  They don’t know everything, she reminded herself. She wasn’t sure herself when she would be ready to tell them.

  “She has to do some paperwork yet, but she passed her courses with honors, so she’s thrilled about that.” Kane joined them at the fence, watching the horses as well.

  “Excellent. We’ll have to have a party,” Tricia said, so happy for her friend and future sister-in-law.

  “Any excuse for fun, eh, Tricia?” Kane said the words teasingly but, again, the subtext wasn’t very subtle. His smile was a mere twitch of his lips, a residue from the frustration he felt after she had come to the ranch a month ago.

&nbs
p; “It’s a celebration,” she countered, trying to hold his gaze. Trying to show him she wasn’t going back to her old ways. “That’s a good thing.”

  “I suppose.” His words were dismissive, and Tricia fought back a snappy response. Kane would be angry at anything she said, and Mason didn’t need to know the tension in the family.

  “So what’s your opinion of these horses?” Kane asked Mason, thankfully turning his attention away from her.

  “I’m looking forward to working with them,” Mason replied. “A couple of them are high-headed, so they might be a challenge.”

  “Tricia’s done some work with them, so she'll tell you what to expect,” Kane said.

  “So she mentioned.”

  “She is right here,” Tricia said, waving her hand. This was so typical. Whenever Lucas, Kane, and Elliot got together they talked about her like she wasn’t present.

  “Sorry,” Mason said, glancing at her.

  Tricia nodded, accepting his apology. At least she got one from him.

  “Dad said to come back to the house when it works out,” Kane said to Tricia. “I think he needs help with the twins but doesn’t want to admit it.”

  Tricia heard the faint note of condemnation in her brother’s voice and fought down her own annoyance. Her father had told her to go out with Mason to see the horses. That he could put the kids down for their nap himself.

  “I’ll go right now,” she said, lifting her chin and holding Kane’s gaze, hoping he got the message.

  Hoping that someday he would give her some credit for all the good decisions she’d made. The good things she’d done.

  The fact that she was back here struggling to change the direction of her life.

  Her eyes grazed Mason who, to her surprise, was looking at her. Their gazes held a moment longer than they should have.

  Don’t go there, Tricia reminded herself, tearing her gaze from his and walking away.

  Stay focused on what your kids need.

  Mason watched Tricia walk away. Despite all he knew about her, he still couldn't deny his attraction to her. As his gaze returned to the horses, he noticed Kane watching him.