44. Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Colt
I wake up right before my alarm blares. My cottage is silent, and I don't like it. I used to bask in the silence, but now everything feels dull without Brynn by my side. She is going to talk to her insurance company today, and I hope it helps her make a decision. I really hope that decision is to move back to Cedar Creek.
I sit up and throw my legs over the side of the bed, I stand and stretch out my sore body. Yesterday put my body through the ringer, and I am feeling my age today. I walk to the kitchen in my briefs and start the largest cup of coffee the machine will make.
"Good morning." The voice startles me, and I jump. She laughs, "Damn, big bro, didn't take you for the jumpy type."
"You better be glad I am not completely naked," I growl as I stare down at my little sister sitting on my couch like she owns the place. "What the fuck are you here for so early?"
"Are you really going to just let her leave and do nothing to persuade her to come back?" Callie stands and comes to the kitchen. "Call her. Beg her. Shit, give her money. I don't care what you fucking do, just get Brynn home."
I run a hand through my hair, momentarily remembering the way it feels to have Brynn's hands in it. I shake off the thought quickly, all I need is to get a chub in front of my little sister. "I kinda. Well, we were texting last night, and she knows I want her to come home."
"But did you ask her?"
"Not exactly." I scratch the back of my neck, "I don't want to be disappointed."
"Put yourself out there. I see the way Brynn makes you happy. I haven't seen you like this in years. I want Millie to grow up with a loving, happy uncle. Not a stick-in-the-mud, grumpy uncle," Callie's smile is wide.
"You staying around here for a while?" I question, hoping maybe I can have all my girls close to me.
"Yes." Her spine straightens, and she clears her throat. "You are looking at the newly employed horse trainer for Rutherford Ranch."
"Holy shit, Cal!" I scoop her up in a big hug and spin her around.
"Put me down you brut! "
I set her back to her feet and can't help my wide smile. "I am so proud of you."
"Thanks. When Blake offered me the position, I was hesitant at first. Being here in Cedar Creek is going to be a new experience for us and I think Millie will love staying here."
"Millie is going to love it. Are you guys planning to stay in the main house?"
"Yes, for now. Blake said he would let me stay as long as we needed."
"We have to celebrate," I say as I head down the hallway. "Let me get dressed and I'll walk you back to the main house. I am starving."
"We can celebrate when Brynn comes home."
I get dressed in my normal jeans and t-shirt, pulling my boots on by the door. "Let's go. I hope Momma Ann has something delicious this morning."
We walk to the main house and as soon as we step onto the porch, I can smell the bacon. "Damn. My mouth is already watering."
Ranch hands are entering through the screen door in front of us, and I swear you can watch their shoulders lift as they inhale the aroma of a homemade country breakfast. Walking inside and straight to the kitchen, Momma Ann is standing at the stove.
"Good morning boys! Get it while it's hot! "
None of us waste any time and get in line while she continues to fry bacon. There is a smorgasbord of food. Cinnamon rolls, biscuits, sausage gravy, bacon, sausage links, fried potatoes, and a huge bowl of fruit.
"Momma Ann, you have outdone yourself this morning," I say as I reach for a sizzling piece of bacon she just laid on a paper towel.
"I am just taking care of my boys," she looks to Callie. "And girls."
We all make our plates and sit down. Blake comes in and sits down, already looking exhausted.
"Did you tell your brother the good news?"
"Sure did. First thing this morning." Callie takes a bite of a piece of bacon, her cheeks a little flushed. "Thanks again for the opportunity."
"No problem, thanks for being willing to work with that crazy-ass horse I just bought." Blake stands and goes straight to the coffee pot.
"I swear boy, I think coffee runs through your veins," Momma Ann says as she fills his thermos. "This is the third time this morning."
"I didn't sleep well last night. I just am trying to get my work done this morning," Blake grumbles as he makes a plate of food and joins us back at the table .
"Have you heard from Brynn?" Callie asks as she sips her own steaming mug of coffee.
"No, I know she arrived safe and sound. That's it. It is not unusual to go a while without hearing from her, though. That is how it has always been."
I see the weight of the world is resting on Blake's shoulders. "Hopefully that will be different for you guys now." I sip my coffee and bite into the gooey cinnamon roll. I almost moan out loud at the sweet taste on my tongue. Reminds me of something else sweet I like to eat.
I quickly shake off the memories of Brynn. I am trying not to get my hopes up that she will come back, but after our conversation last night, I can't help but to imagine her sitting at the table with me for every meal.
I join in on the conversation happening around me about the new horses Blake bought. Apparently, there is a filly who is super cantankerous and stubborn.
"I can handle her. Hell, I was practically raised by the most stubborn man on the planet," Callie quips as she grins at me.
"Keep it coming, Cal, you are here for a while. Plenty of time for payback, sis." I stand and take my empty plate to the kitchen. "See y'all later, gotta lot of work to do."
"See me at lunch and we can go over the plans for the sinkhole," Blake says as he gets up to refill his coffee.
"Will do." I nod and walk out the door, heading straight to Honey.