Chapter Eighteen

Just under four hours later, Dusty pulled into the driveway of the ranch, feeling much better about life in general than he had when he’d left that very morning. April had seemed to understand and accept his apology and, if she had any animosity over the ordeal, she hid her emotions well. His military career had taught him to read people flawlessly, thus he believed her words and actions. Probably good-hearted to a fault, April meant to give him a second chance.

No way in hell would he blow it.

“I don’t know how to tell her.” April glanced his way, her voice full of worry and regret.

He stopped just in front of the large house, turned off the engine and put his full attention on the pretty blonde at his side. Her eyes, normally bright and sparkling with excitement, happiness or mischief, now appeared flat, matching the expression of concern written all over her face. “There’s no easy way. We’ll just come right out and say it.” While he could certainly sympathize with what Tess would be going through, he’d thanked his lucky stars a dozen times his home had survived.

“You’re right.” April blew out a deep breath and climbed out of the truck.

Dusty followed suit, then opened up the second door, picked up Ben and set him on the ground to run. He spied Tess and Brand leaning against the paddock fence watching her alpacas, and strode their direction.

Brand looked up, met Dusty’s gaze, and returned a grim acknowledgement. He steadfastly stood next to Tess, ready to bear the bad news at her side.

April walked over, giving a wan smile when Tess turned around.

“Oh, you’re back.” The redhead grinned in welcome. “I take it things are better?”

Dusty’s shoulders weighed down. “For us, yes. For you, not so good.”

Tess’ face fell. “The fire?”

“Destroyed everything.” April’s calm voice barely carried across the space. She pulled out her cell phone and moved close. “I’ll show you.”

Seconds later, tears trickled down Tess’ cheeks and deep pain and forlornness appeared on her normally cheerful face. “It’s gone. Everything.” Her voice cracked.

“I’m sorry.” Dusty spoke the words knowing full well they didn’t help a single iota. Guilt washed over him seeing how the loss affected her while all his belongings remained untouched by devastation. Life’s unfairness never flashed brighter.

“I’m so sorry.” April laid a hand on Tess’ shoulder.

Brand wrapped Tess in his arms, holding her tight as she wept. He felt her upset as much as she did, judging by his frown and how close he cradled the small doctor. Easily reading between the lines, Dusty knew his older brother would stand behind Tess, care for her and ensure a bright future either here or back in Colorado. The man’s reaction spoke of possession, protection and devotion. They might have just met a few days before, but Dusty would bet his large trust fund that Brand had fallen head over heels and wasn’t about to turn his back on this special lady.

Sniffing, Tess stepped back, her eyes locked on Brand’s face. “Thank you.”

His brows furrowed in confusion. “For what?”

“For my animals. If you hadn’t come along and hauled them away, they might not have survived at all.” She wiped at a stray tear. “I might have lost the house, but I still have my pets and my life. All considered, I’m a pretty lucky woman, thanks to you.” She reached up, wrapped her arms around Brand’s neck and hugged him.

Dusty met April’s eyes, reached out his hand and led her toward the house. Tess and Brand needed some time alone to digest the news and start the process of planning and healing. He and April would only be in the way.

Opening the front door, Dusty gestured April in first with Ben at her side, then stepped into the living room, finding four sets of eyes staring in his direction. Most likely Brand had quietly passed the word around about Tess’ loss and the rest of the family had prepared to step up to the plate. Though that didn’t explain why they looked at him like he’d just returned from Oz minus the ruby red slippers and Toto.

Carrie broke the silence. “Poor Tess.”

April nodded. “You should see her place. There’s barely a wall still standing. Just charred remains and a few embers still smoking. Here, I’ll show you the pictures.”

Everyone closed in to see the visual evidence of the destruction.

“What’s she going to do?” Evan asked the question at the top of Dusty’s mind.

“We spoke briefly of this very scenario the first night here. She said if she lost her home and her clinic burned down, she’d pick up the pieces, probably somewhere else.” April reached down to pat Ben’s head as he leaned against her legs as if trying to provide comfort.

“She can pick up the pieces right here,” Carrie said.

The rest of the room’s occupants nodded in agreement.

“Brand’s with her now.” Dusty glanced at Archer. “I know the timing sucks, but I was hoping to load up the horses this afternoon and take them home.”

“You won’t consider staying longer?” Colt rubbed his forehead.

