Page 94 of A Rancher's Love

Luke tilted his head toward the crew quarters. “For not killing the bastard, but also, for putting the fear of God into him. Kelli might scare me with how she acts sometimes, but I don’t have to wonder if she’s safe from being assaulted right here in our own backyard. Ashton’s been a big part of why that is, and it’s clear you’ve got the same mindset.” He stuck out his hand. “So, thanks.”

Tucker ignored the hand and went for a hug, pounding Luke firmly between the shoulder blades. “Aw, I love you too, sweetheart.”

Luke shoved him, and the two of them play-wrestled for a moment.

A sharp whistle rang out, followed by a laughing call. “Hey, get to work, slackers, or I’ll tell Ashton on you.” Kelli strode up, all light and happy, and Tucker felt deep satisfaction roll right down to his toes.

Yeah, Luke was right. There were a few things that his uncle Ashton had been doing over the years that were absolutely worth keeping a priority. For Kelli’s sake. For Ginny’s. For Caleb’s little girls who would eventually be a part of Silver Stone’s daily operations.

For a second, a vision of a little girl with Ginny’s dark hair and big brown eyes flashed to mind, and Tucker kept his feet through sheer willpower alone.

Only he also knew Ginny’s opinion on fighting. What if his actions had just destroyed his chance at happiness with the woman he loved? Fear at a level he’d never known before rocked through him for a split second before he forced it back.

Ginny was not like his parents. Ginny was reasonable—sort of. He had to trust that what they’d built between them was solid enough to deal with a difference in viewpoint.

There would be no compromise on this, though. Nothing less than her safety, and the safety of others, was acceptable.

He just hoped that when the dust settled, he would still be standing.

20

Something was up.

Not only did heads pivot to follow her as Ginny passed by stalls on the way to unsaddle her horse, but low murmurs followed as well.

“Let me get that for you.” Alex hurried forward to help lift off the saddle, ready to carry it to the tack room.

“Thanks.” She caught him before he could vanish, leaning in close to whisper her question. “Why is everyone suddenly acting as if we’re in church?”

Alex blinked for a second, obviously trying to figure out some non-controversial thing to tell her.

“Alex,” she warned. “Lie to me, and I will set Yvette up on a date, and it won’t be with you.”

His jaw dropped. He snapped it shut. “You’re mean.”

“Motivated,” Ginny volleyed back before taking pity on him. “I won’t do that. I can tell you like her, and from what I’ve heard, she doesn’t hate your guts. Much.”

He sighed. “It’s complicated.”

She snickered. “Tell me about it.” Then she narrowed her gaze. “Literally. What’s up with the peanut gallery? They’re all acting as if I’m about to go off like a firecracker.”

Alex hoisted the saddle to his shoulder. “One of the hands got fired.”

“Really?” She considered, but couldn’t imagine why that meant eyes on her. Unless… “Jim?”

“Damn, you’re good,” Alex said, backing away from her. “That’s all I’m telling you. Talk to Tucker.”

“Thanks for the help,” she called after him.

“Any time.”

A moment later, her phone buzzed with a message.

Tucker:You got time for an Operation Prove It meeting?

Ginny:After I groom Prancer, sure.

Tucker:Meet you in the secret hideout.