Page 129 of Rocky Mountain Devil

“You cannot believe the paperwork,” Gabe complained. “Anyway, when Ben died, one problem vanished—I can decide for Angel without it causing a rift like it could have. I won’t do it if you tell me not to, but I sure hope you can see farther than our own pocketbooks.”

“You don’t want Micah and your future kids to inherit?”

Gabe’s face twisted slightly, and Rafe felt like a shit for reminding his brother of sad memories. “He will, or they will, but if we do this right,allthe family who want to work the land will be able to, for generations to come. Even the kids like Lance and Nathan who don’t have rights anymore because Daniel did a buy out.”

“And those that don’t want to ranch, like Daniel?”

“They won’t be tied up in the finances the same way.”

It was brilliant, and twisted, and if he’d known about this before shouting at his father—

Rafe’s gut rolled, but he took a deep breath and thought of Laurel. Thought of her promise that things would work out in the end, but it would take time.

Reminded himself all over that she believed in him.

He was still thinking about it that night as they sat together on the porch of the rental, both of them wrapped up against the cold, but it was too pretty an evening to spend indoors. Laurel swung her feet back and forth as she leafed through a seed catalog, her fuzzy topped boots looking as if she had strange animals hugging her shins.

She was popping sticky notes on the pages, so focused and intent on her task she didn’t notice he was staring at her, the warm sensation in his heart washing over him familiar and—

Shocking as he recognized it for what it was.

How had he not seen it earlier? Or more to the point, why had it not registered in him? They’d been friends forever…and maybe that was part of the problem. This thing he felt inside wasn’t brand new. It was the same sweet sensation he’d always felt when he thought about her. Onlynowhe had a name for it.

Stubborn, stupid-ass cowboy that he was to not notice he’d fallen in love.

Thinking of stubborn, stupid-ass cowboys…

He hauled out his phone and texted his cousin like he did at least once a week, the opening message the same as always.

Rafe:Come home, you jerk

Jesse:Back off, cuz, or I will hurt you

Rafe:You need your head examined. Your dad is a mess, dude. Call him, FFS.

Jesse: Fuck, I’m sorry. Tell everyone I’m fine. I emailed you my contact info in case of an emergency, but I’d appreciate if you keep where I’m at quiet. This is best for everyone.

Rafe:When you get your head out of your ass, we’ll be waiting

Jesse:jerk

Rafe:butthead

He caught himself smiling at the stupid banter even as he wished Jesse had made a different choice.

It was strange. Years ago he’d always wondered how everyone in the family seemed to gravitate toward Gabe, asking for advice and sharing their troubles.

He’d never dreamed that he’d end up in the same type of situation. Rafe considered all the secrets he’d learned over the past while. It was a privilege to know people trusted him.

It was a privileged burden to bear—

He glanced over at Laurel. This time she looked up and caught him watching her, and her slow smile made his insides melt. Burdens were easier to carry when there was someone he loved at his side.

Now to make sure that she stayed there.

He pulled out his phone and made a few plans…

Sweet, springtime air flowed through the open windows at the library, and Laurel took a deep, appreciative breath. The change in seasons made her glad, and not only because they were finally able to put away the thick winter coats.