Kissin' Tell (Rough Riders #13)(66)

No Hi, son, how are you? No What’s new in your world? She cut straight to the chase; no pleasantries. Just like his father did. “So you’re callin’ because you need me to baby-sit Landon again.”


“Yes. I know it’s last minute, but I have no choice.”


But I do. “I’m guessing you expect me to drop everything right now and drive to Casper? I’m sorry. I can’t.”


Her silence felt accusatory and Tell almost caved in.


“What’s going on with you?” she demanded. “You never—”


“Say no?” Tell paced to the window. “I have plans tonight.” No point in wishing he’d told his mother no last week when he’d cancelled a date with Georgia, but he could change the parameters from here on out. “Did you ask Dalton or Brandt if they could help?”


“Brandt and Jessie have their hands full right now, doncha think?”


“Yep. But I’m plenty busy myself picking up the slack around the ranch since Brandt is embracing fatherhood.”


“What’s going on at the ranch isn’t my concern,” she said with a sniff.


“That’s because Landon had been your only concern the past few years.” Just like Luke was always your number one priority.


Childish, probably, but accurate, and not the first time he’d had that thought. But it was the first time he’d voiced it to her.


“Tell McKay. That’s not true. I thought you liked taking care of Landon.”


“I do. I love the kid. But I hate that the only time I see him is when I’m the last resort for childcare. How long before Landon will resent getting shuttled off to his bachelor uncle’s at the last minute?”


“Now you’re just being ridiculous.”


“That’s me. Silly Tell, flitting around like a damn butterfly without a care in the world.”


A long pause. “Son. Have you been drinking?”


He forced a laugh. “Look, Mom, I gotta go. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”


“You’re really saying no?”


“Yep, I really am. Bye.” He hung up. And it felt good.


An hour later Tell was thinking about a prime rib sandwich as he got ready for dart league, when he heard someone at his door. Doubtful it was his sweet woman, but he kept a goofy smile in place just in case as he snapped the last pearl button on his short-sleeved shirt and answered the door.


But his brother Brandt stood on the front porch.


“Hey, bro. Is everything all right?”


“Not according to Mom.” Brandt bulled his way inside.


“Mom called you?”


“Yep. She thought you were drunk or high or some damn thing, so she sent me to check on you.” Brandt squinted at him. “Are you?”



“Drunk? No. High? No.”


“Pissed?”


Tell shrugged. “Getting there, since my mommy called my big brother to make sure I wasn’t being naughty or pouting. So maybe it’d be best if you skedaddled on home to the wife and kiddie.”


Brandt didn’t budge. “What’s goin’ on? You never have words with Mom.”


“Wasn’t really an exchange of words—except for the one word she didn’t wanna hear when I said no to drivin’ to Casper to take care of Landon tonight.”


“She mentioned it, and I don’t see what the big deal is.”


That got Tell’s back up big-time. “Yeah? Then why don’t you hop in your truck and do it?”


“Because I have a wife and a kid to take care of.”


“And because no one believes I have a life outside of ranch work, my free time is up for grabs? Ask Tell to make a three-hour trip, he won’t mind. Guess what? I do f*cking mind.”


Brandt’s mouth dropped open.


“What? You were expecting I’d be cracking jokes?”


“I guess I was.”


“Too bad I’m fresh out of funny.”


They stared at one another. “How many times has Mom asked you to watch Landon in the last year?”


“At least twice a month. Except it’s gotten more frequent since calving ended.”


“And you say yes every time she asks.” A statement.


Tell nodded. “Except for today. That don’t mean I’m gonna stop helping out entirely; I’m just not doin’ it today.”


“Now that I’ve heard your side, I’m glad you stood up to her, because Mom has gotten…pushy lately.” Brandt sighed. “Some days, she reminds me of Dad.”


“Glad I’m not the only one who’s seen it.”


“I’ve noticed it and so has Jess. But I know you, Tell. That alone ain’t enough to set you off.”


Set him off? He’d been downright pleasant to his mother. How would people react if he really went off?


“You poke at me until I start talkin’, so I’m gonna do the same to you, bro. What else is on your mind?” Brandt asked. “‘Cause you’ve been actin’ pissy. I suspect it’s got something to do with me.”