Boots Up (Port Ranch Book #1)

Chapter 14

MITCH

I finished my task list early today because I needed to make a very important stop before I headed back to my bunk and got ready for dinner. We’re almost to mid-February and I’ve really found myself enjoying the schedule of my life here at the ranch. Had you told me in November that this is where I’d enjoy myself, I would have called you a damn liar.

This place brought a structure to my life that I didn’t know I needed so badly. I probably should have guessed it. After spending pretty much my entire life playing football, my brain and body were both used to a structure and a routine. After my injury, that left me and I was kind of free-falling.

It also helps that the ranch brought me my little flower, Brielle. After our first date, we had a second, a third, and then after that I kind of lost track. Mostly because our dates aren’t always planned events. Sometimes it is getting breakfast and eating in the sitting room away from everybody or afternoon strolls through the property, sometimes even on horseback. That’s right, I’m not signing up for the rodeo anytime soon, but I can make my way around on Chimney.

I rap my knuckles against the door and I hear the boys both making a mad dash for the door. It swings open and Deacon and Jace both crash into me, a habit that I’m at least more prepared for these days. ”Uncle Mitch!” they both yell.

“What’s up, boys? I’m here to talk to your mom, can one of you go get her for me?”

Jace runs off to the other side of the house and I pick up Deacon upside down and deposit him onto the couch. I haven’t been up here in a really long time, but it looks almost exactly the same. So much so that Max’s cowboy hat is hanging from the coat hanger. A solemn reminder of the life Britt is living now.

“Hey, wasn’t expecting you.” I turned around quickly and hoped that she didn’t realize I was staring at the decor. Britt has a smile on her face, but it is one of those really tired smiles that seem to be plastered on her face since I’ve been here.

“Yeah, I just wanted to talk to you for a second if that’s okay.”

“Of course. Are you thirsty? Beer or soda?” She gestures over to the fridge.

“Nah,” I shake my head, “I’m good.”

“Okay.” She moves to the space designated as the living room, tossing some toys off the couch to make room on the couch. “Take a seat.”

“I haven’t cleaned up yet, I don’t think you want me on your furniture.”

“Have you seen my children? They’ve dealt with worse.”

I laugh and take a seat across from her on the couch, trying to prevent my entire body from touching the fabric.

“So, what do I owe this pleasure? You’re always welcome here, but usually, I see you in the big house.”

“Yeah, I don’t have that many reasons for being here, but yeah I’m here because, as you know, I’m kind of seeing your sister. I’m sure it’s obvious, we’re like…together.”

Britt chuckles, “Dating. You can say it, you’re dating my sister.”

“Yeah, dating. I’m still getting used to that I guess.” That was the understatement of the year. “Anyway, I have never had a girlfriend before and I want to make Valentine’s Day something that is special for her, but I don’t know what to do.”

“You’re coming to me for help to plan a date night?”

I can’t tell if I crossed a line or not. These women are so damn hard to read. “If you’ll help me. She deserves the best, but I don’t know what I’m doing.”