Chapter 75
“The cameras,” Wade said to Lance and pointed to the phone. “Casey said the horses were let out of the barn.”
Lance took a step forward, reaching for Wade, but Wade shook his head to reassure him, knowing exactly what he was thinking. “They were able to find them all. On Randle’s property.”
His husband gently squeezed Wade’s shoulder. “Thank goodness.”
Wade felt his body relax. There was that connection thing between them again. With just a look, Lance had soothed him. Wade patted Lance’s hand before turning his attention back to his brother.
“Have you talked to Milton yourself? Or just the sheriff?”
Casey’s voice rose. “Sheriff wouldn’t let me. Told me I wasn’t in the ‘right frame of mind.’ Whatever. He was probably right. I might have killed the man if we hadn’t been able to find the horses. Charlie is about to lose it, though. He’s pissed as hell.”
Wade didn’t doubt that. Charlie was probably taking it personally that someone was able to get on the grounds and release the horses. “This isn’t Charlie’s fault. We’ve never had to worry about security issues before. We’ve always felt safe on the ranch. At least until the last couple of weeks.” He sighed as Lance stroked his hair.
Casey cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to call you on your trip. But I knew you’d want to know.”
“Of course. I appreciate the call. Should be home before dinner.”
“Great. We’ve been painting Dad’s old room. She picked out a blue…it’s called Whisper Blue, but it’s fine. I don’t really care what color the walls are. Apparently it matches the new blanket she got. Looks like a huge pillowcase to me. No padding.”
Wade laughed. “That’s a duvet, Casey. And it does slip on kind of like a pillow case. I’m sure she’s got the comforter to put inside.”
“Oh.” Casey was quiet a moment, then chuckled. “Good to know. I was wondering how that thing was going to work in the winter. No possible way it would keep us warm.”
Wade grinned. This marriage thing was going to be a shock to his brother’s way of life.
“We’re working on setting up more shifts throughout the days and nights to run the perimeter, check the fencing, the herd, barn, etc. We probably shouldn’t have stopped the ones we started the first time. But I don’t know…everything seemed to be calming down around here.”
“That’s a great idea, but I think we should have two people at a time. I don’t mind taking some of the night shifts.”
“Yeah, Charlie said he was going to talk to the hands and see who wanted to handle tonight with him.”
They chatted for another moment before Wade hung up. He slid his arms around Lance’s waist and leaned into him, enjoying the way Lance’s fingers trailed through his hair. “Mmm, that feels good.”
“You okay? Did Casey say Stardust was okay?”
“Yeah, they’re all good. They’re setting up shifts to keep an eye on the property. Casey’s feeling guilty he stopped the shifts, but like he said, everything seemed to be calmer. I know he felt bad for having the guys work through the nights. They didn’t sign up for this shit.”
“Yeah, but until those cameras are up, it’s a good idea. I can help on weekends and evenings, but nights will be hard for me during the week. I’ve still got to go into the office.”
Wade rose and cupped Lance’s face. “No worries, baby. Everyone knows you have a full time job outside of the ranch. I wouldn’t expect you to help during the week.”
“But it’s my home now, too. And I want to help when I can.”
“We’ll work it out,” Wade assured him before heading toward the bathroom. Last night, they had planned to head out and grab something to eat on the way to the airport. But now, Lance followed him and Wade laughed. “If you join me in here, we’ll neverleave the hotel.”
Lance grinned. “But you know you want me in there.”
Wade smiled back. “Which is why we’d better take separate showers today.” He closed the door as Lance chuckled. When he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he startled. A huge grin adorned his face and he wondered if he’d ever been happier in his life.
The thought that his father had just died and yet he was happier than ever flitted through his brain, but he brushed it aside. He’d allowed his father to ruin too many aspects of his life before, and he wouldn’t let him continue to do so after death.