Tobias (Reynolds Ranch 2)

“I will be. Are you picking me up?” I ask, hoping she isn’t coming personally to the airport . “No, but Landon’s sending a car for you. He doesn’t want me driving in this weather, like I haven’t lived around snow all my life.” She’s pouting on the other end of the line, and I don’t even need to see her to know. Nothing’s changed. She hates that he’s right, so she’s complaining, but the man will do everything in his power to protect his wife even if it upsets her.

“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 are a lot of people around town shopping. 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 and with no one left but me to look after it, I have a hard time stepping away from home.

“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 Snow Ridge. I might not like people in general and especially in large crowds, but the ones in this town make me feel normal.

I stop into The Sippery, needing a cup of coffee. Haven’t had good coffee in a long time unless I’m fortunate enough to get here early.

“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 Snow Ridge. 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 which also gives the wrong impression that I’m a natural asshole.

I stop by Stylize and find some cute accessories I think my sister will like, then I head over to Benton’s 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 Snow Ridge, I make it back in time for a busy night full of paperwork, wrapping, and checking on my animals once more before hitting the sack.

****

With my bags packed and ready to go, I hop into John’s truck before the sun breaks through the large trees. “Thanks for taking me to the airport,” I say as I buckle up.

“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 to make sure everything is set.