Page 110 of Wrangled

“Clay made you happy?”

“He was my first.”

“Oh wow.”

“And after he went, there was no one. Dad tightened the leash. I thought he was getting me ready to take on all the responsibility of the ranch, that he trusted me to carry on… But that wasn’t it at all. He wanted to keep me busy, occupied…”

“So why didn’t he buy Kevin off too?”

“Maybe he figured it would be a waste of money. It hadn’t worked the first time. I was still fuckinggay, right?”

“You don’t know that for sure. I knew your dad—”

“I think I knew him a little better, don’t you?” That came out harsher than I’d intended, and I winced. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have bitten your head off like that.”

“All I’m saying is… maybe… maybe you’ve got this all wrong.”

I stared at him. “How? How could I interpret his actions in any other way?”

“Hey, let me finish, all right?” I fell silent. “Okay… Maybe he paid Clay to leave, not because he wanted you to be straight and he thought Clay was tempting you from thepath of righteousness…” he air-quoted. “But because he didn’t want you to be gay.”

“Huh?”

“He didn’t want you to face all the shit he knew would be out there—all the haters. And when Kevin came along… You were older, stronger, and he knew you’d be okay. So maybe he figured, ‘What the hell? If Kevin makes him happy, why the fuck not?’” Teague stilled. “Thereisanother possibility. Maybe your dad felt Clay was too old for you at the time.Youknow, right person, wrong time kinda thing? And when Kevin came along, it was the right person, right time, so he let you be.”

“Maybe.” I heaved a sigh. “And maybe you’re right about the other stuff too.”

“You want my advice?”

I smiled. “Do I have a choice? Because I think you’re going to give it whether I want it or not.”

“Stop wishing the days away, forget about him leaving, and just… enjoy each day as it comes. Enjoyhim. You can do that here, you know that, right? Hell, everyone who works for you is probably rooting for you right this second, wanting you to grab a little happiness.” His eyes sparkled. “And speaking of happiness… When Toby gets back from the grocery run? Don’t send him to the bunkhouse. I’m sure there are a lot of things you two can… discuss, right?”

“A few things, yeah.” Lord, the effort it took to keep a straight face. “I’ve invited him to the Saturday night supper. Along with Declan and Garrett, of course.”

Teague laughed. “Dear Lord, that might prove an interesting evening.” He got up. “I’ll say goodnight, then. But Robert?”

I gazed at him. “Yes?”

“Life is too fuckin’ short to waste it on thinking about what’s going to happen. Live for what you’ve gotright this second. Hold on to it.” He dipped the edge of his hat, went down the porch steps, and onto the path, whistling a tune.

It took me a moment to recognize it.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

“Thanks for the advice, Teague,” I murmured. I pulled my phone from my pocket and composed a short text.

When you get back, my place.As an afterthought, I added three words.

Need you, Sir.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Toby

“Supper’s almost ready,” Zeeb called from the bunkhouse.

“Be right with you.” My phone vibrated and I peered at the screen.