Jake (Downton Cowboys #2) - Miley Maine Page 0,1

older brother, Danny, inherited a huge place from the guy he used to work for, he gave me this very ranch. And Buck Eli was my first hire.

Being the extremely generous man that he is and knowing the hardships we all faced growing up, Danny put me in charge of my own land and gave me the green light to run it, however I pleased. Not only did he give me a second chance at life, he also did the same thing for our two brothers.

“Mornin’, Buck. How’s it goin’?”

“All good and dandy at the J. Downton ranch, sir!” He’s always positive, that man.

But, he’s right, all is good and dandy. In fact, on the few occasions when I get to see Danny, he repeatedly praises my work around here. We don’t meet much, although Danny’s ranch is just a short ride away. When we do get together, it’s always bittersweet.

When you’re trying to forget about your painful past and abusive father, let’s just say that the last thing you want to do is talk about it. And, that’s just how I deal with it, along with Frankie, who was born just two years after me and remains the closest to me of all three.

Frankie and I share the same views on the world, money, and women, and we often get together with or without the rest of the gang.

“Say,” Buck scratches the back of his neck, “will Miss Frances be returnin’ soon?”

“Why do you ask?”

“The missus wants to bake ‘er a pie.” He chuckles. “Sorta’ like a thank you.”

“For what?”

“I’ve been tellin’ ‘er ‘bout your good moods lately and how it all makes the workin’ day easier.”

“Is that right?” I chortle.

He adjusts his hat.

“Truth be told, Jakey, you ain’t been so cheerful in months.” He shrugs and I get down from my horse, taking off my hat as I regard him with a keener ear. “Since she came along, you’re happy.”

“Oh?” I smirk, pulling up the corner of my lips. “And, when were you gonna tell me this?”

“Easy boss, I’m tellin’ ya now!” He flattens his palms in the air, raising his eyebrows.

“I ain’t mad.” I shake my head, scoffing. “I just didn’t think it was so obvious.”

“Well, it may not be for the other men, but I know you best.” He wags a finger as his other hand fiddles with the brim of his hat.

“Damn, you do.” I chuckle, getting back up on my horse. “Well… I’ll let ya know.”

Galloping away, I decide on making my next stop the stables.

Has my bad mood been showing through all this time? And why hasn’t he told me? How come nobody warned me? Were they scared? Afraid to look like they were prying or imposing in some way?

And have I been that different since she showed up, so different that people notice the change?

For God knows how long, I’ve been trying to act as normal as I can, thinking that it was actually working. I’ve been smiling and joking around, laughing with the men and my brothers when they come to visit.

I thought I was doing a great job.

At my next destination, Jeb is carefully brushing a mount in the shade.

“Hey, J,” I holler.

“Mornin’, Downton.” He sits back with the brush in his hand. “How’s it goin’?”

“All good, how ‘bout you? Need a hand?”

“It’s alright.” He waves one hand, shaking his head. “Dale’s comin’ soon.”

“How come he’s late?”

“Some’ ‘bout his sister, I dunno.”

“Are they alright?” I furrow my eyebrows.

“Yeah, yeah. Think it’s some kinda’ drama.”

“Ah.” I knowingly nod.

Sisters. What do I know of those?

Growing up, the four of us had to deal with a different kind of drama. The cuts, the bruises, the adults yelling long into the night. That was our brand of tragedy.

Leaving to head over to my shed, I reflect on what my life would be like now if I had Belle Frances in it for the long haul.

In my constant attempts to not become my father, I constantly worry that I might so easily turn into my mother. Too benevolent to be intimidating, too nice to fight back. The woman of my dreams needs to be good at heart because God knows I can’t handle another heartbreak. I simply won’t accept another abusive person into my life.

But Belle… she seems different.

I spend the rest of the afternoon in my office shed, reviewing numbers and working out finances. One of the things I had to learn when I was given this place was how to work with payroll