A spear of indecision hit Dusty in the chest. He’d found happiness and forgiveness on this visit. Truly, he’d enjoyed his stay. He’d mended old wounds with all his brothers, realized his love for them and vowed to never stay away again.

Yet Colorado was home. Always would be. The sooner he returned, the sooner he could resume a normal schedule and relax into the comfortable existence he’d worked hard to carve out for himself for the last three years.

“I need to get home.” He turned to meet Archer’s gaze. “It’s been just like old times. You welcomed me with open arms, and I appreciate that to my very marrow. I found what I’d been missing too. So it’s time to leave before I screw everything up again.” He grinned in mild amusement.

Archer cracked a smile. “If you weren’t such a stubborn cuss…”

“Then I wouldn’t be your brother.” Dusty’s lips twitched.

“Now that’s calling the kettle black.” Colt snorted. “If we get a move on, we can be on the road by lunchtime.”

“I’ll pack lunches for everyone.” Carrie hurried to the kitchen.

“Thanks.” Dusty slapped Colt on the back. “Brand’s needed here.” He turned to Evan. “Care to drive this time?”

“Sure.”

Feeling someone staring at him, Dusty twisted around. April stood with a knowing expression painted on her face. Pride and happiness flashed through her eyes. Stepping forward, she brushed a kiss across his cheek. “You’re a good man, Dusty.”

Evan whistled. “That explains a lot.”

“He’s in a hurry to get home because he wants April all to himself,” Colt noted.

“Yeah. Far away from me. Damn it.” The youngest brother mock frowned. “Here I was going to ask pretty April out tonight.”

Dusty watched a splash of color blast across April’s face and grinned mischievously.

“Sorry, bro. I might be as dumb as a box of rocks from time to time, but I’ve decided to keep this one.”

“Time to time?” Evan snorted. “I’d say most of every day.” He leaped toward the front door as Dusty pounced his direction.

Archer laughed. “I guess we should get to work before you and Evan end up in a spat, rolling in the dirt.”

“You were always the smart one.” Colt chuckled, walking toward the front door.

* * * *

Since they hadn’t unloaded any of the items they’d brought except the animals and food for the dog and cat, packing to leave proved quick and fairly easy. Colt and Archer hooked up their trailers as Dusty did the same. Just as Dusty pondered who would drive the fourth vehicle and pull his second trailer, Brand walked up, Tess at his side.

“We’ll go with you.”

Dusty searched Tess’ face. “You don’t have to.” After the shock he’d delivered earlier, he didn’t expect she wanted to do more than spend time with her small herd and Brand.

“I want to see for myself.” Her words came across strong if a bit sad.

“I’d appreciate it.” He collected the lead ropes and handed them out. “Like before. April will get her horses. I’ll grab the stud. The rest are free game.”

With ease, they gathered up the moderate-sized herd, loading each animal into a specific trailer at Dusty’s direction.

April struggled a moment with Mischief as he set his feet and refused to step up into the trailer.

Tess hurried over, holding out her hand. “I remembered what someone said about treats.”

April grinned at the other woman, took the sugar cubes and urged Miracle into the front of the trailer before turning back to the solid white miniature horse.

“Here you go, buddy. Sugar just for you.”

Dusty grinned as Mischief extended his neck but didn’t budge. They’d been through this before. When the mini decided to get in for his treat, he’d do so. Until then, patience ruled the day.

“Come on, Mischief.” April made a big show of feeding Miracle her reward.

The gelding whinnied. Finally, with a snort of resignation, he hopped into the trailer and made a beeline for April. She praised the little troublemaker, gave him his treat and shut the section gate in order for the guys to load some geldings behind.

“I’ll go get Marmalade.” April stepped out of the trailer and headed for the house.

“Okay.” Dusty instructed his brothers on how he wanted the rest of the horses loaded, then looked across the vast pastures. Buckets had already been stashed in the storage areas of the trailers, as well as everything else related to the big animals.

Within minutes, April strode his direction, a cat carrier in one hand, a large bag of supplies in the other. Carrie followed in her wake, carrying brown bag lunches and bottled water. Tess brought up the rear, lugging a plastic sack and a large bag of dog food. Ben’s supplies.

