Aidan: Loyal Cowboy

“You need a hand?” Colt rested his forearms on the fence beside Ace’s saddle, clearly not receiving the message to leave any more than he had Ace’s original instructions.

“Are you kidding?”

The only reason Ace didn’t get angrier with his brother was because of Midnight. The horse watched them warily from the farthest corner of the pen. A shouting match would only spook him and make him even more afraid of Ace.

That, and losing his cool with Colt would do no good. His brother was immune, wrapped up in his own world most of the time.

“I said I was sorry.”

Ace exhaled, reined in his temper. “It’s going slowly. I’m more and more convinced the livestock foreman mistreated Midnight and probably the other horses, as well.”

Colt shook his head. “I don’t get people like him.”

It was one of the few things Ace and his brother had in common. Mostly they were a study in contradictions, appearance and personalitywise. Strangers might not even recognize them as being related. Ace had inherited their father’s six-foot-plus height and dark looks. Colt, with his blond hair, green eyes and boyish, devil-may-care smile, resembled their mother and was often mistaken for being younger than his thirty-two years.

A few inches shorter than Ace, he was also leaner, giving him the kind of build better suited for competing in rodeos, which he did at every opportunity. There wasn’t a championship buckle he didn’t covet, an event at which he didn’t excel. And yet, he never seemed satisfied.

There had been a time when Ace was the better bareback bronc rider, and he still participated once in a while for fun or to blow off steam. As long as it didn’t interfere with work.

Another glaring difference between him and his brother. Ace put the ranch and family first. Colt, himself. He got away with doing less because, in Ace’s opinion, their mother let him.

In truth, so did Ace. Love and loyalty were nothing if not complicated.

What infuriated him the most was Ace knew Colt to be capable of so much more. His brother had true skill with horses and cattle, too. The kind of skill Ace envied. If Colt would just take life and himself a little more seriously, he’d astound everyone with his accomplishments.

And, possibly, Ace could relinquish some of his responsibilities around the ranch. Particularly in light of the fact he was going to be a father.

“Thought I should let you know I’m leaving Thursday for the Crazy Eights Rodeo.”

“Any chance you skip this one? We’re examining the mares on Thursday. Prepping them for breeding season next month.”

“Sorry, bro. I’m behind in steer wrestling and bull riding. I can’t afford to miss one weekend if I expect to qualify for Nationals.”

“December’s a long way away.”

“Every rodeo counts.”

Ace was wasting his time, but he couldn’t stop himself. “I need your help. Darrell’s girls are on school break. He’s taking the week off.”

“I can do it Monday.”

“That’s my surgery day.”

“Then Tuesday.”

“Forget it.” Ace didn’t bother reciting his list for Tuesday. Nothing short of a catastrophe would stop Colt from going to the rodeo in Bozeman. “I’ll just work Sunday.”

Another day of rest spent toiling. Ace should be used to it by now. Instead, he was tired and cranky.

“I’ll help you with the stock for the Western Frontier Pro Rodeo,” Colt offered.

He’d help because he was competing in that one, too.

“I realize you’ve got a lot on your plate right now,” Colt continued, “what with the new breeding business and all.”

“Do you?”

“Sure.”

Ace sensed his brother’s guard rise like an invisible shield in front of him.

“Then why can’t you stay home this one weekend?”

“I told you. I’m behind in two events.”

“Is making all-around cowboy more important to you than this ranch?”

“Hey, I respect you and what you do. You could return the favor.”

“What I do is work. Damn hard. I don’t gallivant around the countryside, chasing dreams.”

“You chase dreams.” Colt’s gaze traveled to Midnight. “They’re just here.”

“This family needs you, Colt.”

“This family has you.”

“And if they didn’t?”

Colt grinned. “Not going to happen.”

“It might. Things change.”

“Yeah, like what? We strike oil?”

“I have my own family.”

Colt laughed. “You need a woman for that, or hasn’t anyone told you?”

“Flynn’s pregnant. I’m the father.”

“I…” Colt took a step back, caught his breath. “I had no idea you and she were dating.”

“We’re not.”

“Then how—”

“Long story.”