Clancy nodded and smiled. “You need to borrow some money?”
Bill laughed. “Nah, you’ve made sure I start my new life as a married man with a significant bank account.”
“You earned every penny.” Bill could see the pride on Clancy’s face. “Now, what’s the second thing? I’m stumped.”
“I want you to be my best man.”
Clancy clamped Bill’s shoulder. “Only if you’ll be mine.”
“Of course, I’d be honored.”
“We’re gonna have one hell of a bachelor party,” chuckled Clancy.
“Not if Dottie and my mama get wind of it.”
17
“Who’s that?” Lyric asked Bullet.
“That there fella is Kingston West,” he answered. “New hire, and soon to be my travelin’ companion.”
“What’s he do?”
“He’s a hand. Like me.”
Tristan smiled. Bullet often referred to himself that way, but he was hardly a “hand.” He was an integral part of the rough stock business. The partners were also convinced he was on the road to a bull riding championship. If not this year, next year for certain.
“What else does he do? A man doesn’t get a body like his from ranchin’ alone.”
Tristan looked over at the man they were discussing. He was a big guy. Taller than Bullet, who had to be at least six foot four. Kingston had broad shoulders and a build that could be described as husky.
“Bulldoggin’,” Bullet finally answered. “I hear he’s also a country singer of sorts.”
“I knew it!” exclaimed Lyric. “You can’t have power like his and not do somethin’ with it. Damn, that man is hot as a branding iron. I bet he can ride a woman even better than he can a horse.”
Tristan laughed out loud, and Bullet looked embarrassed. “She’s done this my whole life,” he explained. “Doesn’t care what she says or who hears it.”
“Get over it.” Lyric looked between her and Bullet. “As if the two of you aren’t doin’ the nasty every chance you get.”
It was Tristan’s turn to be embarrassed. And she hadn’t needed an explanation of Lyric’s lack of filter.
“Jesus, Lyric, people are always sayin’ how I’m so irresponsible. Your mouth is irresponsible. You can’t keep sayin’ everything you think, whenever the hell you think it. Ever hear of keepin’ some of your thoughts to yourself?”
Lyric was still studying the cowboy standing across the room. Tristan thought he looked just as uncomfortable as she felt. He’d be even more so if he could overhear what Lyric was saying.
“I gotta meet him.” Lyric was out of her chair and halfway across the room.
Heaven help him, thought Tristan.
“Sorry about that.”
“Lyric? Don’t be. It didn’t take me long to get used to her. I’d be disappointed if she didn’t say something embarrassing every time I see her.”
“Yeah, you might think it’s funny now, but wait until you’re part of our family. You’ll get sick of her right quick.”
Tristan was sure Bullet misspoke. And she couldn’t think of a single thing to say to change the subject. By the look on Bullet’s face, he couldn’t either.
“I don’t know why I said that,” he shook his head. “Gettin’ a little bit ahead of myself.”