Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“But it’s different. A spinout here and you could hit nothing. Over there, you could crash into anything and kill yourself. You’ve seen it a hundred times,” I remind her.

“You’re right. There was a ten-car pile-up on the fifty-five yesterday. Luckily, everyone survived, but black ice got them,” she says, her voice animated and filled with concern.

“See? I’m going to be finishing up a few minor things today, and then I’ll be making my way to the airport tomorrow morning.”

“Good. I can’t wait to see you, big brother.”

“Take care, little one.” I end the call and take a fresh cup of sludge back out onto the front porch. For the next ten minutes, it’s pure silence and beauty. Even the wind has settled down.

Big John’s truck pulls up to the driveway. Things are a little easier at this time of the year, so I can afford to take a few days off to visit my family, but there’s no one else I trust to keep this place running smoothly than John. Hell, he took care of almost everything when my father died because it had been a long time since I’d lived on the ranch. When he pops out, I set my coffee down on the table and stand. “How’s it going?” he asks, arching his brow with a smile as he carries a small sack like he’s Santa Claus.

“Good. I’m about to get my day going. Anything I need to know about?” I question. Not that he’d tell me if it was something important because he knows I’d push back my plans to leave if there were problems.

“No. I’m just coming to drop these off for the boys. My wife said to make sure you didn’t forget them.”

“Thanks. My flight leaves first thing in the morning.”

“I’ll be here to drive you. You better get a move on, though. There’s a lot of people around town to shop. Remember, the place is swamped with tourists.”

“As soon as they open. You know it’s too damn early.”

“But don’t wait too long. The ranch will keep while you’re gone,” he reassures me. It’s not that I don’t trust his handling of things, but it’s been ingrained in me that this is my family’s legacy.

“Okay. I’m going to check on the feeders this morning and then with the guys before heading into town.”

Two hours later, I’m standing in the middle of Cunningham Falls. I might not like people, but the ones in this town make me feel normal.

I stop into Drip and Sips, needing a cup of coffee. Haven’t had good coffee in a long time.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning. I’d like a large cup of coffee with sugar only.” I pay for my drink and wait off to the side for it. Once I have it, I wave goodbye to the young lady.

“Merry Christmas,” she calls out. I nod and make my way through Cunningham Falls. The incident with my former cook has made it hard for me to be barely civil to women these days. I don’t want to give the wrong impression.

I stop by Dress It Up and find some cute accessories I think my sister will like, then I head over to a toy shop for the boys. I almost forget my brother-in-law, but then I scoop up a new watch for him before heading back to the ranch.

My flight departs soon, so I need to get my ass moving to wrap the presents and pack. Since the ranch is just on the outskirts of Cunningham Falls, I make it back in time for a busy night.

With my bags packed, I hop into John’s truck before the sun breaks through the trees. “Thanks for taking me to the airport.”

“No problem. Getting you away from the ranch will do us all some good. Your mood has been shit lately.” I flip him off and check my ticket.

“Well, can you blame me?” I say while double checking the information on it. I suppose I should have done that before, but I’ve had so much other shit to do. Luckily, everything on it is good to go.

“No, we just need to find you a wife.”

He’s got jokes this morning, it seems. “A wife? Please. I’d actually have to meet someone who didn’t see my wealth as my best feature,” I grumble.

“That’s because you’re such a treasure to be around.” His sardonic tone actually makes me laugh.

“You’re lucky we’re friends, or I’d fire your ass,” I inform him.

“It’s cool. It’s a six-mile hike to the airport from here.” He chuckles, stopping on the main road.

“Fuck off and drive.” I pop him in the shoulder.

“See, that’s that winning spirit. Maybe you’ll meet someone in Chicago.” He continues on the road to the airport.

“It’s probably the only way I’ll meet a woman, but I’m a little more popular there.” As a former Chicago Bears player, my face has been plastered over their news and the special events I had to attend there.