Page 59 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

Wade looked uncertain. "Are you messing with me?"

"No. I'm serious. You can't have him. I need him."

"What for?" asked Wade. "The hands can ride anything, the Morgan’s..."

Ford finally smiled. "The Morgan's name is Delta. He's mine, and you can't have him."

Wade laughed out loud. "Okay, so this is taking me back to when we were little kids. Want to tell me what's going on? It's not like you anymore to decide that you want something and no one else can have it. So, what's the deal?"

Ford smiled, remembering how they all used to squabble over horses or dogs or pretty much anything when they were kids. Even back then, he'd been more concerned with making sure his siblings got what they wanted most of the time, but when something was important to him, he made a stand. Just like he was doing now over Delta – or perhaps it was over Amelia. He wasn't sure which.

Wade was still watching him with that puzzled smile on his face. "You claimed him for yourself and you named him. Is that what you're telling me? Are you going to ride him?"

Ford blew out a sigh. "I took a shine to him, yeah, and..." He hesitated, but this was Wade. He was closer to Wade than to anyone. "It seems that he took a shine to me right back. And..." He shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't had my own horse in a long while. And besides, Amelia wants to learn to ride, and he'll be a good one for her."

"So, you're keeping him for her? That's fine. I get it."

Of course Wade wouldn't have a problem – and wouldn't tease him about it either. "How are things going between the two of you?" he asked.

"Really well," said Ford. "We get along. She's..." He paused as he searched for the right word and smiled when it hit him. "Different."

Wade smiled back at him. "Sierra says that about her, too – that Amelia isn’t like other people. I can see it. She's kind of self-contained and doesn't need anyone, and yet at the same time, she's always there at the center of things, helping out when someone needs it." Wade met his gaze. "Kind of like you, in a way."

Ford considered that for a moment. "With her skill set, she's able to help in a way that matters."

Wade laughed. "What? And you're saying that you don’t? You hold this place together? You hold the entire family together. You might not be the smiling face of MacFarland Ranch, but there's no denying you're the heartbeat of the place."

Ford sat back in his chair to consider that. He never would have described himself that way, but it sure as hell felt good to hear.

Wade headed toward the door. "Yeah, you want to give that some thought," he said, "because it's true. And no worries about Delta. I hope you and Amelia both enjoy him." He chuckled. "And I'm sure he'll be much happier with the pair of you than he would with lodge guests on his back."

"Thanks," said Ford. "Oh, hey, wait. Before you go, has Sierra ever mentioned Amelia's brother?"

Wade shook his head slowly. "Not that I can recall, no. Why? I didn't realize she had a brother."

"She doesn't anymore," said Ford. "He died."

"Damn. That has to be tough. Do you want me to ask Sierra...?"

"No, I'd rather you didn't mention it. I was just curious."

"Everything all right?" Wade asked.

"Yeah, it's all good." Ford met his brother's gaze. "And if it turns out not to be, I'll give you a shout."

"You'd better," said Wade. "I've got your back whenever you need me."

"Thanks. I know."

After Wade had gone, Ford turned back to the window rather than the computer. He stared out at the mountains, wondering if his theory about this Rootless2 person who'd been messaging Amelia was right. If it was, he had a feeling it was going to hit her hard. And if that happened, he'd be there for her.

~ ~ ~

"Fucking Sunshine Twins."

Amelia laughed out loud at the way Cash grumbled to himself as he ended the video call. She laughed harder when the screen lit up again and Mav appeared.

"I heard that."