Page 42 of Love You Already

I nod as I grip the saddle and slide my left foot into the stirrup. With a move that's more muscle memory than skill, I lift myself up and climb onto the back of my horse. “Things are fine. The guys are upset they hadn't heard from me. This group, this team, is much more in tune with one another than my old one. They like to check in and keep up, which I'm not used to. I don't have social media, which means he can't stalk me, as he put it.”

“I've noticed that. Any reason you don't use it?” Beckett asks as he climbs atop Stanley, his ride.

“That's not me. I don't want all the likes and comments. Having all their eyes on me at any given moment kind of creeps me out. If I had a charity or something to highlight, then maybe I'd be more connected like that. Instead, I spend my time on the ice and at home. Or I did.”

He leads me out toward the pasture where the cattle we're checking on are stationed. Summer is a busy time for the ranch in that there's a lot of prep for winter. Donnie explained it to me during those first few days. “Either you're surviving winter or preparing to survive it. That's the life of a rancher here.”

Having been through last year's winter, I had to agree. It was rough enough in the city to navigate. I can't fathom keeping the animals well, fed, and safe during the brutal storms we get. Plus having all these hands to pay and feed.

“Sometimes it's just about connecting with fans. Or giving them a tiny sliver of perspective of your life. That's not too hard. You're not the red-carpet type.”

'Hell no, I'm not!”

Beckett laughs as he surveys the cattle we're approaching. His keen eyes will spot anything wrong before I could even try.

“As I was saying, you're not the red-carpet kind. That's fine. But you still like relating to people. I know that much from interviews and such you've done over the years.” His gaze remains firmly on the cattle even though I'm sure he knows I'm watching him.

“Rose said you liked hockey. I guess I underestimated how much. You really do enjoy it don't you?”

He smirks as he turns to me, likely thankful I didn't call him out on the fan boy attitude. “I really do. There's nothing like it.”

An idea hits me. One I wouldn't hesitate to follow through on with anyone else. But with Beckett, I don't want him to think I'm being insincere. He's my brother-in-law, whether by intention at first or not. And I need him on my side. Especially since I have every intention of him keeping the title.

“What if I told you I could guarantee you a seat in every single home game Houston has this season for one small favor?

“I'd tell you the favor is done, taken care of. Consider it a thing you don't need to worry about ever again. Name it, bro.” He puts his hands together in a prayer position as he widens his eyes.

I laugh long and loud at the excitement. “I want Rose to come to a couple of them with you. Namely, the home opener.”

“Done!”

“And...” I add slowly, making sure he's listening closely. “I want her in my jersey. Hopefully she'll have my ring on her finger by then too. I need the whole package.”

Beckett's lips curl up slowly until he's beaming at me. “That's perfect, Lachlan. I can't think of a better way to start the season. I'll wish you luck on the ring part, though I don't really think you need it all that much. My sister likes you. Maybe more than she'll even admit to herself right now. Hang in there, man.”

Hang in there, I will.

* * *

Two days later, I'm on the porch with my arms wrapped around my wife from behind looking out at the morning sky when I hear the rumbling of vehicles. It's an unusually slow day on the ranch, and Rose decided to switch shifts with Mel. She goes in later tonight to give us time together.

That's why the sound of multiple cars is disturbing. It's too early for anyone to be delivering something. And most of the guys who work here carpool together.

“What's that?” Rose asks as she steps out of my hold. I feel the loss at a bone deep level.

“Not sure, Ace. Did Donnie plan anything for today? Maybe having some friends over?”

Even as I make the suggestion, I know it's not possible. Donnie invests all his time to this land. All his friends are here. All his family too. The few times he goes out to meet up with folks is when I catch him at Sips, and I really think most of that is to keep an eye on Rose. Or maybe he's just a proud papa.

My phone chimes with a text as the first of the cars rolls down the drive. I open the screen to see Jones’s name pop up.

“WAKE UP HEIFER. WE'RE HERE TO SEE YOU!”

“Oh, crap,” I mutter. Rose whips around to look at me.

“What is it? What's oh crap about?” She tries to look at my screen, but I shut it off and tuck it in my jeans. I take in her appearance. It's nothing I'm not used to seeing these days, but it's definitely less clothing than I want them to meet her in. Sexy pajamas are for my eyes only now.

I scrub my hand over my face. “The caravan is for me. Well, they're my teammates. I don't know why they're here, but I need you to change before they get here. I can't have them making comments that will have me breaking faces off the ice, Ace.”