Boots Up (Port Ranch Book #1)

Chapter 12

MITCH

Brian cornered me after breakfast and asked me, correction, told me, that he needed me to join him as he drove into the city today to pick up a feed order. Normally he would take a ranch hand, but I guess they were busy today. Anyway, I take a quick shower so I don’t smell too horrible and throw on a pair of clean jeans, a long-sleeved thermal shirt, and a coat. I head to the big house to meet with Brian.

When I opened the doors I met with laughter and giggles. I see both my nephews running in circles in the living room area with some kids who are staying here with their parents for the weekend. They both run me over when they see me coming in. I try to ignore the radiating pain that runs through my hip bone.

“Hey Uncle Mitch! Did you come to play with us?” Jace looks up at me with his big blue eyes.

“Um, I can hang for a second, but I’m heading into the city with Grandpa Brian.”

“We’re going to do dye tie!” Deacon exclaims.

I chuckle, “Do you mean tie-dye?”

Deacon furrows his eyebrows, “What’s that mean?”

“It’s when you use different colors to paint a twisted-up t-shirt to make cool designs.”

“Yeah!” He punches his fist into the air, “Auntie BB is going to help us.”

Just then, Brielle walks into the room with her arms full of supplies. I put Deacon down and rush over to grab some of the materials so she doesn’t drop them all over the place. Our eyes connect and a small blush passes over her cheeks. “Thanks.”

“No problem.”

The boys start to yell again, pulling us from our little staring contest. I set the pile of t-shirts on the table as she set out the different color dyes that they’ll be using.

“This looks like it’ll be fun,” I say to her.

“It’s going to be so messy. I would normally do this in the summertime outside, but with the rain coming down we can’t do much for entertainment. The last thing I want to do is just put them down in front of the TV.

“I’m sure they’re having a good time. The kids seem to be, at least.” She looks into the sitting room where the parents are sitting down with coffee and some pastries. 

“You should tell them they can have some adult time in their cabin while you do this with the kids. I bet they’ll take you up on that,” I suggest.

“You think?”

“I know I would.” I reach up and move some stray hairs from her face, but the loud noise of boots coming my way makes me drop my hand and stand up straighter.

“Grandpa!” Both of the boys yell at the same time and run to hug their grandpa, the same way they did to me just a few minutes ago.

“Hey there boys. You being good today?”

Deacon slides out of Brian’s arms and pulls him over to the table, “We’re going to do crafts with Auntie BB.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll have a blast.” Brian looks at Brielle and then to me, “Are you ready, Mitch?”

“Yes, sir. I was just helping her get everything set up.” I nod towards Brielle, “Good luck with the shirts, Brielle.”

“Thanks. And you two be safe out there. Lots of rain is expected today.”

“I’m always safe, don’t you worry. Bye, sweetheart. Love you.”

Her dad gives her a huge hug and then we get ourselves into his huge truck with an attached trailer and make our way down the main ranch road to the highway. Brian doesn’t say much until we’ve been on the road for about a half hour. “How’s the leg?” He asks without taking his eyes on the road.