The Black Sheep's Proposal

Luke recognized the name. “Isn’t he the one who took in my cousins?”

“And raised them. He’s also your neighbor. The Circle B Ranch borders the other side, but now it’s owned by Chance, Cade and Travis.”

Tess smiled and waved as the two rode across the creek. “Hello, Hank. Chance.”

“Tess. How are things going?”

She stood alongside a calmer Whiskey. “Can’t complain.”

Hank climbed down, along with the other rider, and removed his hat. Sparse patches of white hair covered his balding head. He had a friendly smile and clear hazel eyes.

“Hank, Chance, I’d like you to meet Luke Randell.”

Hank was the first to respond as he offered a hand. “I knew you had to be Sam’s boy.” His smile disappeared. “Sorry to hear about your daddy’s passing.”

“Thanks.” Luke shook the hand.

Next came Chance. “It’s been a while, cuz.”

Luke nodded. These people were strangers to him. “I’ve been gone a long time.”

“Sorry about your father. Was he sick long?”

“I wouldn’t know, I hadn’t seen him in years.”

“Sorry to hear that, too,” Hank said, then glanced at Chance. “It’s nice that you’re back.”

“Mr. Hank! Mr. Chance!”

They turned to see Livy come running toward them. The child couldn’t get there fast enough.

“Well, if it isn’t the prettiest five-year-old girl in the valley,” Chance said.

Livy blushed. “What about Kate and Ellie?”

“Well, Katie is eight, and Ellie is almost six.” He reached out and touched her nose. “So that leaves you.”

The child turned shy and leaned into her mother. “Did you know that Whiskey almost runned off with that horse?”

“So that’s the commotion we heard,”

Hank said, he turned to Tess. “Was it that little buckskin?”

“Yeah…that little tease,” Tess said. “She finally went back to the herd. We had a devil of a time trying to calm Whiskey.”

“Yeah, he bucked and whinnied but Mommy and Mr. Luke held on tight.”

Chance walked over to the bay quarter horse and rubbed his neck as he looked him over. “Man, he’s a good-looking son of a gun. How is he working out?”

“He’s a great horse, Chance,” Tess told him. “Easy to train.” She paused. “Come by the ranch and see for yourself. And I wouldn’t mind some advice.”

He smiled at her. “I got plenty of that, not sure if it’s any good though.”

For some strange reason Luke was feeling as territorial as that alpha stallion. That was crazy.

“I wouldn’t even have Whiskey if it wasn’t for you…and your generosity,” Tess told him.

Chance pushed his hat back. “Okay, then pay me back by winning the NCHA title.”

“I’m working on it. But with Dad sick, my time been limited.”

“If you need any help with the herd, let us know,” Chance told her. He exchanged a glance with a nodding Hank.

“The boys have taken over running things,” Hank said. “These days I mostly sit around. So I’ve got nothing but time. I could move the herd, or help with the roundup.” The old guy looked at Luke. “Son, I bet you could help some, too.”

“Sure,” Luke agreed. “I wouldn’t mind helping out.”

Chance grinned. “So city living hasn’t made you soft, Luke.”

For some reason the teasing rubbed Luke the wrong way. “Maybe some, but then again, I’m a lot younger than you are.”

Hank burst out laughing. “You definitely are a Randell.” He nudged Chance. “Come on, old man, let’s get you home to your rocker.” He waved, then tossed over his shoulder. “We’ll stop by when you’re settled in, Luke.”

“Mr. Chance, will you bring Katie and Ellie to come see me?” Livy called.

“Sure, they’d like that.” The men climbed on their horses and rode back up the rise.

Livy looked at her mother. “Oh boy, I get to play with Katie and Ellie.”

Tess needed to calm her daughter’s excitement. “Yes, honey, but Chance and Joy are pretty busy. I’m not sure how soon they’ll be able to stop by.”

The girl’s smile disappeared. “I never have anyone to play with.”

Tess knew it was lonely growing up on a ranch, but she couldn’t let her daughter feel sorry for herself. “Isn’t that why you got to go to the animal shelter and get Jinx?”

“I guess,” the child admitted.

“And in a few weeks, you’ll be starting school. You’ll make all kinds of friends.”

She brightened. “Will Katie and Ellie ride the bus, too?”

“I’m sure they will. And there will be other five-year-olds going to kindergarten.”

Livy glanced at Luke and smiled. “And I got to go riding today. Did you have fun, Mr. Luke?”

“Yes, I did,” he told her. “Thank you for letting me ride your horse.”

“He’s not mine, he’s Grandpa’s.” She shook her head. “He can’t ride anymore.”