Right Move (Clean Slate Ranch #6) - A.M. Arthur Page 0,117
Levi and George had begun their flirtation, and that they’d nurtured it for so long. Talking and asking and checking in when they sensed a problem. They’d had a lot of long conversations about Levi taking over Lucky’s and, in the end, George had agreed to travel with him. To keep their family together all year long, instead of Levi going off alone with the cats.
Levi had done a lot of running, meditating and soul searching before he told Dad he’d run Lucky’s. And he didn’t regret his decision for a single moment. Not when he saw how happy his whole family was.
Twelve sixteen rolled around and the call went silent for about a full minute. “Five years since we lost you, Xander,” Dad said. “We’ll never stop loving you but I think we can all feel you smiling down on us from wherever you are. You and your momma. Keep loving each other until we see you again.”
Levi pictured his brother’s smiling face and sent positive energy into the world on his and his mom’s behalf. Wherever both you are, I hope you’re at peace.
“How do you think training is going?” Dad asked Robin.
Robin groaned. “Can I report back in a few more weeks?”
Once Levi announced he was leaving the ghost town for Lucky’s, Robin had put out an ad for a new trick riding partner. He’d gotten a reply from a young man named Sam, who had a lot of promise but still needed a ton of training to truly develop his skills. Levi had hated leaving Robin and Mack in the lurch like that but they had over a month before Bentley re-opened for the season.
“You know exactly what I’ll do if Mack asks,” Levi said. “Bring the entire show to Bentley for opening day.”
“I know you will but Mack trusts me to keep our demos running, and I’m gonna do it.” Robin tilted his chin up. “Sam’s good, he’s just got to work on his balance a little bit more. We’ll be fine.”
“I’d call that Peletier stubbornness,” Dad said, “but you aren’t blood.”
“Hey, some things are acquired traits. I’ve known you nutcases for thirteen years now. Some things stick.”
Dad burst out laughing. “Yeah, I guess they do. George, how are you liking Santa Fe?”
“I can’t complain,” George replied. “The weather is great. The company is even better. The only thing I’m really missing is a hug from my brother.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll get a huge one next time I see you,” Orry said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been apart on Christmas but that’s part of growing up, right? Moving on and trying new things.”
“It is. Orry, you are the best brother I ever could have wanted. Thank you for protecting me when I couldn’t protect myself. You’ve done so much for me, and all I want is for you to be happy.”
“I am happy, bro. More than I can say.”
“Good. Did you see Grandpa and Gramma today?” George and Levi had both visited them before leaving the city, and they’d been delighted to meet Levi. And to hear about George’s new adventure in life. The charming elderly pair had wished them both all the best.
“This morning, yes, Zoey and I visited. They’re good. They miss you, but they’re excited about your new job with the rodeo. Getting out of the city and state. Doing something new.”
“I love what I’m doing.” George pressed his shoulder into Levi’s. “Some days I surprise even myself.”
Some days he still surprised the crap out of Levi. George had taken an interest in the physical work involved in the rodeo. With his young age and physical flexibility, George could learn to participate in the rodeo shows, and they were slowly easing him into a few of the tricks. He would likely not perform this coming season but maybe the next. With a little more training, practice and time.
Lucky’s Rodeo was Levi’s to shape and form, and he absolutely wanted his partner’s input. For them to create a show worthy of Dad’s legacy and be as inclusive as possible going forward. An attraction that would make every past and future Peletier who worked for it proud.
“So did you get anything fun in your stocking this year?” Robin asked, seeming to direct the question to Levi.
Levi chuckled, not about to tell him about the spectacular blow job he’d gotten from George under their tiny Christmas tree. “Nothing but coal. Apparently, I was a bad boy this year and Santa didn’t approve.”