Page 119 of Peaches & Pistols

He slowly straightens to his full height, looking down at me from a position of power, but power I freely give and that he takes delicate care of.

“I need to call downstairs to let them know I’m gone for the rest of the day. By the time I’m off the phone, I expect you in our room, waiting on your knees for me in only your panties.”

If my panties don’t melt from how wet I am…

“Now, Mia,” Greyson commands, calm as can be.

“Yes, sir.”

39

“I’ve missed this.”

My voice carries across the open land of Lucky Spurs Ranch, land that used to feed countless heads of cattle and provide bales of hay for winter. It may never see a bovine again, but Reid’s a smart man and he’s taken full advantage of the need for hay in these parts. He has a standing “you cut it, pay for, and haul it” policy, as well as a few larger contracts.

“Missed what? You come out here all the time, dipshit,” Reid calls from his current mount. He constantly rotates to rehab the horses he rescues.

Today I’m riding Pickle—stupid fucking name for a horse if you ask me, but my girls love it, which means I love it.

On top of being named after a condiment, Pickle is a mare. The only reason it stood out to me is because I’m already surrounded by four amazing females in my life, Mia, Harper, Everly, and Olivia. What’s one more?

“I meant spending so much time here. After the childcare nightmare consumed every moment I wasn’t working or sleeping, it’s nice to be back to this routine. Never thought I’d miss shovelin’ shit, but here we are.” I chuckle, stroking Pickle’s mane.

“I never saw myself anywhere else, doing anything else. Don’t know what I’d do if this wasn’t my view every day.” Reid nods.

“What if Isabelle wanted to move to fucking Kansas where everything’s flat as far as the eye can see? Or to the beach in Florida where it’s so hot and humid you sweat through your clothes soon as you step outside, crowded to the tits, getting sand stuck in places it don’t belong?” Even as I describe it to torture Reid, I add Florida to the list of places I’d never live.

“Then we’d move.” Reid shrugs.

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. I’d move the stars if she asked me to. My happiness only exists when she’s happy.” His sentimentality surprises me.

Knowing the man Reid used to be, I can easily say Isabelle’s the best thing to ever happen to him. Love changed him for the better.

“Ready to head back?” he asks, the sun’s position telling us it’s time to feed the horses.

I give Pickle another stroke before guiding her around and trotting back to the stables.

Soon, this’ll be my forever view, with my girls by my side.

From the soles of my feet, I’m dreading what I’m about to do.

Me: When do you have time to come over?

Olivia: Good afternoon to you too, big brother. Why yes, I’m doing just fine! Thank you for asking.

Me: Are you done?

Olivia: Eh, sure. I’m too tired to hound you today.

Olivia: What’s up?

Me: I asked you a question.

Olivia: Okay grandpa.

Olivia: It’s your lucky day, brother of mine. I’m free for a couple hours here soon. Right around when Mia gets the girls from school. Why?