Page 48 of Wrangled and Tangled (Raven Peak Ranch #1)
M y ribs are on fire, but Briar’s smile makes the pain worth it. The artist places clear film over the tattoo as Spencer pays, and soon, we’re walking to Mawmaw’s diner for lunch. Lucy’s waiting tables with a smile and waves when she spots us.
“You’re such a baby,” Briar mocks, sticking her tongue out at me, gently touching her ribs where her new ink sits.
“Who’s a baby?” Mawmaw comes over with a big slice of coconut cake and a candle.
“Heath,” both Briar and Spencer say in unison.
“Harsh!” I tease, with an open mouth.
Mawmaw laughs and lights the candle for Briar to blow out.
The whole diner chimes in as Mawmaw and Lucy start singing Happy Birthday. Briar turns the cutest shade of pink as they do and blows out the candle.
“I hope all of your wishes come true, Bee,” Lucy says, kissing her head and wrapping her up in a side hug.
“They already have,” she whispers.
Spencer nudges my shoulder, and I swipe at my eyes. It’s been the best two years of my life, and I can’t help being sentimental.
After I moved in, Spencer and I settled into a normal routine.
He heads to the garage most days, and I tend the farm.
It’s worked out really well, giving Lucy more time at the diner she plans to run for Mawmaw, who’s been talking about reducing her time there in order to enjoy life.
Especially since Briar decided to attend the local community college to start her degree.
Spencer has a look full of love on his face, but his gaze strays past me, and I turn, finding Kenzie at the door.
I haven’t seen her since she left town along with the rest of my crew, and though Staci called to let me know, officials declared the Walker-Callus case cold, so I’ve not seen either of them.
She waves and heads to the counter, allowing us to continue celebrating Briar. Of course, most of her gifts are envelopes stuffed with cash. She’s been chomping at the bit to open the ones mailed from family members who live out of state.
Kenzie walks over, wishes Briar a happy birthday, and hands her three VIP tickets to tonight's rodeo. “Boss lady told me you enjoy meeting the animals,” she winks and eyes me, “maybe Heath will show you two behind the scenes since he’s retired.”
“Can you?” Briar asks, smiling at me as if she knows I won’t say no.
“I guess we could visit the rodeo,” turning toward Spencer, who smiles and nods his head. “Especially with these sweet VIP box seats.”
Later that evening, we’re piled into the truck on our way to the rodeo when Briar informs us of her wishlist tonight.
Eat greasy food.
Scream her lungs out.
See the animals.
Maybe meet a cowboy of her own.
Spencer laughs, one hand on the wheel, the other squeezing my knee.
“Looks like we’ve got a busy night,” he jokes, green eyes sliding my way.
“I’ll say,” I smirk, looking back at her.
She’s smiling ear to ear, and I know tonight’s going to be a core memory.
“You distract her with the animals, and I’ll scare the pants off all the riders.
Together we’ll make damn sure they know she’s off limits.
” Spencer laughs at my antics, but he doesn’t know those guys like I do, and I don’t want any of them within spitting distance of my Sweet Girl.
The rodeo’s in full swing by the time we find the suite Kenzie invited us to. It’s got fans mounted to the ceiling, and it’s positioned perfectly for the full experience Briar’s looking for. We watch as most of the events have gone, and she can’t help herself any longer.
Darting out of the VIP box, she squeals when one of the bulls-in-waiting rams the gate.
“I think you should stay with us,” I chuckle, pulling her away from the beast's horns. Introducing her to the riders I’ve known for a long time–the ones I trust–and the animals they ride. Eddie comes around a corner and smiles.
Running up to us, he wraps his arms around my shoulders and laughs, “How’ve you been, Muffin?”
“Never better, my friend.”
I haven’t seen him since our wedding, he’s been busy running a new team. I’m happy for him, he loves his job and his new rider.
Even though he’s a Walker.
He nods to something behind me, and I turn. Spotting Staci waiting by our suite. She looks every bit the gorgeous–and dangerous–dragon lady she’s always been. Taking off her sunglasses and resting them on top of her head, she sees me and gestures to the box. I sigh but make my way over anyway.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” I ask, throwing an arm around Kenzie and shaking Staci’s hand.
“Now, who do you think gave Kenzi those tickets, Playboy?” She smiles, showcasing all her perfectly white teeth.
“I’ve got a new rider on the circuit, and I thought I’d see how one of my most difficult clients was doing.
Plus, I wanted to relive some… fun memories,” Staci says, blue eyes lasered in on me.
I’m not sure I’d put fun in Staci’s vocabulary, yet here she stands smiling like the cat that got the canary.
“Well, alrighty then. I’d say this was fun, but it wasn’t. Good luck with that new rider,” I tell her, backing away.
She raises a brow and flicks her wrist to Kenzie, who exits the VIP box without a backward look and brushes past us.
Grabbing my hand before I can join my family back in the box, Staci stops me mid-stride.
“Look, I’m happy you gave up your playboy ways for married life.
God knows what would have happened to you if you’d kept it up.
I mean… just look at what happened to Levi.
” She tsks, and every hair on my body stands up. “He must’ve been in so much pain.”
Wracking my brain trying to understand what she means by that, I blink and look at where her hand still circles my wrist.
“Yeah, I don’t imagine getting your throat slit is a pleasant experience,” I say under my breath, and she lets out a sultry laugh.
“Oh no, Heath, not that. I happen to know that poor Levi’s dick was cut off and forced down his throat before it was slashed.
” She lets that little tidbit fall from her lips like it’s no big deal and leans in close to whisper in my ear, “He was a problem for both of us, so you’re welcome for taking care of it. ”
Her words sink in, and I gasp, as my wide eyes meet hers. Staci winks, throws her black shades back on and walks out, stilettos leaving holes in the dirt.