Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

T he sun is high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the land as Weston and I walk through the ranch, checking on guests as they arrive. There's a sense of promise in the air, the kind that always accompanies the opening season. It's a chaotic blend of excitement and stress, but it's what we live for. Today, we're headed to see Sophia and Marshall to finalize the plans for the first big cattle drive of the season. The ranch is alive with the sounds of roosters crowing, horses whinnying, and the low hum of distant chatter.

Weston nudges me, grinning. "Ready for the chaos, brother?"

"Always," I reply, trying to keep my spirits high despite the long day ahead. I can't shake off a nagging feeling, but I push it aside as we start toward the main house where Sophia and Josie are waiting.

"You think Josie's gonna be awake?" Weston asks, his grin wide and playful.

"She better be," I reply, laughing. "We've not seen her in a few days and I bet she misses her favorite uncles."

We make our way to the main house, anticipation bubbling between us. We don't often have the chance to see Josie, so we make the most of every minute we spend together. Our older brother, who was once solemn and an asshole, has transformed into a devoted family man thanks to his incredible wife. It's something we never thought we'd see, but here we are, grateful for it.

The moment we walk into the house, we hear her. Josie's baby giggle echoes through the hall, and our hearts swell. She's the family's pride and joy, the little bundle of sunshine that has brought so much happiness into our lives.

"There she is!" Weston exclaims, his eyes lighting up.

Josie, with her short, dark curls and wide, curious eyes, turns toward us. The moment she sees us, her face breaks into a huge smile.

Weston eagerly scoops her up, cradling her gently in his arms and showering her chubby cheeks with kisses. Then, it's my turn, and I lift her up making a funny face, her laughter ringing out like music.

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.

"No can do," I tell him firmly. "You put your hands on a lady, and that doesn't fly here."

"We're married, asshole," he yells, his face turning red with anger.

"That doesn't matter. If anything, that makes it worse. You shouldn't put your hands on the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with."

He sneers at her. "You knew the score, Emma. I deserve to have some fun."

"Oh, fuck you, Greg," she snaps back, fighting to get out of my hold. "You get to have fun, and I'm left with your little dick that can't even get me to orgasm?" She laughs bitterly. "So, what? You can fuck whoever you want, but I get you and my vibrator?"

I look at her, impressed by her fire. Her strength and spirit in the face of betrayal are astounding. "Can we let you go and trust you to stay calm so we can escort him out?"

"I'm not leaving!" Greg's shouts reverberated in the air, growing louder with each word. "She's my wife."

"You've said that." I give him a blank look.

I release the fiery little hellcat, and she stomps away from me to retrieve her lost boot and slide it back on. The sight of her trying to maintain some semblance of dignity makes my chest ache. With determination, Weston and I seize Greg by the arms, dragging him toward an empty golf cart.

"I can't believe you!" Emma screams but doesn't move. "I'll be calling my lawyer and filing for divorce."

"I'm driving," I announce as we reach the cart, Weston nodding in agreement.

With Weston keeping a firm hold on Greg, I start the cart and head down the driveway. Greg continues to shout obscenities, his anger escalating with every passing moment.

"You'll regret this!" Greg yells, his voice filled with venom.

Ignoring his threats, I pull up to the end of the driveway, where we intend to drop him off. With one final push, Weston and I hoist Greg out of the cart and drop him unceremoniously onto the ground.

"You're done here, Greg," Weston says, his voice steady.

My jaw clenches with determination as I nod in agreement. "Don't come back."

Greg staggers to his feet, glaring at us both before turning and storming off down the road. Weston and I watch him go, the tension slowly easing from our shoulders.

"We did the right thing," Weston says quietly, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," I reply, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Let's head back. There's still work to do."

With that, we climb back into the golf cart and drive back toward the ranch, ready to check in on the little redhead that now has my attention.