Hard-Riding Cowboy (Kinky Spurs 3)

Nash couldn’t help but respect the man. He had balls and didn’t seem easily rattled.

He had parted his mouth to reply when Jenny interjected, smiling at Clay. “You don’t need to worry about Nash, I’ll be there to help him.”

“Excellent.”

Nash huffed. “Am I even here?”

Soft chuckles filled the room.

The doctor gave Mom another beaming grin. “I hope to see you at the festival, Ms. Jenny.”

She blushed.

He left the room.

The moment they were alone, Harper gasped, “That doctor was totally flirting with you.”

“He was not!” Ma’s cheeks blushed a deeper shade of red. Her hand pressed against her chest. “He was being friendly, that’s all.”

Emma laughed softly and gave a knowing look. “Friendly in a flirting kind of way.”

“Oh, stop it, you two.” Ma gave Emma and Harper a weak glare. “I’m too old for any of that nonsense.”

“No, you’re not,” said Shep, pressing a hand against Ma’s shoulder. Silence filled the room, Ma’s eyes growing wider by the second. Shep did his thing, comforting her with a soft smile. “The doctor seems like a nice man. Why not get to know him?”

Next to him, Harper elbowed Chase.

“Oof,” he grunted. “Yeah, what Shep said.”

“Well . . . I . . .” Jenny looked at Nash.

He shrugged. “I have no opinion on this, other than if you go, we’re going with you.” He’d never tell his mom to date again. She wouldn’t want that, and neither would he. Still, he’d be there to make sure his mother was treated right. Until she kicked his ass out of there, of course.

Ma paused then gave a tender smile. “I think I would like to go to that musical festival.”

Harper rubbed her hands together, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Let’s go dress shopping.”

Emma nodded. “I’ll do your hair real nice.”

Ma smiled. A bright smile. Nash glanced at Shep and Chase, seeing that his brothers took note of that smile too. For all that the family had been through, maybe it was time for everyone to have a little luck on their side. And maybe in all the strain and pain, everyone deserved happiness too—which suddenly made Nash wish Megan were there with them.

When Ma looked back at Nash, he wanted to tell her about the baby, knowing how happy that would make her. But his mother would hover over Megan once she found out. Nash needed things to settle with Megan before they let their families into their circle. Even Nash knew of the storm that awaited him once their families got involved. They needed to be strong and solid, and while Nash could feel they were getting there, he knew one wrong move could cost him what he wanted most.

Megan.

“My poor, poor baby,” said Ma, dragging him from his thoughts as she rose. “You look upset.” She ran her hand across his forehead. “Are you hurting?”

“I’m fine, Ma.” A lie. His shoulder burned like someone had used a cheese grater on his skin until there wasn’t any skin left. To get the focus off him, he asked Shep, “Any word on how the guests are taking the fire?”

“Most are handling the situation fine.” Shep reached into his pocket, taking out his cell phone, and began tapping the screen. “Others, I’m afraid, are not.” He handed Nash the cell.

Nash groaned at what he saw on the screen. “Seriously, a one-star review already?”

“Some people like to complain,” Harper interjected quickly. Her arms were folded across her chest, her wedding rings sparkling in the light. “Try not to take it too personally.”

“The ranch seems to be falling apart.” Nash arched an eyebrow. “How do I not take that personally?”

Harper gave a tight smile. “Grow a thicker skin?”