Love Inspired May 2023 Box Set--2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis

Author:Patrice Lewis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Drew, you got a minute?” Trevor called.

“Can’t say that I do.” Drew stepped out of the barn and headed toward the stables.

“It’s Tuesday. You don’t have anything scheduled. I checked.”

“I forgot to put it on the team calendar. I’ve got an appointment in about five minutes. Can it wait?”

“An appointment doing what?”

Though Drew picked up his pace, hoping to discourage his brother, Trevor’s long legs matched his stride, kicking up dirt as he did.

“An appointment teaching Sadie to ride.”

“You’re taking this parenting thing kinda literally, aren’t you?”

“Parenting? This has nothing to do with Mae. Sadie wants to ride, and I volunteered.” He stopped abruptly and stared at his brother. “And what do you mean, ‘this parenting thing’? I’m Mae’s guardian.”

“Not yet, you aren’t.”

He searched his brother’s face. Something was on Trevor’s mind, and there’d be no peace until he let him talk. Drew took a deep breath. “Just get there, would you?”

“Bro, you manage Lazy M. Been doing it since I was a kid. We all look up to you. But lately, something’s been off. You’re missing in action more than not. When you do show up, your head is somewhere else. I’m worried about you.”

Drew blinked, more than a little surprised. “I appreciate the concern, but I don’t see that there’s a problem.”

“No? Where were you this morning?”

“I had to drive to Elk City.”

“Yeah, and we were supposed to have a meeting. A meeting you scheduled to discuss spring vaccination and branding.”

“We can do it tomorrow. Mae had a problem.” He omitted the fact that he’d driven to the nearest big town for a chew toy because Sadie couldn’t find one in Homestead Pass yesterday. That information probably would not help his case.

“And what about last week? The budget meeting with Sam?”

“Was that last week?” Drew grimaced. Yeah, it was the day after he’d brought Sadie and Mae to the ranch.

“Yeah, and you forgot to place the feed order.” Trevor raised his brows. “That’s not like you.”

A sinking feeling settled in Drew’s gut as he eyed his brother. He recalled that more than a few times recently he’d had to adjust his schedule to accommodate Mae or Sadie. Was it more than likely that a few things might have been overlooked? Yeah.

Trevor was right.

“Okay,” Drew returned. “Let’s say your thoughts have merit.”

His brother blew a raspberry and rolled his eyes.

“What do you expect me to do?” Drew asked. “I’m between a rock and a hard place.”

“Look, I know that the whole Sadie and Mae thing was just dropped on you, and I get that you’re honoring Jase.” He took a breath and shook his head. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.”

“Thinking about what? You’re not making any sense.”

“I had my chance, but you... You haven’t Drew. Maybe Sadie and Mae’s arrival is a wake-up call. Let someone else manage the ranch. Like me.”

“You want me to give up the ranch?”

“No. I’m saying step back some. After nearly twenty years, haven’t you earned the right?

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