Harmony for Christmas (Dansboro Crossing #4)

Chapter 19

nineteen

BEAU

I’m still reeling a week later from the most amazing sexual video encounter ever when I hear someone pull up outside. I knew Harmony was a spitfire, but damn, watching her get herself off like that was on a whole different level.

It didn’t make up for the fact we were both too busy to see each other during her break. It bothers me that it will continue to be a constant in our lives.

Reacher jumps up and sniffs at the door with his tail wagging furiously. I assume it’s Travis. He doesn’t greet anyone else, except Harmony, like that, and she’s getting ready to go on stage somewhere near Kansas City. I don’t bother to move from my seat on the couch as a key is inserted into the lock in the front door.

“Who’s the good boy,” I hear as Travis steps in the front door. He pulls a small dog cookie out of his pocket for Reacher. The dog happily trots back to the fireplace before flopping down on the floor. “You are,” he adds, pointing at me.

“What are you doing here?” I roll my eyes. He ignores it.

“I’ve come to get you for the concert in Dallas.” Shit, that’s right. Harmony asked if I would still be able to go. I told her I would try my best, but with calving, I can’t guarantee I can get away.

“I don’t think I can go. I’ve had to pull two so far and sew up a prolapse. Weather has been wreaking havoc on calving this year.” Believe it or not, weather really does affect how many problems arise during calving season.

“It’s nearing the end. Besides, I’ve got that handled,” he answers. He tosses his bag on the floor and sinks into the armchair. He sees me watching him with a smirk that says I don’t believe him for an instant.

“I’ve got it. I hired Doc Mooney’s grandson to come watch everything for the weekend. You remember Ross, don’t ya?” Dr. Mooney has been the family veterinarian since I was a kid. His grandson grew up running around the practice.

“What, is he about a junior in high school by now?” I feel immeasurably older thinking he was just a toddler not long ago. Isn’t that the first clue that you’re old? Pretty soon I should be waxing poetic about the good ole days.

“Senior. He’s heading off to A&M next fall to study pre-vet. He’s going to stay here at the house for the weekend. Told me he’ll just drive in for class. He has early release anyway.” Travis watches me with his own smirk this time while I run through and reject every reason I can think of why Ross shouldn’t be here instead of me.

“He’s coming over tomorrow morning so you can tell him everything he already knows. Then you can micromanage by phone while we’re gone.”

“I don’t micromanage,” I grouse. He smirks again. “Maybe I do. I don’t know, I’ve never tried it before. Maybe I micromanage like a son-of-a-bitch.”

“Well, you did a damn good job with me while I was still living here,” Travis says with a laugh. Did I? I don’t remember. That life now feels like something I watched on television. “Besides, you can’t disappoint Harmony.”

I don’t answer him. I would never want to disappoint Harmony, but to what end? How do we do this when we live so far apart? As amazing as it was, we can’t sustain a relationship built solely on video sex. Not the kind of relationship I want anyway. I suspect Harmony will want more too.

“Don’t you have class tomorrow?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from things I can’t control. “I still have no problem beating you bloody for skipping class.”

“Whoa there, Dad. I’ve already gotten clearance to miss tomorrow. Speaking of, I need to talk to you about school anyway.”

“You’d better not be thinking of quitting,” I growl. My eyes narrow at him as he shifts in his chair to face me.

“I’m not quitting. Besides, I’m a grown-ass man, you can’t stop me if that’s what I decide.”

“Try me.” I glare at him until he finally rolls his eyes.

“I’m not quitting, but I’ve been thinking of after graduation. I only have one year left after this semester.” Somehow, he managed to do all of his undergraduate in three years. He had busted his ass every summer to work in extra classes so he could enter law school early. He takes a deep breath. “I’m thinking of coming back here after graduation.”

“What?”

“Well, not here exactly. But I’ve been talking to a firm in Fredericksburg about joining them after graduation while I work on the bar exam. They’ve already offered me an internship this summer.”

He grows quiet, and I sit back to consider what he’s saying. It doesn’t make any sense. He’s smart enough to become a big attorney for some high-powered firm in a city. His grades have been exemplary. He’s even at the top of his class. I know there are a million questions I should ask him, but I can only think of one.

“Why?”

“Because,” he starts. He stops and considers me with a sigh. “Because I want to come home. I want to be here for you this time.” I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand to stop me. “It’s your turn, Beau. I don’t think anyone could ask for a better brother. You were there to pick up the pieces when Mom and Dad died, but I’m not a kid anymore.

“I want you to do what you want in life, not just what is expected. If that’s living out here like a grouchy hermit the rest of your life, so be it. But I saw the way you looked at Harmony. I’ve seen you with a girlfriend before, but I’ve never seen you look at them the way you did her. You fell in love, don’t deny it.