Opening the back door of his cab-and-a-half truck, he took the cat carrier and placed Marmalade in a secure position behind his seat. The food and bowls he placed in the floorboard, then he picked up Ben and set him on the seat so the dog wouldn’t try to jump, which was too hard on arthritic hips.

“Lunch for everyone.” Carrie passed out bags with a bottle of water to each person.

“Thanks.” Dusty set his on the console of the truck before looking to his brothers. “We ready to go?”

“Yeah,” they answered in unison.

He climbed in the vehicle, buckled himself in and waited for April to do the same. She glanced over at him, an expression of anticipation on her face.

“Let’s go home.”

“I’m ready.”

She smiled and his heart kicked against his ribs.

* * * *

“Don’t be a stranger.” Archer reached out his hand.

“I won’t.” Dusty ignored the handshake offer and enveloped his oldest brother in a big hug. “Thanks. I owe you. Big time.”

“That’s what brothers are for.” Archer stepped back, allowing Colt, Evan and Brand to take their turns saying goodbye.

Dusty hugged each in turn. “Take care of Tess.”

Brand nodded. “I will. Believe me. You do the same with that pretty little filly of yours.”

“Will do.” Dusty shared a grin with his older brother.

“Call if you need anything.” Colt tilted his head, then led the parade of brothers and Tess back to their waiting vehicles. They each climbed in, cranked their engines and drove away.

He watched them leave with a stab of melancholy. At least they had mended their fences. The fact warmed his soul and put a grin back on his face. While he might not want to move back to the ranch, he knew he’d visit. Often. Not to mention they were a quick call or text away.

Waving once more, Dusty glimpsed dark clouds on the horizon and got in gear, putting the rest of the big equipment in the shop, safe from hail. The horses had been unloaded into their stalls, Ben and Marmalade were stowed in the office for the moment and April waited for him inside.

The first splashes of rain started no sooner than Dusty had hopped out of his truck and stepped to the entrance. Hurriedly shutting the large door, he trotted back to the stable, shutting the gate behind him just as the first rumble of thunder pierced the early evening. Relief and a resurgence of hope cascaded over him as fat drops pelted the roof. He’d never heard a more musical sound in his life. Unless it was April’s laughter.

Speaking of… He glanced around, found April setting out feed buckets and hurried over to help. The horses had been unloaded directly to their stalls first. Supplies and feed had followed. Now the animals waited on their supper and there were water buckets to be filled before they would be content for the night. Then the smaller animals needed care. The chores lined up as he jumped in with both feet, for once eager to finish so he could spend some quality time with his newest boarder.

By the time everyone had been cared for night had long since fallen. Thunder rolled and bright shards of lightning split the air, cracking loudly as they struck the ground nearby. The horses shuffled nervously in their stalls, but at least were out of the elements. As soon as the rain started pelting inside, Dusty shut the large end doors and secured them for the night. A stiff breeze still came in through the stall windows, more than enough to allow everyone inside to enjoy the drastically cooler air. Rain and a moderation in temperature were desperately needed reprieves from the scorching drought.

His stomach growled, reminding him they had missed supper while settling the stock back into their home. April had eaten only the sandwich Carrie sent with them for lunch and he would bet nothing else for the entire day. Yet never once had she uttered a single complaint as she worked alongside him through the afternoon and evening hours.

Glancing up, he found April sitting on a bale of straw, tiredly stroking Marmalade, who’d been released from the office a while back, once all the horses had been cared for. She and Ben had received their meals before Dusty and April had started on the boxes of supplies, which were thankfully finally all put away. Sure, they could have waited until the morning to finish, but he didn’t know how to leave a job undone.

Taking a moment to study April, he noticed the lines of fatigue had returned, as well as the dullness of exhaustion in her eyes. She’d beaten him up this morning by a long shot, which meant she’d climbed out of bed way before dawn. Now, nearing ten, she’d just about hit her physical limit.

Once more the sky bellowed, shaking the building, reminding him of Mother Nature’s fury expressed outside. No way could he send her home in such weather. Not after everything she’d done for him over the past several days. Besides, her SUV sat in the shop behind one of the trailers, preventing her from simply jumping in and driving out. He could drive her home, but preferred she simply stayed the night. Under his care. At least for one night.

“Why don’t you stay here tonight? It’s too nasty to be driving.”

April looked up as she continued to pet the cat, her brow furrowing in contemplation. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’d worry if you tried to make it home.” It was the truth after all.

