Scene: 

The Blake Boys are having a chat about life and love at Tate’s cabin on the Twelve Horseshoes Ranch.

Excerpt II

 

By the afternoon Tate, J.J., Seth, Tyler and Channing were all perched on the porch drinking beers and reminiscing.

“Seth, did Tate tell you he has a thing for Morgan’s cousin Isabelle?” Channing smirked.

Seth pushed back his Stetson. “He didn’t have to, I caught them smooching when I came home.”

Tyler pulled up Isabelle’s profile on the Madison Symphony Orchestra website on his cell phone and passed it around. “I can see why he didn’t want us near the penthouse the past two weeks.”

“She’s beautiful.” J.J. murmured.

They all looked at him.

“I’m married, not dead you idiots.” J.J. took a swig of his beer.

“Tyler, how did you find all this out?” Tate glared at him.

“Michelle. When I assured her I wasn’t asking for myself, she gave me the low down.”  Tyler flashed him a cheesy grin.

“And what does Michelle get for supplying you with this information?” Seth chuckled.

Tyler hunched his shoulders.  “The next time I’m in town I’m taking her to dinner.”

“Will Morgan be chaperoning?” Channing laughed.

“Probably. I want to thank you Tate for taking the heat off me. Maybe Michelle and I can spend some time together.” Tyler saluted him.

“I doubt it.” The rest of the men said in unison.

Tyler punched Seth in the arm. “You could put in a good word for me.”

“I would if I had one.” Seth raised an eyebrow.

“Tate got felt up on national television by a sexy young pop star and I’m the one to worry about?” Tyler yelled.

“Hey, that groping was against my consent.” Tate shook his head.

“He may have stayed away from that singer but he still had an eventful night.” Seth smirked.

“Can any of you keep one damn secret?” Tate huffed.

“I didn’t tell anybody Channing went out with Emma Winterbourne last time he was home.” J.J. mused.

Seth nearly choked on his beer. “Emma Winterbourne? Penny’s little sister?”

“It was just one date. We all patched things up at the Bright Star, right? I had a little thing for her when we were in high school.” Channing picked imaginary lint off his jeans.

Tyler whistled.  “I think Channing is the winner today.”

“So are we cool with the Winterbournes or not?” Tate asked.

“Only if you can go back in time and un-sleep with Caine’s wife Chrissie. Let’s just call it a draw.” J.J. said.

“Girlfriend. She was his on again, off again girlfriend at the time.” Tate quipped.

“I don’t think he wanted you on his girlfriend.” Channing threw a bottle cap at Tate.

“Well, well. What’s going on here?” Their father, John Jacob bounded up the stairs.

“Nothing.” They all said in unison.

“That means you talking about women.” John Jacob took a seat in the chair Channing offered him.

Tyler got up and passed his dad a beer. “Daddy, Channing is dating a Winterbourne.”

Channing grimaced. “No, I’m not. It was one date to catch up.”

“Emma, right?” John Jacob replied.

They all looked at him.

“I know everything.” John Jacob took a swig of his beer. “I hear Tate’s got a thing for Morgan’s cousin Isabelle.  You love her or what?”

Tate put his hand over his eyes.

“No thanks to Seth, Momma wants all of us to settle down.”  Tyler shivered.

“At least Seth is trying to give me grandkids. Tate has feelings for someone. When J.J. finds the right woman, he’ll have kids too.” John Jacob bellowed.

Everyone got quiet, afraid to look at J.J.

“I think we all know the sun is setting on me and Eden.” J.J. stated.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Seth put his hand on J.J.’s shoulder.

“And you.” John Jacob pointed at Channing. “If you’re going to date Emma Winterbourne be upfront about it. Don’t go pulling no Romeo and Juliet crap.”

Tate smiled. John Jacob always told it like it was. They were all enjoying the moment when Bo arrived with Rowdy in tow.

“You sad sacks talking about women?” Bo took off his hat.

“How did you know?” Seth scratched his five o’clock shadow.

“You all have that dopey look on your faces. John Jacob, did you tell them about the gravy boat?”

John Jacob laughed. “No, I did not. They’re not ready for the gravy boat.”

Seth raised his hand. “Bo told me about the gravy boat.”

“That’s why you have Jake and one on the way.” Bo winked.

“No, Seth and Morgan just like to hump like rabbits.” Tyler nodded.

“I am not ashamed to say I enjoy making love to my wife.” Seth crossed his arms over his chest.

“And you two are going to singlehandedly repopulate the planet.” Channing waggled his eyebrows.

“So what the hell is the gravy boat used for?” Tyler whined.

“Bo, I don’t think these young idiots are ready for the gravy boat. But Tate is having warm and cuddly feelings for Morgan’s cousin.” J.J. smirked.

Tate tried his best not to blush.

“That’s right, Isabelle. And C.J. likes living dangerously so he spends time with Emma Winterbourne when he’s home.”

“Can anybody in this family keep a secret?” Seth yelled.

They all quieted as if they were pondering a question for the ages.

“Rowdy,”  Tate finally said.

The border collie barked in agreement with Tate.

They all erupted in laughter.

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt!  Don’t you just love this family?

In case you missed it, check out excerpt one!  Tate assists Isabelle with her music class.

Release Date April 18, 2014

Happy Reading

Rhonda

Copyright © 2013-2014 Rhonda Laurel.  All Rights Reserved.