Ace High (Lost Creek Rodeo #6) - Heather B. Moore Page 0,44
had been engaged a few years back, and when things went south, Braden had decided he’d never watch a live rodeo again. Not even his own brother’s. Now, Lars realized he should have seen the signs of depression and self-medicating after that breakup. Instead, he’d been too caught up in his own life and wasn’t the brother he should have been to Braden.
“Well, we can always check the lineup before you show up.”
Braden sighed. “Yeah. A lot of things are changing when I’m finished here. I need to take control of my life and not let substances do it for me.”
They’d made a full loop around the property and were now close to the bench again. Lars came to a stop, and so did his brother. “I’m proud of you, Braden. You might have made some mistakes—heck, so have I. But you’re a survivor.”
Braden folded his arms and looked down at the ground. “I don’t feel like a survivor. I feel like a screwup.”
Lars slung an arm around Braden’s shoulders. “I’ve been reading some stuff Kellie Prosper recommended, and believe me, you’re a survivor.”
Braden’s brows popped up. “Kellie, huh? Haven’t heard her name in a while. She was sure cute, though. How’s she doing? Didn’t she get married?”
“She did get married, but they divorced about a year ago.”
Braden’s watch alarm went off. “Oh, I gotta go soon.” He stepped away from Lars, then narrowed his eyes. “Hey.”
“Hey, what?”
“That look.”
“What look?” Lars asked.
“You like Kellie Prosper, don’t you?” Braden asked.
Lars set his hands on his hips. “Now what makes you say that?”
“Because I recognize that look in your eyes … You’re happy, when you should be pissed at me, or mad at the world. I did the dumbest thing known to mankind, yet you’re happy. So it’s gotta be a woman, and my bet is on Kellie. You always did have a thing for her.”
“What are you talking about?” Lars said, his neck heating up. “I haven’t always had a thing for her.”
Braden chuckled. “Well, prove me wrong, then.”
Lars looked away, then confessed, “I can’t.”
“Ha.” Braden slugged his arm. “Now, I gotta go. I’ll call you during my next visiting hour, and I expect an update.”
They embraced this time, and then Lars watched his brother walk toward the building. This goodbye was much easier than the day he’d come to rehab. The way his brother held himself was stronger, the set of his shoulders more square, his chin lifted, and now he made eye contact.
As Lars walked back to his truck, his heart felt fuller than it had in a long time. With more hope. And purpose. There was only one person he could think of who he wanted to talk to.
When he called Kellie, he didn’t expect her to answer, but she did on the fourth ring. He guessed it was about to go to voicemail.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi,” he said. “How are you?”
He heard a rustle, then a door shutting.
“Well, I think I’m over my jetlag that I got from traveling even though I didn’t fly anywhere.”
“Driving across several states will do that to you, Sunshine.”
“Yeah …”
He unlocked his truck and climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Where are you?” she asked.
“Just left the rehab place,” he said. “Got to visit Braden for a bit.”
“Oh, how is he?”
Lars found he was smiling at the genuine care in her voice. “He looks great, sounds great, and I’m about to pinch myself because my brother seems to be turning into a new man. I can’t thank you enough, Kells, for helping me out with the insurance.”
“You would have eventually figured it out,” she said. “I nudged it along.”
He leaned against the seat. “Well, I owe you. And then you brought all the guys out—I still can’t believe it. I’m a lucky man.”
“You’re always helping everyone else,” Kellie said. “Payback can be sweet.”
He chuckled. “Well, it’s sweet when you’re involved, Sunshine.”
He could hear the smile in her voice when she replied, “I thought you were going to take me on a date.”
“I am.”
“And when would that be?”
He was grinning now. “Tuesday night? Are you available then?”
“Maybe, I’ll check my schedule.”
If she was in the truck with him, he would be kissing her right now. “You do that, Kells. And let me know. Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating another rodeo win, too.”
“I’ll send good luck wishes your way.”
Lars couldn’t think of any better plan.
“Ryan said you were in Montana for a few days helping out Lars?” Kellie’s mom said into the phone.