Twin Temptations (15 page)

“Spoilsport,” Sonny said, sticking his tongue out.

Ranger and Ryker were both sitting on the floor of the barn, playing with the new puppy they’d gotten for Lilly. “Ow,” Ranger cried when the dog’s tiny white teeth sank into his finger.

“What the hell’s going on in here?” Rawley asked, coming into the barn.

“He bit me,” Ranger said in return.

Rawley put his hands on his hips and looked down at Ryker. “Didn’t your momma teach you better than that?” He asked with a laugh.

“Ha ha, very funny,” Ryker grinned and held up the puppy. “This little guy has good taste in chew toys.”

Bending down, Rawley scooped up the puppy. “Lilly know about this?”

“No,” Ranger narrowed his eyes, “and don’t you go spoiling the surprise. We’re going to give this little guy to her in the morning.” Ranger grinned and looked at Ryker. “We’re both in agreement that if we give it to her tonight, she’ll insist on having it in bed with us. And Ryker and I have too many plans for that.”

Rawley held the puppy in the crook of his arm and rubbed its tiny belly. “Hi, little guy. I’m going to be your favourite Uncle.” Rawley lifted the chubby puppy and rubbed noses with it.

Ryker hooked an arm around Ranger’s waist and rolled his eyes. Who’d have thought the biggest, toughest member of the Good family would have the biggest soft spot for dogs. “How ya doin’?” he asked thumping Rawley on the back.

“Okay, don’t seem to have enough time in the day, but I’m happy.”

“How could you? Working as part-time Sheriff while running the Mayor’s office.”

“Well if Garron would stop being an ass and take over as Sheriff, I wouldn’t have to do two jobs.” Rawley continued to scratch the puppy behind the ears.

“He might be more inclined to consider it if you didn’t make him cut his hair.” Ryker took the dog from Rawley and put him back in the kennel before leading the group toward the back deck.

“Sorry, but you can’t have a small-town Sheriff with long hair, it’s just un-American.”

Ryker stopped and turned around. “Seems to me you’re holding a few prejudices you need to let go of.”

That had Rawley spitting and sputtering just like Ryker knew it would. Ryker used the opportunity to climb the deck steps. “Where’s my wife?” he asked looking around.

“She’s in the kitchen showing Jeb how to mix up homemade ice cream.” Sonny said, from atop Garron’s lap. “She looks good by the way. I was worried about how she’d hold up with Jeff’s trial, but she’s come through it just fine.”

“Yep,” Ranger said, wrapping his arms around Ryker. Ryker leaned back against the solid wall of muscle. Two years ago they would have never shown this type of affection around people, even their family, but everything was different now.

“We’ll see in another couple of years how she does. I imagine Jeff will get out on parole by then,” Ranger said, squeezing him tight.

“Well, even if he does get out early, he’d be a damn fool to come back here with a Sheriff like Garron in charge.” Rawley looked at Ryker and winked.

“Dammit, I told you, I’m not cutting my hair,” Garron fumed.

“Well I’ve been thinking about that, we may be able to negotiate the hair thing.”

Chuckling, Ryker pulled Ranger toward the kitchen as soon as he saw Jeb come out the door. Spotting Lilly washing a few dishes, they both pressed against her. “Forget the dishes, it’s a party.”

Lilly turned and gave them each a kiss. “If I don’t wash them now, I’ll have to stay up late after everyone leaves and we won’t have time to celebrate before we all fall asleep. I was hoping we could take a ride out to the pond. I have a Lady Godiva impression I want to do for you both,” she said, blowing them kisses.

Ranger poked Ryker in the stomach. “Pass me a dishtowel, brother.”