Early blinked, not sure what to think, but Reese continued.
“Your dad called Demming while we were going over the feed inventory. He’s livid.” She shook her head. “I swear, that kid is stupid. Demming’s going to have his head, if your dad doesn’t.”
“Apparently it’s everything from how we treat our animals to how we treat our children. And livid doesn’t really touch where Early and I are at right now.” Early watched Connor force himself to relax, he wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Connor have to do that before. “What I need is proof that it’s Ian…exactly what he said and to whom. Then I can take the legal route so none of us gets charged with assault.” Connor seemed to be joking…but also not.
Early agreed wholeheartedly. “I’m not going to have folks believe I’m mean to critters or my sons.”
Or any other children that they brought into the family.
“Okay. We’ll keep our ears open. I’ve seen how you treat your animals—with respect, like you treat everyone else.”
Dana nodded. “Reese was so upset when she thought she’d lost this opportunity.”
Reese rolled her eyes and grinned. “I felt like I belonged here.”
“So did I. This is supposed to be a magical place, a good home, and stewardship of the land is important.” He believed that this could become a place that people spoke of with respect, with reverence. Mustangs and cattle, a place that was alive and successful.
“This guy’s all mouth, boss. Don’t worry. He can say whatever he wants, let him try and back it up.” Reese picked up her wine and took a sip.
“Exactly,” Dana agreed. “Anyone can see you’re good fathers. Seriously. Those boys are happy and well-loved.”
Connor took his hand and squeezed it, giving him a smile. “See? Don’t worry, boss.”
“Right? Lord. I’m trying. That plumb hurt my feelings.”
Reese gasped. “You have feelings?”
“Hell, no. Cowboys don’t have feelings,” Connor teased.
“Or cowgirls.” Dana snorted.
Early rolled his eyes, but it did feel so good, to have…a building friendship, the idea that someone wanted this place to thrive too.
Connor kissed his fingers, let his hand go and refilled Dana’s wine. “So when are you two moving in?”
“Demming is finishing his move out by Friday. Early said we can come in on Saturday. We don’t have a ton of furniture yet, and Dana wants to paint some.”
Demming was putting everything in a Pod and sending it west, then moving in with Early’s parents. “Perfect. Have you and Demming figured out how much crossover there will be? I don’t think he’s given us a solid retirement date yet.”
“He says he can give me two weeks, give or take. He wants to head out in time to help his daughter with things.” Reese shrugged. “Whatever that means.”
“Huh.” Connor glanced at him. “What do you suppose that’s about? Has he told you anything?”
Early shook his head, but he thought he might. He was afraid that Demming’s daughter Emma, who he’d met dozens of times over the years, was in the middle of a divorce. He wasn’t sure, though, so he wasn’t going to spread rumors.
“Well, I hope she’s okay. Are you all ready for one of Early’s Mom’s turnovers?” Connor was such a good host. The steaks had been great, the company was good, and Connor made sure that everyone had wine and conversation.
It was so nice to not have to think too hard, if Early was honest. This was so much easier than trying to deal with it on his own.
“Bring it on,” Dana said with a laugh. “I’ve got a sweet tooth.”
Reese snorted. “She’s got more than one.”
“I so do.”
“I think you might have an admirer as well,” Early muttered.
Dana blushed a bright pink, chin ducking. “It happens. I’m very careful not to tease or to encourage, but I hope that, in the future, they think of me in a kind way.”