“If Harmony is who you want to be with, then I want to help. It’s not as impossible as you think it is. She was always the nicest person in school. She never made me feel less than everyone else. I think she fell in love with you, too, because deep under your grumpy ways, she knows what a good guy you are.” He stops to see if what he’s saying is sinking in. It is, little by little.

“First,” I say. “I stayed because it was the best thing for both of us. I’ve never regretted that decision.”

“I know,” he says quietly.

“Do you? Do you understand that nothing I did was ever a burden? You’re not just my brother, you’re my best friend. I would make every decision the exactly the same if I had it to do over.” I watch him study the carpet in front of him.

“Except for hooking up with your classmate that first year of law school that weekend. That deserved a better decision.” He laughs, and his gaze meets mine.

“What about Trace?” I ask.

“He’s coming with me. His grandpa has agreed to front the money for a small restaurant in Fredericksburg. He’ll finally get to run his own place. He said he’ll even learn to, and I quote, ‘get along those little dogies or whatever y’all do.’”

We both laugh. Trace had to grow on me slowly, but I think he’s perfect for my brother now.

“Well, I’m not going to tell you what to do. That’s a decision you have to make on your own. I will admit, however, that it would be nice to have you around again.”

“So, I can stay here this summer while I intern?”

“It’s your room. Hell, this is half your ranch.”

“Trace, too, on the days he comes here to visit?”

“Sure.”

“And what about where Harmony will stay when she’s here?” I study him closely. There’s no doubt in his eyes that I can work it out with her.

“She’s not staying in your room, I can guarantee that.”

“I’ll bring noise canceling headphones.” He grins at me. I shake my head. Jesus, this kid. “Now, how do we convince Harmony this can work?”

“I have no idea. I haven’t even convinced myself yet.”

“We need a plan,” he says. We both fall silent again trying to work out a logical plan. “Let’s figure out what she would need to stay here part of the year and what you need to live in Nashville part of the time. Then how you would handle touring. Can you handle spending time in Tennessee?”

“Yeah, I’ve only been there once, but I liked it. Same laidback pace as here. I’m sure I could figure it out, but what happens here when I’m gone?”

“That’s what we have to figure out. First let’s work on Harmony’s list, then we’ll tackle yours. I think top priority would be a studio.”

“How would I do that?” I ask. It’s not like the house has hidden rooms we haven’t used yet. My office would never be big enough for her, and there are only two bedrooms.

“I know a guy, or more accurately, I know the wife of a guy. I’ll give you her number.”

By the time we realize it’s way past when I usually go to bed, we have a workable plan. It still sounds a little impossible to me, but I’ve promised Travis to try.

I really want it to work. He insists the first step to put the plan into motion is to show up for the concert tomorrow night. With the arrangements already made for a fill-in, I can’t refuse.

Ross shows up as promised to get familiar with the ranch. He’s been here before when his grandpa made a farm call, but I still show him around. He pays attention better than most high school kids I’ve dealt with. Reacher even greets him amicably enough, so I’m not too worried about them getting along.

Before I have a chance to protest, Travis has me packed into his car and headed for Dallas. I suggested that I drive myself so he doesn’t have to bring me back. He wouldn’t hear of it. I think he’s worried I’ll change my mind halfway there and turn around.

Okay, he’s not wrong. It is a consideration. Not only am I a little nervous about seeing Harmony again, I’m worried about Ross getting in over his head.

“You know his grandpa can help, if necessary, right?” Travis asks before we’ve gotten very far down the road. “The man is your vet.” I’m not sure when he began reading my mind, but it’s irritating.

“Did I say anything?” I snarl.

“Dude, I can see the smoke coming out of your ears from here. I swear everything will be fine. Try to focus on what’s ahead. Step one, show up for her and declare your undying love,” he answers.

“This isn’t High School Musical or whatever shit you’ve been watching.”

“First off, I have not been watching old made for TV movies, though Zac Effron can still rock that body. You’re not the only asshole who reads in this family.” He snorts in what can only be derision. “You should pick up a romance novel once in a while. Might actually learn something.”

“I can hear your bodice ripping from here.”

“You’re a jerk, you know that,” he fires back, but he’s grinning. He shoves my shoulder with his hand. I smile as I straighten back up. “How far can we drive before you need another coffee.”

“I’ve got my travel mug,” I answer, shaking the tumbler at him. “We’re good until lunch.”

“Good, there’s a place in Waco I want to try. Bladder can hold until then?”

“How old do you think I am?”

“Just asking. No need to get all huffy. I mean, you do go to bed by nine, so…”

“Bite me.”

“There’s the man my beautiful blonde friend fell for.” He laughs. I turn to sulk out the window, but I can’t do it for very long.

Just the thought that Harmony might feel for me the way I do for her makes me smile. Travis catches me grinning like an idiot out the window. This time, though, instead of teasing me, he just smiles back.