Home on the Ranch: Texas Wedding

“Sure,” Ash agreed, following him into the living room. “This is some place.”

“One of the original structures on the property. Always something needing fixing, but it’s home.” He offered him a longneck. “Guess you’re house hunting? Anything in mind?”

“It’d be nice to have some property.” He chuckled. “Nothing to compare to this, of course.” He’d learned today how significant the Boones were to the region. Not only were they the founding family of Stonewall Crossing and the veterinary hospital, they had one of the largest ranches in the Southwest. They were important folk. And, from what he could tell, truly decent people.

“I’ll keep my ears open.” Fisher pulled a plate of steaks from the refrigerator. “With so many folk looking to escape the big city, property gets snapped up pretty quick.”

Which was understandable. There was a sense of traditional values, safety and community to the place that would be a haven for those tired of the tug-and-pull of larger cities. “I’d appreciate it.”

“Grill’s out back,” Fisher said, opening the French doors and walking out onto the massive deck that ran the length of the house. Ash followed, pulling the doors closed behind them. “You were leaning toward working up north last time we talked. What changed your mind?”

His mother-in-law. Betty hadn’t meant to turn down the job offer he’d received from the other university. She’d simply been trying to get on to Facebook—or so she said. But she’d opened half a dozen windows, downloaded “How to Speak Mandarin” software and, apparently, sent three words to the University dean. “No, thank you.” By the time he’d called them back, the job was taken. When they realized what had happened, Betty had burst into tears and apologized for three hours straight.

Stonewall Crossing hadn’t been his first choice but, after he’d cooled down enough to understand what had happened, he realized it was the best option. The town, the country, was great. The university, its facilities and staff were, too. Coming back...he’d been scared. It had been near impossible to leave the last time. He’d stood in that airport, staring at the flight-status boards, wondering what the hell he was doing. Because Renata had gotten to him.

Nope. Now was not the time to be think

ing about her.

But, funny or not, admitting he’d wound up here due to his mother-in-law’s lack of computer skills might come off as offensive. Instead, he’d opted for a safe explanation. “In the end, it came down to where I saw myself long-term. Where I wanted to put down roots.” He sipped his beer. “And the state-of-the-art equipment at the hospital didn’t hurt, either.”

Fisher chuckled. “Just wait till you get to use them.” As he put the steaks on the grill, they talked about their work, what Ash could expect, the regular clients, the donors, the deans and this year’s group of fourth-year students.

“I’m out,” Fisher said, lifting his beer.

He nodded.

“I’ll be back with a refill.” He took the bottle and headed inside.

Ash leaned against the deck railing. On the hill, a buck stood silhouetted against the sky, casting a long shadow over the winter landscape. Damn, he wished he’d brought his camera. This would have made an incredible picture. He wasn’t just being polite when he’d complimented Fisher on the view. No matter what angle, Ash would have something to shoot. And the setting sun, the slow retreat of light from the hills and fields, was breathtaking.

The back door opened. “Fisher’s running a parent intervention, but I brought your refill.”

He turned, fully expecting Fisher’s wife.

But it wasn’t Kylee.

It was the last person he’d expected to see here.

Renata?

His brain short-circuited a little. Sudden pressure, like a kick from a steel-toed boot, slammed into his chest. How was she here? Standing there. Startled.

Just as he remembered—damn beautiful.

The beer bottle slipped from her fingers and went crashing to the wooden deck at her feet. It shattered, sending beer all over her boots and jeans. Not that she reacted. She didn’t move. She just stood there, staring at him, the color draining from her cheeks.

“You okay?” Fisher yelled from somewhere inside.

Renata nodded. “Fine.” But it was a whisper. “Well...” She swallowed. “You. You’re here?”

He smiled. It was good to see her. “Hi.”

Her brows rose. “Hi?” she asked, stepping back and crunching on glass. “Ash. What are you doing here?”

What the hell was he doing? At the moment, he was staring. Stunned. Trying like hell not to panic.

Fisher came through the back door. “What happened?” Fisher asked. “You okay?” he asked Renata. “You get cut? You look weird.”