Home on the Ranch: Texas Wedding

“How long has it been since you’ve ridden?” Fisher asked, glancing back over his shoulder.

“Too long.” The few hours on horseback had reminded him of just how much he loved it. “We sold our family place when I was in high school. After that, with school and all, I didn’t have much opportunity.”

“Must have been hard.” Fisher’s brow furrowed, the quick shake of his head sympathetic. “But now that’ll change. The college uses horses sometimes, when they go out on calls. You find a horse here you like, we can work something out.”

One more surprise. This place, these people—the surprises kept coming. After a thorough tour of the school and his new office, Fisher had invited him back to his place for dinner with his family. Fisher’s father had asked him to check a windmill and Ash had been all too happy to ride out with him. This was beautiful country. Wide-open and quiet. Things might not have worked out the way he’d planned but there was a reason.

There was no denying this was beautiful country, even now that winter had set in. And the town? Genuinely kind folk, full of charm and welcoming. After his last visit, he’d left this place knowing he’d never come back. After his night with Renata and the minefield of confusion he’d had to shut down the morning after, he’d had no choice.

Yet here I am.

“You good?” Fisher asked, beating his hat against his jean-clad thigh.

He nodded, pushing his hat back on his head and smoothing his shirt. “I should clean up before dinner.”

Fisher grinned. “I have boys. A little more dirt won’t hurt a thing.” As soon as they reached the house, Fisher was greeted by shrieks and a flurry of activity. Ash watched, smiling at the open affection between father and sons. By the time the noise died down, a small boy was hanging off one of Fisher’s arms, another sat on his boot—like the man was their personal plaything.

And Ash missed his son more than ever. “That’s some greeting.”

Fisher chuckled. “Thanks for your help today.”

“Anytime.” He cast a final glance behind them, the winter landscape barren yet gorgeous.

“Just remember you said that. There’s always something needing extra hands. I’ll warn you now, if my dad hears you say that, he’ll find a way to put you up on the ranch full-time.” He paused. “I’m dead serious,” Fisher said, leading him farther inside. “Let me introduce my two monsters. Zac, say hello.” He spoke to the boy on his boot.

“Hello,” the boy said, his black hair standing on end.

“And this one—” Fisher lifted his arm so the other boy was dangling in the air and laughing “—is Nate. Nate, say hello.”

“Hello,” the boy said. “Who are you?”

“This is Dr. Carmichael,” Fisher said. “He just moved here to work at the vet hospital with me and Uncle Hunter.”

“Fixing animals?” Zac asked.

Ash nodded. “Yep.”

“Good,” Nate said loudly.

“Boys.” Fisher’s pregnant wife shook her head. “Daddy’s not a jungle gym. Come on, your bath is ready.”

“Ash, this is my wife, Kylee.” Fisher dropped an arm around her shoulders. “Kylee, Ash.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Ash. To have the Boone brothers agree on something is no small thing so knowing they all wanted to hire you says quite a lot. Welcome to Stonewall Crossing. It’s a great place to call home.”

“Thank you.” He shook her hand. “And thank you for the dinner invite.”

“Glad you could make it. I’ll apologize for the chaos now.” She shook her head as the boys made a lap around the leather sofa. “Bath time, boys. Say good-night.”

“You got this?” Fisher asked her.

“Of course.” She rolled her eyes. “And then they go to bed.” Her smile said it all.

Fisher chuckled and pressed a kiss to her temple before she corralled the boys down the hall.

“Cute kids,” Ash said.

“They keep us running. Literally.” Fisher yawned. “How about a beer?”