“Okay. My bags are still in my vehicle. I can go get them so I’ll have some clothes and stuff.” She made as if to stand.

“I’ll get them.” He strode closer. “Keys?”

She dug them out of her pocket and handed them over, appreciation covering her face. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He took the side door nearest the shop, sprinted through the downpour then shoved a key in the smaller entrance door to the shop. Once inside, he went directly to her car, collected her suitcases and backtracked, making sure to lock everything behind him. Five minutes later he returned to her side, a bit damper for his efforts.

“Come on. Let’s go inside the house.” He led the way, glimpsing April gently returning Marmalade to her feet, standing, then following in his wake. No sooner had he turned the knob than Ben nosed the door wide open, eager to get inside to his comfortable bed.

Dusty stopped at the living room and set her bags down. “If you want a shower, go ahead. You already know where the bathroom is. While you’re doing that, I’ll change the sheets on the bed, so you can sleep better.”

“I’ll take the couch.” She stepped forward and met his gaze. “I refuse to kick you out of your bed. I feel guilty enough over Evan and he had a backup plan.”

“I can’t take the bed and let you sleep on the couch. It’s short and lumpy.” He frowned as she shot him a quirky grin.

“Good thing I’m tough, soft and short.” Opening the nearest bag, she pulled out a change of clothes and a smaller container the size of an average purse. “All I need is a blanket and a pillow, if you have spares.”

He nodded, totally unbalanced at the sheer glow about April along with her stubborn teasing. Though worn out, she still had the energy to stand up for what she wanted. His respect for her grew even more. Most women would expect him to offer up his bed, never consider anything less. April insisted on the couch, putting his comfort before hers. ‘You can sleep where you like, but I guarantee you’ll wake up in a bed.’ His own words came back to him. The corners of his mouth curled up as she walked to the bathroom. She might start on the couch, but that didn’t mean she’d stay there all night.

His heart lifted at his good fortune. His home and stable had been saved. He’d made amends with his brothers. The rains had returned with a vengeance, the heat wave broken, and pretty little April would spend the night in his bed. Things are damn well looking up.

Chuckling to himself, he ran his fingers over Ben’s head before walking into his bedroom. He had a bed to prepare and wet clothes to shed, all before his guest stepped from the shower. Not to mention he had to throw some laundry in and find something to fix for a late dinner.

Twenty minutes later the door to the bathroom clicked, opened, and April stepped out. Dusty glanced up and found her shoulder-length damp blonde hair hanging loose and full of natural waviness. Moisture soaked the top of her gray T-shirt, turning the damp area much darker. Matching shorts and white socks completed the package. Devoid of makeup, she still outshone the sun. In that instant, he realized he’d made the right decision not only in asking her to give him a second chance, but in offering her shelter for the night. Her presence felt right. Natural.

Blue eyes landed on him and a soft smile crossed her face. “Your turn.”

“After we eat.” He flipped the grilled cheese sandwiches once more before he began gathering plates and glasses.

April stepped forward and quickly set the small table. “What do you want to drink?”

“I wouldn’t trust the milk or juice. We probably should stick with water or soda.”

She nodded, filled the glasses with ice then moved to the sink and turned on the faucet. A low rumble of thunder heralded another flash of lightning. She jumped, splashing some of the water from the glass back into the sink. “That was close.”

He grinned at her, plated their meals and set them on the table. “Scared of storms?”

“Not really, but this sounds intense.” She carried their drinks to the table and sat down.

Raindrops pelted the roof, the clinking sound moderately loud inside. He wouldn’t be surprised if small chunks of hail were mixed in, as hard as the wind blew. “A good thing you decided to stay.”

“Storms are better shared?” The corners of her mouth hitched up.

“Interesting idea. I guess we’ll find out tonight.” He sank his teeth into the sandwich, watching as April did the same. Pleasure appeared on her face. “This is good.” She blinked at him as if surprised he could actually whip up a small meal.

His ego buoyed with the knowledge that he’d provided food she actually enjoyed. Granted, a grilled cheese ranked far below Thanksgiving dinner, but he would eagerly take any and all victories, no matter how small. Pleased, he tilted his head.

“Didn’t think I could cook, huh?”

“It’s not that. It’s just…” Her voice faded.

“Just what?” Curiosity prodded him.

