Page 4 of Wyatt & Weston
Just then, our older brother Marshall walks in, wrapping his arms around his wife. There’s a softness in his eyes now, a far cry from the man he used to be. With a warm smile, Sophia, the one who tamed the beast, acknowledges our presence.
“You two spoil her too much,” she teases.
“Nah, just enough,” I reply with a playful wink at Josie.
Our brother shakes his head, but there’s a smile playing on his lips. “You came to talk about the drive before we head out to tame the masses?”
“Yup. You two got a date for us? With the weather finally staying nice, it’s time for the herd to graze in the lower pasture.”
“Two weeks. That’s Memorial weekend and we’ll have less commotion. We’ll be able to leave the ranch to the hands for the weekend while we move the cattle,” Marshall tells us.
“Okay. We’ll be there.” I give Josie one more kiss and hand her back to Sophia. “We’re headed out to help Dad and Carson with check-ins. Holler if you need anything.”
“Your sister is out there already, too. We’re coming, but someone needed a change of clothes since we spit up.” Sophia raises a brow, giving her daughter the side eye.
“See you out there then,” I call as I head toward the door and back out into the fresh air of our ranch.
Excitement buzzes in the air as families and ranch hands unload luggage, looking around with wide-eyed curiosity at the sprawling landscape. It’s the start of a new season, and the whole family is in full swing, making sure everything runs smoothly.
“Alright, folks!” I call out, clapping my hands to get everyone’s attention. “Welcome to the ranch! We’re going to get you all settled in your cabins.”
Weston and I start grabbing bags, hauling them over to the waiting golf carts. Our guests’ faces display a blend of anticipation and apprehension, and it is our responsibility to create a welcoming atmosphere.
“Weston,” I say, passing him a couple of suitcases, “take the Johnson family to Cabin Five. And I’ll get the Millers set up in Cabin Three.”
“Got it,” Weston replies with a grin as he calls. “Johnsons!” An older married couple raises their hand, and he confidently walks over to assist them.
I turn and shout, “Millers!”
I notice a young couple with a toddler clinging to his mother’s leg, and they greet me with a friendly wave.
“Right this way,” I say, picking up their bags and leading them down the gravel path. “You’re going to love Cabin Three. It’s got a great view of the meadow.”
The little boy’s eyes sparkle with excitement, and he eagerly pulls on his mom’s hand. “Look, Mama, horses!”
“That’s right,” I say, smiling at the kid. “We’ve got plenty of horses here. Maybe you’ll get to ride one during your visit.”
As we reach the cabin, I unlock the door and help them get their bags inside. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. We’re here to make sure you have a great stay.”
“Thank you,” the mother says, a warm smile on her face. “We’re really looking forward to this.”
I nod, tipping my hat before heading back to the main area. Weston is already on his way back, having settled the Johnson’s in their cabin.
As we prepare to call the next names to settle into cabins, a flicker of movement catches my attention in the corner of my eye. A man forcefully pushes a redheaded woman, causing her to stumble over a boot and collapse onto the ground. My blood boils instantly. What the fuck? How can anyone treat a woman like that?
“Weston, we need to intervene.” I jerk my head in their direction so he knows what I’m talking about.
We quickly make our way over, my heart thumping in my ears. Just as she’s getting up, she lunges at him with a fury I can almost taste. “Whoa there, Tiger,” I tell her, mouth close to her ear. “Put those claws away before someone gets hurt.”
Weston seizes the man. “What is going on here?” he demands, his voice cold and steady.
“This bastard’s cheating on me,” she hisses, her body trembling against mine in rage.
That’s not what Weston asked, but it explains enough about what’s going on. She must have just found out and is pissed, rightfully so.
The scent of apricots fills my senses from her wild red hair, and the feel of her pressed against me stirs something primal. Little Wyatt twitches in my Wranglers, but I force myself to focus. Her anger is palpable, and I feel a surge of protectiveness.
“Release me and my wife!” the man shouts, struggling against Weston’s grip.
