Page 182 of Ride the Sky

But I did that night.

My temper got the better of me. The overprotective bastard inside me tried to corral her. One thing I know about Fallon—she won’t be reined. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. Least of all me. But that doesn’t mean I won’t protect her all I can.

I need to apologize. Need to tell her I love her. Need to make up for almost wrecking one of the best things I’ve ever had in my life. All because I’m a moody, overprotective asshole.

I look up at Ford. “Fuck. I fucked up.”

He grins. “You ready to go and watch her ride, man?”

“Get the truck ready.”

Something like pride wars with the fear pushing at my chest. In less than five hours, Fallon will be in a ring going back to her roots. Barrel racing. And I’ll goddamn be there.

What Fallon and I have is real and deep, and I’m never fucking letting it—or her—go again.

Boot steps. Ford and I glance over at the arrival of Charlie and Davis. They’re grinning. My eyes narrow in suspicion. “What’s goin’ on?”

Charlie hands me a piece of paper. “Here.”

I open it, scan over words likeNEW OWNER, LAND DEED. “What is this?”

My brothers exchange a pleased look.

“Your land.” Charlie opens a big palm, gesturing to where my Airstream used to be. “We all have a piece. Seems fittin’ you get one, too. Build a house on it. Buy some more damn horses. But no more livin’ like a bum.”

Davis chuckles. “If we didn’t get your ass movin’, no one would.”

Ford laughs. “All right under your nose, kid.”

I’m stunned into silence. The rock in my throat makes it hard to talk. Finally, I manage to choke out, “Fuck, y’all are assholes.”

Charlie chuckles. “You deserve it, Wy. This ranch is as much yours as it is mine.” My brother’s dark-blue eyes shine suspiciously bright. “Hell, you were the first one here. You never gave up on me.”

I shake my head. “Never.”

Davis grips my shoulder. “We’re damn proud of you, kid, and the cowboy you’ve become.”

Cowboy.

Never been a fuckup. All my life, I’ve been a cowboy. A man my friends and family can count on. A husband. A damn good brother.

I look at the deed in my hand, nod my thanks. I don’t trust myself to speak.

“Would you look at that?” Ford grins. “Kid’s finally speechless.”

I give Ford a shove. “Dick.”

Ford gives me a knowing look. “We’ll get the truck ready.” He and Charlie move through the double doors leading into the lodge.

“This is yours, too.”

I glance at Davis. In his hand is a letter. Dusty and crumpled, it looks the worse for wear. On the front is my name in Fallon’s bold script.

My heart starts to hammer.

“Where’d you get that?” I rasp.

“It fell out of the screen door slats as the ’dozer was bustin’ it up.” Davis arches a dark brow. “Thought you’d want it.”

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