“I don’t think any of the men I ever dated would have taken the time or energy to cook for me. It’s refreshing.” She smiled brightly and nibbled once again.

His heart thudded even as his erection made itself known. The tightening began immediately as he absently considered her straight white teeth nipping lightly at his chest, his belly, his bottom lip before he moved to cover her, find her innermost secrets and send them flying into blazing rapture.

Sucking in a deep breath, he ignored his body’s reaction, determined to pursue April with baby steps, allowing her to not only grow confident in their relationship, but to learn to crave him as many women craved chocolate. Skittish fillies couldn’t be won over in a single day and April wouldn’t fall all over him less than twenty-four hours after he left her standing alone at the dance. Despite what she’d told him earlier, he knew his behavior had hurt her. How could it not have? He’d seen the softness in her eyes, the avid interest, the wonder after he’d kissed her the once.

She smiled at him now, but he recognized the difference. While not unhappy, she needed solid evidence to put her trust in him again. Wise woman. He knew without a doubt he was up to the task. April would find out in time. Until then, he intended to court her and protect her like the rare treasure she was.

After he finished his sandwich, he washed the final bite down with water.

She only ate half before passing the remainder over to him with an apologetic look. “I hate to waste food and it’s very good. I’m just full right now.”

Studying her face, he decided she probably couldn’t finish due to tiredness more than not liking the sandwich. She looked ready to crash. Understandably so.

He ate the rest of her meal in two large bites, then stood and started clearing the table. She followed suit until he shook his head. “I’ll get this. Why don’t you go on to bed before you drop?”

April blinked at him and sighed wearily. “I’ll just brush my teeth then head to the couch.”

“I thought you were taking the bed?” He put the dishes in the sink, turned and collected the rest.

She snorted. “You said bed. I insisted on couch.”

“Uh-huh.”

“That’s what happens in your old age. You get forgetful.”

His lips twitched. “Old, huh?”

“Definitely. At least as old as dirt.” She grinned teasingly.

He shook his head. “I’ll show you old…” He lunged for her.

She squealed and dashed off toward the bathroom, her giggles carrying to his ears. He smiled and met Ben’s inquiring gaze. “We’re not old, are we, boy?”

Dusty stepped over and petted the dog’s head. “Between you and me, what do you think about keeping her?”

The dog’s mouth opened in a smile as his tongue hung out the side. Ben’s tail thumped against his oversized pillow. A definite affirmative in dog terms.

* * * *

Dusty stepped from the shower, still towel drying his hair. His chest bare, he’d pulled on a pair of shorts in order to shelter her from embarrassment should she wake before he did, turn over and find him not only entirely naked, but fully aroused as well. As much as he would love to greet her in the morning with burning kisses leading to fiery caresses and finally a joining of their bodies so profound, so addictive she’d never get enough, he chided himself to go slow and easy with the little blonde.

Automatically, his gaze raked the room, searching for his houseguest. Ben sat up and wagged his tail from his position right beside the couch. Sure enough a human-sized lump lay under a blanket, curled up in a ball.

He grinned, remembering the challenge she’d put forth earlier. She’d taken the couch as promised. Now he simply had to carry her to the bed as he’d also pledged. Turning, he tossed the towel in the bathroom hamper and strode straight for the couch, taking a moment to stare down at the angel come to earth. April rested on her side, her hands curled against her chest as if chilly in the storm-cooled night. Her hair remained loose while her soft breathing spoke of fatigue from physical labor, too many hours awake and an emotional roller coaster over the past few days.

With equal parts gentleness and care, he slid an arm under her knees and another around her shoulders, tenderly cradling her in his arms as he stood, while trying to avoid waking her. She whimpered and shifted slightly as she rested her head against his chest before remaining still.

A splash of warmth engulfed his soul.

Walking across the room, Ben hot on his heels, he headed straight for his bedroom, not stopping until he stood next to the large bed. Just as easily as he’d picked her up, he laid her down, reluctantly slipping his arms from her body. She sighed but remained asleep as far as he could tell. Tugging the sheet and blanket up, he covered her. Moving to the other side of the bed, he slid in with finesse, keeping the jostling mattress movement to a minimum. Once in, he drew the blankets up, scooched over to April and wrapped her in his embrace. With a light kiss to her crown, he settled in for the rest of the night, holding onto his prize with contentment.