shirts, t-shirts, and a Stetson hat on top. The clothing had belonged to Chad’s late father. Who knew if they’d fit him? Ty was just glad he had something to wear.
Ty pawed through the box and pulled out a suitable outfit for working outdoors for the day. The light-weight cotton shirt hung slightly loose. The pants fit surprisingly well. An old, weathered pair of cowboy boots hid in the closet.
He hunched down and picked up one boot. Turning it over in his hands, he smirked. If his mother thought being a Ranger was bad, what would she think of his new job as a cowboy? The boot was only half a size larger than what he usually wore. It would do until he could go to town and pick up a few pairs for himself.
With the boots in hand, he rose and glanced in the mirror over the dresser. Running a hand over the scruff growing along his jawline, he pursed his lips at the stranger who stared back. He hadn’t grown facial hair since before he enlisted. What’s one more change to add to the growing list?
Ty headed out into the hall and down the stairs. As he passed the large entertaining room, his gaze shifted from the sparkling chandelier to the grand piano in the corner of the room. The room looked like it had been transplanted from his parents’ house—definitely not something that matched the rugged lifestyle Chad Bolton led.
Voices drifted toward him from a brightened part of the dim house. Following the noises, Ty found himself in a large kitchen. An older greying woman, Chad, Annie, and two other people he didn’t recognize turned their attention on him. The man had dark hair and deep-set brown eyes that gave the impression he knew he was in charge. The woman was more vibrant with her red hair and bright eyes.
Ty stopped in the doorway. “Good morning.”
The older woman beamed. “Ty, wasn’t it?”
He nodded.
“Well, don’t be shy. Come on in and grab a plate. It’s going to be a long day.” The older woman gestured to the table.
Chad nodded. “Ty, this is Midge. I don’t recall if you’ve met her, but she’s the cook. And this is Maddox. He’s the head ranch hand here.”
Maddox gave him a short nod. “Pleasure.”
Chad gestured to Annie. “You’ve met my wife. And this is her assistant, Addy.”
Addy and Annie both smiled.
Chad stabbed at something on his plate with his fork and shoved it in his mouth. He lifted the fork and directed it toward Maddox. “He’ll need your help with the fences today. I didn’t realize how much needed to be repaired over on the northern border.”
Ty settled into a seat across from Maddox and served himself some sausage and eggs. “I was over there yesterday and didn’t notice anything that needed repairs.”
Chad paused the fork he was lifting to his mouth. “You were?”
Ty chewed on his food slowly. He took a sip of water and nodded. “I went for a walk.”
Annie exchanged glances with Chad, a hint of a smile on her lips. Maddox took a deep swig of milk and wiped it with the back of his hand. “You must not have gotten very far. It’s the northern fence but it’s closer to the eastern perimeter. It borders the Taylor and Orozco properties. Nothing big, but it’ll be time consuming. The wires have weakened and need to be replaced. I planned on spending the next few days working on it, but with you around, we might get it done by the end of today.”
Ty met Maddox’s firm gaze with one of his own. “I’m not afraid of a little hard work.”
Maddox and Chad chuckled. Chad put his fork on his plate and stood. “Around here, it’s more than a little.” He placed his dishes in the sink. “Thanks for breakfast, Midge.” He draped his arm around her shoulder. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
Annie and Addy also got to their feet.
Ty’s gaze focused on Maddox as his eyes followed Addy. She shot him a small smile and put her dishes in the sink before walking out with Annie.
Midge rinsed the dishes, dried her hands, and turned to face them. “I need to check on the laundry. Don’t worry about any of the dishes. I’ll take care of it.”
Maddox nodded to her. “Thanks, Midge.” When Maddox turned back to his plate, he met Ty’s stare before shoving another bite of food into his mouth. “Where are you from, Ty?”
Ty