“One of my bulls was killed and one of the cameras shot down. I don’t know what happened exactly, but I’m going to need more of your services.”
“What the fuck?”
“I’m sure this is just the beginning. Hope is getting further along in her pregnancy and I have to work on the ranch full time, especially with all the damn problems that keep popping up.”
“I have a couple of guys without a detail assignment. Do you want me to send them over on a temporary basis?”
“Do you trust them?”
“I only hire those I can trust.”
“Good. Send me two if you can spare them. I don’t want them doing anything other than guarding my family.”
“I’ll have them out first thing in the morning.”
“Great.” Gage ended the call and then sent a text to Bill to meet him with the six ranch hands for a staff meeting in his garage. He would have called it in the barn or the bunkhouse, but he didn’t want to be that far away from Hope.
They leaned up against the wall in a relaxed pose. “Dalton, James, Chris, Hugh, Joe, and Jack, I can’t thank you boys enough for stepping up to the plate and making sure everything runs smoothly. I know many would have cut and run when shit got real, but you all stayed and made me proud.
“Here’s the thing, fellas. I’m grateful for all that you’ve done to keep the ranch going while I was out. We’re going to need more of that. I want the same independent initiative that you all have shown, but I’m not sure where the danger’s coming from. So if any of you feel the need to bow out, I’ll understand.”
“Nah, I’m not going anywhere. Things are good. I can’t ask for a better gig. Although, cooking for ourselves hasn’t been that appealing.”
“Well, sorry, fellas. Maybe we can hire a cook for you guys at least three times a week.”
“Damn, that would be fucking incredible.”
“I’ll ask Hope to look into it.” The ranch had been doing extremely well to the point that they weren’t in the red any longer, so they could afford it.
“That sounds good to us,” Dalton said, rubbing his stomach like he was starved. The men had gotten spoiled with Hope cooking for them almost daily. Gage hadn’t minded until she’d gotten a little further along in her pregnancy, but she insisted. After Johnathan was born, they scaled back the cooking. Most of the time, they’d order from the diner or drive into the city for a hearty Mexican-style meal.
“Speak for yourself. It sounds fucking fantastic.” Joe nudged his brother Jack in the ribs.
“I second that!” Chris roared. Cheers and laughter went around the room.
“Now, keep your eyes out for anyone looking around here. We shouldn’t have anyone other than a couple of buyers, but you know that I’ll have that scheduled in advance. By the way, we’ll be having additional men coming on board as security for Hope. I’ll make sure to introduce you all tomorrow at lunch.”
“Ooh, do we get some homemade lunch?” Hugh asked with his eyes as wide as saucers.
“I’ll see what we can do.” They looked so excited that Gage felt he’d do the cooking just so they’d get their hot meal. When he walked back inside, Hope was pacing the living room.
“Where have you been?” The fear in her eyes was too strong to deny.
He crossed the distance and cupped her face. “Sorry, I needed to talk to the hands. We were in the garage, so we didn’t wake you.”
“Oh, okay. Sorry. I thought maybe you went out to go after Cummings or Perkins.” She sobbed out of control.
“God, I’m going to make them pay. I don’t like seeing you like this. So damn afraid. I’d do anything, but I won’t risk not coming home to you. Let’s sit down and talk. There’s a lot to go over.”
“Let me guess. The guys want food.”
“Ha. Yep. That sure is one thing they mentioned.” Hope knew they could eat all day long with how hard they worked. She made lots of food that they could reheat later if they needed. Most of the time, they would eat it the same night and be starving the next day. She cooked most days of the week, but they deserved it, although she had to say that she was too worn out to keep up the pace for all those men.
“Do you think we could hire a cook?”
“Ha. Were you listening to us? I suggested that to the guys for at least a few days a week, so you could get some rest and they could get the meals they need.”
“Great minds think alike.”
“I’m glad that you’re up for it. I actually try not to get jealous that you cook for all of them.” He may have looked like he was teasing, but both of them knew he was serious.