Page 23 of Stirring Spurs (Rainbow Ranch #1)

WYLIE

After I've fed and watered the horses, I move on to checking their stalls. I carefully remove the manure and toss out any damp bedding, making sure the space is clean and dry.

Dennis, the little rascal, follows along, his tiny hooves clomping on the floor as he trails me from stall to stall.

It’s like he’s supervising my work, keeping a watchful eye on every move I make—but also pushing his nose at me, hoping for a scratch under his chin.

His loyalty is unwavering, and though he’s small, he’s got the air of a big-time barn manager.

With everyone fed and settled, I grab the grooming brush.

The bristles are well-worn, but they’ve worked their magic on countless horses.

I make my way over to Noodles, who’s already standing by his stall door, ears flicking back and forth as he watches me approach.

After a few weeks of this routine, he knows what’s coming.

His soft, bay coat shines in the dim light of the barn, and I spot a few stray bits of hay stuck in his mane.

He gives a soft nicker to greet me. As I begin to work the brush through his coat, he angles into my hand, content and relaxed.

The rhythmic motion of the brush helps me settle into a peaceful routine, accompanied by the soft swish of the bristles and his occasional snort as he shifts his weight.

It’s a moment of quiet connection between us, a time to check in before we head out to the paddock.

Boots echo through the barn, growing louder as they approach, and I swallow hard.

I’ve been avoiding this conversation for a while, not because I don’t want to stay, but because I’m not sure I’m ready to lay it all out there.

Asking for more work, explaining what’s going on with Boone and me, not wanting to leave—it’s a lot to say.

But if I want to stay on—be here, with Noodles, with Boone—then I can’t keep dodging it.

The time to speak, open myself up, has come, ready or not.

“He’s lookin' fine.” Beau stands outside the stall, leaning on the door. “You’ve been real good for him.”

My lungs fill with a satisfied breath, knowing he’s talking about the horse, but offering a silent prayer for the same sentiment about his brother.

It’s a funny thing, being with someone who’s got an identical twin. At first, they’re hard to tell apart, but the more time I spend with Boone, the more it’s clear—they’re not as alike as they seem. It’s like the differences in their personalities have bled into how I see them.

“Just needed the right person.” My eyebrows gather as a small knot forms in my stomach. “Not saying y’all aren’t—it’s just, well, sometimes…”

My words get stuck in my throat, heat rising at my collar. For fuck’s sake, I’m messing things up before I’m even able to bring up Boone.

“Chemistry.” Beau lifts his hand, palm up, offering an apple, and Noodles, tentatively sniffs, his lips curling around the skin before chomping into it. “You and him have it.”

He pats Noodles’ head. “Good boy.” The horse doesn’t move away or flinch. “Looks like he might participate Saturday. Reckon he’s not ready to ride, but think you could show him?”

“For sure. On a lead. Maybe if I persuade him with the right food.”

“There’s no pressure. Two years and he hasn’t participated, but obviously we’d love to include him. He’s a handsome boy.”

Dennis trots over, enters the stall, and weaves between Noodle’s legs.

“Yes, Dennis. You’re still the most handsome.” Beau gives the little bugger’s chin a quick scratch. “These two have really hit it off. Dennis never took much of an interest before you arrived.”

“I think he realized I needed help.”

“Well, Dennis is your man. Or horse, I suppose. He’s got a knack for taking charge.”

He kneels down and gives Dennis a hearty pat on the flank, prompting the horse to whinny and trot out of the stall, heading outside to make mischief.

“Off to make sure someone else is doing their job,” he says.

He stands, leaning against the partition separating Noodles from the next stall.

“Listen, we’ve enjoyed having you around. Boone especially.” He catches my eye and there’s a knowing look there. “After the rodeo…”

A sudden fluttering, like a trapped bird, takes over my chest. I take a deep breath to steady myself.

“About that.” I pause the brush on Noodles, but keep my hand on his back, the rhythmic beat of his heart beneath my hand.

Beau doesn’t budge. He’s crossed his arms, waiting patiently for me to spit it out.

“I’d like to stay. If there’s room. I mean work. Happy to keep spending time with this guy.” I run my fingers through his mane, the soft hair slightly wavy from brushing. “And the other horses. Anything you need really. Just ready to… ya know…”

“Put some roots down.” He walks over and places a hand on my shoulder.

“Yeah.”

“Be happy to have you.” His fingers grip my shoulder, giving it a good squeeze.

I nod. A new sensation coming over me—reckon it’s belonging.

“As for my room,” I say, keeping my gaze on the horse. “If you need it, I’ll be out on Saturday.”

“Pardon? You just said…” His eyes narrow, and his mouth hangs open as it clicks into place. “Oh. Oh!”

“Boone’s invited me to stay with him.” Even though Beau’s clearly figured it out, I need to say it. “And I want you to know, I’m telling you this because I care about your brother. A lot. More than I’ve cared for anyone. I know it’s only been a few weeks, but… he’s special to me.”

Beau looks at me with eyes so similar, yet so different, than Boone’s.

“We’ve got something. Never thought this would happen for me. But something about this place. The people. Your brother.”

I pause, trying to find the right way to explain—how unexpected it is, how right it feels, even though it came out of nowhere .

“It’s like… I didn’t even realize how much I was missing until I got here.

I don’t think I even knew what I needed.

But Boone—he’s different. Not just the way he looks at me, but the way he sees me.

I didn’t expect it. Never thought I was the kind of man who could…

fall for someone like this. But with him, it’s just right. ”

I glance at Beau, whose face has softened, but there’s a flicker of something—maybe surprise, maybe something else—still there.

“I don’t want you to think that I’m rushing this or that it’s just some impulse. I care about Boone, and I think he cares about me too. And I want you to know that, in case there’s any confusion.”

I let out a slow breath, hoping my words are making sense. The air between us feels heavy, but I need to show this isn’t about anything sneaky or hidden. This is me, opening up, hoping he understands this isn’t some fling.

He watches me for a long moment, his lips pressing together, as if weighing everything I’ve said. Noodles’ skin twitches under the brush where I’ve paused, and I resume grooming him.

Finally, Beau nods slowly.

“I get it,” he says, voice quiet but steady. “Just... take care of him. He’s my brother. My other half. Don’t need to say much more than that.”

And in that moment, I know it’s not about the words. It’s about the trust. Beau’s letting me know, in his own way, that he understands—Boone and I need a chance, and my staying is the only way to make that happen.

I nod. “Of course. You have my word.”

Beau taps my chest lightly, then gives a playful punch, his smile spreading wide. Unlike Boone, there’s no dimple to soften the grin, but if there were, it would be right there, on full display.

A deep sense of peace settles over me—my body calms—knowing this is precisely where I’m supposed to be.

Beau catches my gaze, his shoulders back as his mouth cracks into a grin.

“Mr. Anderson. Welcome to Rainbow Ranch.”