Ranch Manny - B.A. Tortuga Page 0,73
God. God, gross. “Come on, let’s go see Granny and Poppy.”
“Okay!” The girls put on cow ears and wings and tromped out.
He picked up toys gingerly, checking for scorpions as he did. Whew. Nothing. God, ranch life.
A naked five-year-old streaked past the girls’ bedroom door. Then he heard Pop laugh, and Mom squeak.
Right. Rock on.
Chapter 22
Brent figured he was so tired he creaked when he sat down. Thank God tomorrow was the Fourth of July. All they were doing tomorrow, the good Lord willing, was feeding and mucking. The rest would be barbecue and beer.
“Want a brownie, boss?” Curly offered the plate, right under his nose.
“Sure. Did Trace’s folks get one?”
“The lady said she wasn’t hungry, but the mister got two.”
“Ah. Well, thanks.” He took a big chunk. The folks had all gone to sit with the kids and watch movies, and he wasn’t sure what to do with himself. There really wasn’t room for him out there.
Trace was wearing himself to a frazzle, feeding everyone, taking care of his parents, the kids, the critters. Brent felt kinda useless. He needed to help, but Trace kept saying he was fine.
“Hey, love.” Trace handed him a naked baby in a towel. “Hold this for me?”
“You got it. At least she can’t run all that fast.” He took Daisy and started drying her off.
“Yet. This one is like her big brother. She likes being naked.” Trace tossed him a diaper, and he caught it. “How were the brownies?”
“I was just eating one. They’re amazing, baby. Did you get to visit with your mom and dad at all?” He was worried Trace was gonna miss out and they would leave without spending time.
“Some yeah. We talked while you were outside. She’s worried the lines between job and love affair might get blurred.” Trace winked at him.
“Are you?” Brent wanted Trace to be happy here, not feel like Mary Poppins or something.
“Worried or blurring lines?”
“Worried. Or both. Hell, I don’t know, baby. You been running crazy.”
“You have too. We have a big frigging family, huh? And dogs, goats, cows, chickens, horses, cowboys. Scorpions. Rain.”
“Parents and lovers and a yard that’s gonna be a giant sinkhole, it doesn’t stop raining. And lots of people coming, including your ex. What can I do to help for tomorrow?”
“Hal’s in charge of brisket. Curly’s in charge of grandparents. You’re in charge of my sanity.”
“That I can do.” He got Daisy all covered up before she peed on him or something. She was notorious for faking him out.
Trace handed him a bottle. “Here you go. You want a beer?”
“Do your parents think I’m rude?” He would go make nice. Hell, he would set up a lawn chair.
“I think they’d like to play cards later, or something.” That was a nonanswer answer.
“You know I love that. I’ll even be nice.” Butter wouldn’t melt in Brent’s mouth.
“We’ll be partners. Spades is important.”
“It is. Gotta keep in practice so we can teach the kids.”
“Yeah.” Trace came right to him, offering him a surprisingly soft kiss.
“Mmm. Hey.” He slid his arm around his man, just holding on a minute.
“Hey.” They rested together, Daisy warm and full and dozy between them.
He loved this quiet time, and Brent could be a jealous bastard when it came to guarding it.
He thought Trace enjoyed it too, leaning hard against him. This was when they let the day go together and drew strength.
“Dad-O? Can I have more milk?” Jakob asked, and Trace nodded.
“You’re thirsty today, eh, kiddo?”
“I worked hard.” He grinned. “I like Granny and Poppy.”
“Yeah?” Trace beamed at him. “They like you too.”
“You think so? The girls are way prettier.” Poor baby. He could be so uncertain.
“But you’re a brave, smart cowboy. One day, you’re going to be the most handsome one. I know.”
“I’m okay with being kinda ugly as long as I can be a good cowboy.”
“You’re not ugly, and Bald Harold says you’re better than he was at your age.” Brent put it as best he could.
“You’re amazing, Jakob. You have these gorgeous eyes, and you’re strong, smart, kind—you are amazing.” Trace loved these kids so well.
“Aw.” Jakob ducked his head. “I’ll go see if Granny and Poppy need anything.”
“Good boy. Are the girls still awake?”
“Susannah fell asleep on Poppy in the recliner, but Caro is reading with Granny.”
“Oh, good deal. Please don’t wake them up, okay?”
“I won’t. I promise. I’ll just ask Granny.” Jakob was quick to catch on.
“Good boy.” Trace started the coffeepot.
“Your mom an all-night coffee drinker?”
“She is. Dad will pour a