Tobias (Reynolds Ranch 2)

Pulling myself away, I find Landon three steps ahead of me. As soon as the door close s, I ask, “So what happened?”

“I let word spread that the wedding already happened.” He’s smiling proud of himself.

“And? Anyone acting shifty?”

“No. Not really. Just surprised. I told them that when you love someone, you go for it. Even a day longer felt too long. No one seemed put out in the least. Of the staff that was present, nothing happened.”

“Damn, I was hoping that we’d get some reaction.”

“Can you take time off for the honeymoon?”

“Yes. We can. Next month is when it gets busy.”

“Good. Take her now before you can’t take time off. Fly with us to Chicago, refuel, and go wherever you like. You need to celebrate and forget all this bullshit and in the meantime, we’ll have more answers and maybe even this woman.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll ask Ava. She might not want to go, but I will try.”

“Of course. Now, we have two days to relax before we leave. Fuck her into agreeing on a getaway to make a baby. I’m sure you’re more than ready for that.”

“Hell motherfucking yes. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find my bride and kiss the hell out of her.”

“As you should.”

****

After a blissful night of orgasm after orgasm, I hoped today the happiness would continue, but shit hits the fan as soon as I step into my office to get some work done. “We have a problem, Tobias. A cow has been shot in the far pasture,” John says, panting like he’s completely out of breath over the phone.

“Fuck. Hunters or poachers?” I ask. Some other ranches have had those problems, so it’s only a matter of time before they head our way. I’m on my feet, ready to head out.

“I don’t know, but I already called Angela. There’s a chance they both can be saved. It’s supposedly in the leg.”

I round my desk, then freeze and ask, “Supposedly?”

“Yeah, David called me, freaking out.”

“David? What the fuck is he doing in the far pasture? He’s supposed to be feeding the sheep.”

“I don’t know. I haven’t gotten that far. I’m on my way to pick you up. Be there in two minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll be out there.” I slip on my hat and tuck my phone into my pocket with my gun holstered around my back. You never know if the poachers are still out there looking to collect on their kill or get more. They may open fire on us, so it’s smart to be prepared.

“What’s going on?” Ava asks, coming into my office with my coffee and a puzzled look on her face. I hate to ruin our good morning with ugly and dangerous business.

“Thanks, babe.” I take it and set it down on my desk, knowing it’s going to get cold before I get back. “Sorry, but I have to go. Someone shot one of my cows.”

“Oh no. Please don’t go out there. I have a bad feeling about it.” The pleading look in her round eyes breaks my heart and almost makes me turn around, but it’s my responsibility and I’m already planning on leaving my staff alone again when we go on our honeymoon tomorrow.

“Babe, I’m going to be okay. Everyone is out there waiting for me.”

“So why do you need to go?” she hisses, getting snippy with me which takes me by surprise.

“Because it’s my ranch,” I bark out. She flinches and then turns on her heel to leave. I reach out to talk to her, but she yanks her hand away, storming out of my office. I hear her climb the stairs. “Son of a bitch,” I grumble, running my hand over my face. I don’t have time to make it right. Instead, I do what I have to and head out to meet John. He’s in his truck and I hop in, feeling like a fucking prick as we pull away from the house.

“Can things get any worse?” I mutter, knowing that I just jinxed myself.

“You know they can,” he sighs, making his way out to the field.

Chapter Fifteen

Ava

By the time I storm up to the bedroom and slam our door, my temper feels out of place. I’m pissed at him and myself. I can see his heart cracking when I pull away from him. It’s as if I smacked him. My head drops into my hands and I let the tears fall effortlessly. Tobias and I should be happy and celebrating our new life together, but I let my fears get in the way of his job.

I should know he’s only doing what he would typically do. I wrestle with my emotions, feeling hurt and lonely.

Still, he’s my husband and I should have the right to say something. We’ve only been married less than twenty-four hours and had our first fight. A part of me feels childish. Damn it, I need some air. I wipe away the tears on my face and then leave our room. I want to be in his arms and to tell me we’re okay.