Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 3)

Alex points out a large two-story home with a wraparound porch that sits off the road, telling me that’s where his parents live. As we continue driving, we pass different barns, and he explains each one’s purpose. Some hold extra feed for the animals while others house the equipment. An hour passes before we arrive at the training facility run by Jackson and Kiera.

When Alex parks, he turns and looks at me. “Jackson’s a known prankster. Consider yourself warned.”

I grin. “Thanks for the heads-up. It’ll keep the days interesting at least.”

“You say that now,” Alex says as we head inside toward the office, where Kiera’s sitting behind a big oak desk with a schedule book open. As soon as her eyes meet mine, she grins.

“God, I’m so happy you’re finally here.”

A minute passes, and Jackson walks in wearing a shit-eating grin followed by two young men. Twins. “Not gonna listen to any complainin’ today,” he warns them both. “Maybe your mom will.”

Kiera groans with an eye roll. “It’s too early for that. Don’t start with me, or you’ll be doing double,” she warns.”

Their jaws lock, but they don’t talk back. I get the feeling they get themselves into a lot of trouble by their parents’ reaction.

Kiera sweeps loose strands of blond hair out of her face. “Oh, Gavin, these are our two boys, Knox and Kane. You’ll see them around doing the guided horse tours at the B&B. They also feed them in the morning and shovel shit in the afternoon, which will be the least of their worries if they keep driving me crazy.”

Their faces contort, but they have manners and shake my hand.

“Nice to meet you,” they say. There’s no way I could tell them apart, even if I tried.

During my interview with Jackson and Kiera, they explained how busy they’ve been with training and how they desperately needed extra help with the wild horses. I went through all my experience, and a week later, they offered me a position. I had some other obligations at home first and couldn’t start immediately, but they were willing to wait. When I got the call, there wasn’t a doubt in my bones about accepting the job. The money was great, I’d have a place to stay, and the landscape was vast and beautiful. Though Houston will always be home, I was ready to escape to a small town away from the lifestyle I’d led. I fell in love with Eldorado the first time I visited. There’s something magical about the ranch that I can’t explain.

“I’ll meet y’all outside,” Alex tells the twins. One of them releases a grunt while the other rolls his eyes.

Kiera sighs once they’re out of sight. “I wish they were more like their sister. Kaitlyn does things without being disrespectful.”

Jackson chuckles and turns to me. “That’s our youngest. She just left for her second year of college, but she’ll be back during the holidays and breaks. I’m sure you’ll see her around then.”

The phone rings, and Keira answers and immediately begins scribbling on a notepad. “How about next week? Could probably fit you in on Monday. Yep. See ya then.” She ends the call, then looks up at me. “I hope you’re ready to start workin’ this afternoon,” she tells me.

“I sure am. Been looking forward to it,” I admit, which seems to please them both. The exhaustion on their faces is evident. I’m glad I can relieve some of the pressure and stress they’ve had running this huge empire by themselves.

“Great,” Jackson says, patting me on the back. “We’ve got a packed training schedule for the next five years.”

My eyes widen in shock.

“That might be a slight exaggeration.” Kiera snorts. “But the rest of the year and next will be really busy, though. Since our competitor closed shop, business has been booming.”

“That’s great.” I smile.

“Have you eaten?” Jackson abruptly changes the subject, but Kiera doesn’t seem to mind and goes back to her calendar.

“Actually, no,” I respond.

Jackson immediately shakes his head. “Unacceptable.” Swinging open the office door, he finds Alex standing by the truck talking to the twins and moves toward him. “Not feeding our new employee on his first day is ridiculous. The man has to eat!”

Alex rolls his eyes and flips him off. Jackson turns toward me. “Alex will take you to the B&B for breakfast. It’s tradition. Then I’ll show you ’round here.”

Kiera comes outside and frowns. “Don’t be a bad influence.”

“Yeah, yeah. Haven’t heard that all my life.” He chuckles. “Really happy you took our offer. Now go eat. I’ll see you back here in an hour.”

“Is that a firm hour?” Alex asks. “Or do we have time?”

Jackson shrugs. “Take however long you need, considering it’s his first day. Make sure he tries the blueberry pancakes,” he tells Alex, then looks at me. “My niece makes the best stacks in Texas,” Jackson says with a grin.