Randall Pride

He cleared his throat, afraid someone would notice the tears in his eyes. Damn, it was good to be home.

AFTER PUTTING his horses in a corral where they could move around after having been in the trailer since five that morning, Toby followed the others into the big kitchen where he’d spent much of his life. Mildred immediately poured him a cup of freshly made coffee and added a plate of her cookies. He’d loved those cookies as a child, and he still did.

With a casual shrug of his shoulders, Toby asked, “Where is everyone?”

“Aren’t we enough?” Red asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Sure,” Toby said heartily, hoping no one noticed his consternation, and took a big gulp of coffee.

“Your sister is already back in Laramie at school. It’s her senior year,” his mother said, taking pity on him. “You remember Caroline has decided to get a medical degree? She and Victoria and Jessica went down early to redecorate their apartment. And Lizzie is out. The twins and Jim are with the guys getting some work done. Jim and Josh are going down to Laramie this weekend. Drew and Casey are in class.” She looked at Red. “Did I forget anyone?”

“Nope,” Red said, frowning. “I think that covers all the cousins. Nary a baby among them.”

“You mean Casey counts as an adult now?” Toby teased.

“Well, we’re making him use training wheels,” Red said with a big grin.

Mildred added, “Your aunts are all at work.”

“Janie’s out with the guys?” His uncle Pete’s wife, Janie, had been raised on a ranch and pitched in when they needed an extra hand. “You must be shorthanded right now,” Toby said, holding his breath for the answer.

“Actually, we are,” B.J said. “But Janie’s not here. I told you her father died, didn’t I? She—and Pete—are spending a lot of time over there, when they can be spared.”

Toby let out the breath he’d been holding. He’d been afraid they wouldn’t need his help. “Is good help as hard to find as it usually is?”

Red stared at him. “Good help is always hard to find. Too many boys want the glamour of the rodeo.”

Mildred elbowed him.

When Toby had chosen the rodeo life, his parents had let him go without complaint. But he’d known it wasn’t what they wanted for him.

He hadn’t had a choice.

Before he could say anything, they heard boots racing toward the house.

Toby jumped to his feet and ran out to the porch, his gaze eagerly searching for Jake.

“Dad!” he cried and the two men met in a rough embrace.

“’Bout time you got home, son!” Jake scolded.

“I know, Dad.”

Jake wrapped an arm around Toby’s shoulders and started into the house.

“Hey! Don’t we get a hug?” Pete called.

Toby turned and greeted his three uncles, Pete, Brett and Chad, and then his cousins, before they all entered the house. His cousins left to shower before dinner, telling him they’d catch him later. They couldn’t ask their questions about the rodeo scene, buckle bunnies and all, in front of the women.

Toby always downplayed the glamorous part of rodeoing. He didn’t want his cousins out on the circuit.

The men of the family sat down with coffee and cookies.

“How long can you stay?” Jake asked.

“He said he’s taking a break,” B.J. answered for him, a big smile on her face.

Toby cleared his throat as his father continued to stare at him. “Actually, I was wondering…Red said you were thinking about hiring some more help. I wondered if I’d do?”

Stark silence fell around the room. Toby had done well in rodeo. He’d won Cowboy of the Year at Nationals twice. His winnings had provided much more than a nest egg. He could buy his own ranch now. In addition, he’d done a number of ads for jean companies, boot- and hat-makers, and would still be in demand for a number of years, even if he retired today.

He’d realized his request would surprise them, but he’d hoped they would welcome him.

He filled the awkward silence. “If you don’t think I’d be of any use—”

Before he could finish Jake shoved back his chair and pulled Toby into another hug. “Damn it, what do you mean be of any use? Of course we want you, son.”

Since his uncles were just as enthusiastic, the questions Toby had melted away.

He’d finally come home.

BEFORE DINNER, Toby stood on the back porch with his cousins and little brother. The next generation of Randall males were questioning Toby about the lifestyle he was abandoning.

“Man, I can’t believe you’re giving up all that money. And the ladies,” Russ, one of the twins, said. “’Course, you’ll be a legend for a while, but—”

“It’s pretty tiring being a legend,” Toby said. “I missed being at home with you guys. And Mom and Dad.”

“You’re crazy,” Rich, the other twin, exclaimed. “We work like dogs.”

“It’s good, honest work,” Toby said, smiling. He understood the attraction of making a name for yourself. But he’d been there, done that.

“But what about—” Josh, his brother, began, but he stopped when he heard a car coming from the road. “Damn, that’s got to be Lizzie and that city dude she’s going to marry.” The disgust in his voice was clear to everyone.

Toby froze, his attention on the car topping the hill now. But he took note of the others’ attitudes.

“Yeah,” Jim, Elizabeth’s younger brother added, “I can’t believe my own sister would choose a jerk like him.”

Toby looked at the twins, the oldest in the group, but there was no anticipation on their faces.

What kind of man had Elizabeth chosen?

The car pulled to a halt and the passenger door opened. Elizabeth Randall stepped out of the car. His cousin in everything but blood.

Toby stopped breathing as the slim, auburn-haired young woman appeared. Elizabeth had always been beautiful. As a child, her delicate features and glowing skin had drawn attention. But grown up, with a woman’s body, hair halfway down her back, she was stunning.

He drew in a deep breath.

Elizabeth eyed her brothers and cousins as she waited for her escort, until she caught sight of Toby. With a shriek of joy, she ran straight for him. His arms automatically reached to catch her, and he found himself holding her tightly as she rained kisses on his face.