Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 95273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“But that’s just it, it didn’t ruin anything. Sure, it…interrupted. But I didn’t mind helping with Daisy. I don’t know how Abbi does it by herself. It’s hard fucking work.”
“Yeah,” my brother says, eyeing me. He was a single dad for more than five years after his first wife passed away while giving birth to Holly. “It is hard damn work.”
“I don’t know what the fuck is up except that I can’t stay away from her,” I admit, running my hand down my face. “I guess we’ll take it one day at a time.”
“Fair enough.” He takes a bite of the cake. “What else is going on with you?”
“I got a call this morning.” I fill him in on everything that Sandy said, and Rem’s eyes widen when I tell him how much they want to pay me for the sponsorships.
“Holy shit, Brady.”
“I know.”
“Good for you. I’m proud of you.”
“We’re going to try to get them all to come here for photos and to film so I don’t have to be away from the ranch. I don’t want to go to fucking LA. Today or any other day.”
“Can’t say that I blame you.”
“If they want to film at the ranch, they’ll pay a fee for it. Would you allow it?”
“Of course. Tell them to include the event space and mention it in the ads.”
I grin at him. “I like the way you think, big brother.”
“Hey, this New Year’s Eve party that the girls are throwing for their collective is a big deal for them. You should escort Abbi.”
“She didn’t invite me.”
He shakes his head at me. “You’re not stupid. Ask her. And shit, Christmas is in a few days. I still have to shop.”
“Damn it, so do I, now that you mention it. I haven’t got the kids anything yet. I guess I can do that while I’m downtown. I’ll be out at the ranch later today to help with the livestock.”
“Take the day off,” he says, shaking his head and waving me off. “Lucky and Bruiser have it handled. There’s not much going on, anyway.”
“Yeah, okay. Thanks. Is this all you wanted to meet for? To shoot the shit and get the scoop on my sex life?”
“What can I say?” he asks before finishing his coffee. “I missed my little brother.”
“Right.”
I shopped until I just couldn’t do it anymore, and I managed to get everything that I needed. As a bonus, there’s a store at the end of the street that offers gift wrapping for a good price, so I left all of my bags there. and I’ll pick everything up tomorrow.
You can’t beat it.
Just as I’m about to call Abbi to ask her how Daisy’s doing, my phone rings, and it’s my nephew, Jake.
“Hey, bud,” I say into the phone.
“Hey, Uncle Brady. Are you busy this afternoon? I have a horse that I’d like you to look at. I think something’s wrong with her.”
“Yeah, I can come by now. I’m about fifteen minutes away. Want me to meet you at the stables?”
“That would be awesome. Thanks. See you soon.”
I hang up and start the vehicle, then call Abbi so I can talk to her while I drive.
She answers on the third ring. “Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful. I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier. How are things there?”
“Oh, we’re doing okay. Daisy hasn’t thrown up any more, and I’ve been able to keep some food and fluids in her. She’s been sleeping off and on, poor thing.”
“And how are you?”
She sighs, making me frown. “Just tired. I think I’ll nap with her here in a few. I just wanted to clean up a bit. I might have Merilee from next door come stay with her while I run to the grocery store in a bit.”
“No, just send me your list, and I’ll pick up what you need. I’m headed out to Ryan’s place now because Jake wants me to have a look at a horse, and then I’ll come back into town.”
“Brady, you don’t have to do that. You should just go on to the ranch.”
“Are we going to argue about this when you could be napping? Seriously, send me the list. You’ll have what you need before dinner time. No arguments.”
“You seriously rock,” she says, relief heavy in her voice. “I didn’t want to leave her yet, even though Merilee is like a surrogate grandmother. Okay, I’ll text you the list, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Get some rest, and I’ll see you a little later.”
“Thank you, Brady. Seriously.”
“You’re welcome.”
With a grin, I disconnect the call and then turn off of the highway, into Ryan’s driveway, and stop at the gate. Within seconds, the gate slides open, and I drive through.
My brother’s enormous house comes into view, but I drive past it to the barn and stable area about a quarter of a mile away and park next to Jake’s truck.