apparently too loud, in their conversations. He silently swore. “How long have you been standing there?” What exactly had they said about the reindeer? The argument was a blur. Doc had said fliers … hadn’t he? Or maybe that was Caleb.
Drake glared at Caleb and cut his hand across his throat, telling him to shut up.
Faith strode right into the tense atmosphere as if it didn’t concern her at all. “For what it’s worth, I agree with Dad. I don’t buy into Christmas and all the trappings.” She set the clothing on the bottom of the bed and handed Doc the sack. “Don’t get too excited—it’s all approved heart-healthy food. But I thought you might like something that wasn’t cooked here.”
Doc smiled fondly at her and held the bag close. “Thank you.”
She nodded and then got busy with the clothes, as if his gratitude made her uncomfortable. “If you guys are done arguing with a man who just had heart surgery—” She looked pointedly back and forth between them. “—I’d like to help him get washed up. The nurse should be here any minute.”
Drake held up a hand. “For the record, miss, I was not arguing.”
She chuckled, and Caleb shot Drake a look that would have scared off a hungry wolf. But not his little brother. Oh no. Baby brother was immune to older-brother threats.
He stood up and held out his hand. “I’m Drake, by the way.”
She shook it. “It’s nice to meet you. Are you—” She waved her hand, circling Drake and Caleb, asking how they were related.
He nodded. “I’m the youngest.”
She took him in. “You’re so much darker than your brother. It’s interesting to see how the genetics play in your family.”
Something nudged Caleb to talk to her about the issues on the ranch, but Doc cleared his throat and shook his head slightly. Fine. He’d keep his mouth shut, for now. He nudged Drake. “Come on, we need to get going if you want to see your girl at the diner before her shift is over.”
Drake kicked the side of the bed and ducked his head. “She’s not my girl.”
“But you want her to be.” Caleb ducked as Drake took an easy swing at him. “We’ll see you later, Doc. Get better!” he called as they made their way out of the room.
Drake told Doc to hang in there and that Mom was going out to stock his fridge for when he got home.
“Good to see you,” Caleb said to Faith. She gave him a half-smile and a nod in return. He’d be kicking himself for days for fighting with Doc. It didn’t matter what Caleb thought about Faith’s holiday potential; he shouldn’t have pushed. Now he’d upset the old man and his daughter.
Once in the hallway, Caleb looked around, realizing that it was dimmer out here than it was Doc’s room, where Faith had unpacked his belongings. She had a way of making the world seem lighter and better just by showing up.
Drake texted as they walked. Caleb’s pocket buzzed, and he pulled it out to see Drake had sent a text out to the family.
Caleb calls dibs on the new vet.
Caleb reached for Drake, ready to pummel him. “What the heck?”
“I just thought I should make it known—you know, so Jack doesn’t go after her or something.”
Caleb rubbed his chest. A burning knife struck right through it at the thought of his twin brother making a move on Faith. “He wouldn’t.”
“No—he won’t now.” Drake waved his phone. “You’re welcome.”
Caleb didn’t know if he should throw his brother into a snowbank or hug him. He shook his head. “I don’t think it will matter. She can hardly stand me, and she’s not in town for long.”
Drake’s mouth fell open. “Hardly stand you? She couldn’t stop looking at you. It was like no one else was in the room—and I’m the handsome brother.”
Caleb laughed as the automatic doors opened and the frigid temperatures smacked him in the face. “You just keep thinking that.”
“I will. And you keep telling yourself you don’t want that girl—even though you are totally into her.” He marched to the truck.
Caleb remote started it and then unlocked it so Drake could get in. He walked slower, needing a moment with his thoughts. Trouble was, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t find a way for the two of them to work out anything long-term. Faith had a practice to get back to, and he wasn’t leaving the ranch.
There was no