“One hundred and ten. I work out to build muscle. The added strength helps in my profession.”
He’d like to see those muscles. Dear Lord, he was pathetic. “Why aren’t you working with dogs and cats? It would seem easier.”
She shook her head. “I love horses. My mother and stepfather are horse breeders. I grew up around them.”
“Where are you from?”
She hesitated for a second. “North of Fort Worth. Denton. What about you? Have you always been in the military?”
He nodded. “All of my life, and we moved around a lot. Dad was career air force, so I went into the academy after high school. I always wanted to fly.”
She motioned toward his leg. “Is that how you were injured?”
He hated to think about that day. “Yeah, I had to eject from my aircraft and my landing wasn’t the best.”
“Well, it looks like you’re on the mend.”
He stiffened. “It’s taking too long. I want to get back in the air.”
Lindsey had heard some of the history of the Randell family, but Brady was a surprise to her. There was actually a Randell who wasn’t a rancher. “So you’re going back?”
“Why shouldn’t I? I’m one of the best.”
“And so humble, too.” She forced a smile. “I’m sure the doctors are doing everything possible. Are you?”
His eyes narrowed. “What does that mean? Of course I’m doing everything, and that includes a lot of rigorous physical therapy.”
“That’s good.” Just keep your mouth shut, Lindsey, she told herself as she looked around. Where is Tess?
“You don’t like me much,” he said.
“I barely know you, Captain Randell.” And she wasn’t sure she wanted to.
“You should know that I’m very good at what I do. And I plan to continue flying for the air force for a long time.” He set his injured leg on the floor. “Sitting around a ranch house isn’t for me.”
“You don’t seem to have a choice right now. So maybe you should use this time to count your blessings that you survived your accident instead of taking your anger out on every unsuspecting person who happens to cross your path.”
“How the hell do you know what I’ve gone through?”
Lindsey was going through her own personal pain, too. Her stepfather didn’t have such a rosy future.
“You’re right, I don’t, but I know you’re healthy, with a family who loves you, and all you’re doing is complaining.”
His stony look told her that she’d gone too far. “I should go,” she said. “I’m sure someone will be here shortly.”
She stood, but before she could get to the door it opened and a little girl came running in.
“Uncle Brady, Uncle Brady. Mommy said you fell down.” The little blonde went running to the stoic man on the sofa. “Are you hurt?” she cried.
“No darlin’, I’m fine. I just tripped over my big feet and bumped my head.”
The girl’s worried look didn’t leave until her uncle showed her the damage. “See, it’s just a little bump.”
The child leaned down and kissed it. “There, that will make it better.”
Then it happened. Brady Randell sat back and a big smile appeared across the handsome face. Lindsey’s heart leaped and she tried hard to remember the man with the bad attitude.
The little girl turned to her and smiled. “Mommy said you’re Whiskey’s new vet. I’m Livy Meyers Randell. My new daddy married my mommy and ’dopted me.”
Lindsey smiled. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Livy Meyers Randell. I’m Lindsey Stafford.”
“Hi, Miss Lindsey.” A smile beamed on her cute face. “Thank you for taking care of Whiskey, and Uncle Brady.”
“You’re very welcome.”
The child put her arm around her uncle’s neck. “Did you know I’m gonna marry Uncle Brady when I grow up?”
You can have him, Lindsey thought. “Isn’t that nice.”
Lindsey hadn’t planned to be gone all day, but she also hadn’t planned to babysit an injured fighter pilot, either. That was until she’d been pushed aside by a five-year-old girl. It didn’t matter her age, that female had already staked her claim on the man. What had amazed Lindsey was how Brady Randell’s whole demeanor had changed when the child walked into the room.
She smiled. So he wasn’t the tough guy he pretended to be.
Tired, Lindsey walked into the cabin the Randells had given her to use during her three-month stay. The one-bedroom structure was located in the Mustang Valley Nature Retreat. This cabin had been designed as a romantic getaway.
A big, river-rock fireplace, plush rug and overstuffed love seat were the centerpieces of the main room. The bedroom consisted of a large four-poster bed with satin sheets and an abundance of candles. It connected to a bathroom with a whirlpool tub that easily held two.
Definitely for a couple.
It was off season, so she had the place to herself except for the herd of wild mustangs that roamed freely in this area.
The only drawback was she had to park her SUV at the top of the rise and walk or ride down in a golf cart. There were no vehicles allowed in this area.
Hank Barrett, the patriarch of the Randell family, was adamant about keeping his wild ponies protected. Lindsey felt the same way. So many people thought of them as nuisances, but the Randells had made sure this area was going to be left untouched.
No development in this valley. Ever.
Luke Randell was the project manager for a gated horse community being built on the land that edged the valley. But the project had many strict rules.
It was dusk, and Lindsey looked out the picture window at the scene below. Picking up the binoculars off the sill, she focused in on the grassy meadow. She sighed at seeing the half-dozen mustang ponies grazing peacefully.
Her chest constricted at the incredible sight. How could Jack Randell ever have left this place? More importantly, after all these years, how could she get him to come here? Back to his home…his boys.
CHAPTER TWO
THE following week Brady got some good news. At his doctor’s visit the day before, he learned his fracture was healing well. Well enough that the bulkier cast had been replaced with a walking cast, so he could finally put weight on his leg. That meant he could get rid of the crutches and use a cane. And start more-intense therapy.
Finally it was time to get back in shape so he could get back into the cockpit.
Brady had also succumbed to Luke’s badgering and gone along as he toured the construction site. He cursed as the golf cart bounced over the uneven ground. He grabbed the frame as he nearly flew out of his seat. “Hey, do you think you could have missed a few potholes back there?”
Luke grinned as he continued to maneuver the vehicle along the ridge. “Just wanted to make sure you haven’t fallen asleep.”
“Not the way you drive.” Brady zipped up his flight jacket to help ward off the morning chill. “Besides, I don’t need any more injuries added to my list.”
His brother gave him a sideways glance. “I might have to call on the pretty veterinarian to come by. Seems she’s the only one who can handle you.”