Tobias (Reynolds Ranch 2)

“Well, can you blame me?” I say while double checking the information on it. I suppose I should have done that before, but I’ve had so much other shit to do. Luckily, everything on it is good to go or my sister would have my ass once I finally made it to Chicago.

“No, we just need to find you a wife,” he says, winking as he rolls on down the snowy roads.

He’s got jokes this morning, it seems. “A wife? Please. I’d actually have to meet someone who didn’t see my wealth as my best feature,” I grumble. It’s hard as fuck to meet someone when you don’t leave the ranch and the only women you can trust are related or taken.

“That’s because you’re such a treasure to be around.” His sardonic tone actually makes me laugh.

“You’re lucky we’re friends, or I’d fire your ass,” I inform him.

“It’s cool. It’s a six-mile hike to the airport from here.” He chuckles, stopping on the main road like a dick.

“Fuck off and drive.” I pop him in the shoulder.

“See, that’s that winning spirit. Maybe you’ll meet someone in Chicago.” He continues on the road to the airport as I give that idea a brief run through my head. It would be nice, but still unlikely to happen since I don’t have any intention of leaving their home while I’m there.

“It’s probably the only way I’ll meet a woman, but I’m a little more popular there.” As a former Chicago Bears player, my face has been plastered over their news and the special events I had to attend there.

“True, but it’s been years. They probably think you blew all your money on drugs and women.”

That’s fine with me. I don’t want a gold digger. “I have almost every damn penny considering all the interest I accrued, but that’s not the kind of woman I want as a wife anyway.” We make great time to the airport, making small talk along the way, dropping conversation about wives and switch it to work because there’s a lot to do while I’m gone. Still, John reassures me that he’s got it covered and I’m more than certain that he does.

We pull into the drop-off line. “Good luck, Tobias.”

“Thank you. Have a great Christmas.”

“You too, and give the boys hugs from me and kisses from the wife.”

“Will do.” We shake hands, and I take my luggage and enter the airport. A week. I swallow hard. It’s going to be a trial to break out of my routine, but at least her husband will give me an endless supply of coffee and it will be fantastic. It’s one thing I can most definitely count on.

As soon as I take my seat in first class, I get comfortable and go through the security feed at the ranch. I don’t have many cameras up, but after the incident in the summer, I installed a motion-activated camera in my bedroom that turns on when I’m not home. It has yet to be activated except when we initially tested out.

Once we’re in the air, I get a bottle of water. I’d learned years ago how to easily fall asleep on a plane. I traveled so much, it was necessary. It’s a six-hour flight, and that means I’ll get some rest. After finishing my water, I sit back in my seat, close my eyes, and fall asleep.

It seems like a short time later when the flight attendant taps on my shoulder. “Sir, we are about to descend.”

“Damn, I slept the whole way. Thanks, ma’am.” She smiles and blushes before walking away. I’m not sure why I have that effect on women, but at least she leaves me alone. I buckle myself back in and think about Big John’s words. Maybe I will see if my sister’s hosting any parties. I need a wife. If not, what’s the point of keeping the ranch? It’s been in my family for a century, and I want that to continue on. I can’t do that without a family of my own.

We begin exiting the plane and there’s a sign that says, “Big Brother Montana.” My brother-in-law has a sense of humor. Shaking my head and rolling my eyes, I walk up to the driver, who I recognize. He gives me the slightest smile. “Are you ready?”

“I am. Let’s get out of this place. I’m starving.” We grab my luggage off the belt and then walk toward the exit where the vehicles are taxied. It’s a different cold in the city, so I toss up my collar and exit the building.

“Your sister is preparing lunch.” He opens the passenger door and I hop in back, closing it behind me. He puts my luggage into the back of the Escalade and then climbs inside. The drive to their home isn’t too far from the airport, but I’m so anxious to see my family that it feels like forever.