4.

The past five days have been great for Killian. He took that time to get reacquainted with things and learn about the new methods the ranch adopted. During that time Kelsey introduced him to everyone as their rightful boss. They were accepting after Kelsey and Mama Roarke spoke, the older ranchhands put in their few cents which helped Killian greatly. The foreman took the role of telling him who did what. He pitched in after that, breaking a good sweat and giving his body the exercise it needed. Not taking it too hard he knew when to take a break or go soak his body in some ice. The meds were helping a great deal and he knew in no time he will be back in fighting shape.

On one of those days, Kelsey took him to their father’s grave. They had a plot of land at the local cemetery designated for their family only. The church has been a pillar of strength for the family for years. Weddings, christenings, funerals, an escape to talk to God. First Pentecostal was always there.

Kelsey gave him space allowing him to trudge up the slope on his own. He paused at his mother’s grave and replaced the dying blue cornflower.

“I’m home, mama. Took longer than expected bet you’re up there itching to box my ears for being a stubborn mule. What can I say? I inherited your famous attribute. Thanks for watching over me though. Would have died in that godforsaken place if it wasn’t for the sweet memories you left with us.” He stopped speaking when the memories of what happened in Syria began to plague him. Finding a happy memory and counting backward always cleared his head. It was the mental tests they insisted he took but the nightmares... those are what he can’t control. Memories fade in and out but can be controlled.

“I love you, mama. I promise to come visit you soon.” On his last word, he stepped to his right to be faced with his father’s grave. The marble headstone that read his years of life and the role he played was the main focus in his mind, body, and soul. His father’s death was now more real to him. Six feet under laid the powerhouse of a man, who blessed his son with inky dark hair and piercing blue eyes. When he was younger everyone called him Junior because of his eerie resemblance to his father. They could have passed as twins if they were the same age. Killian was proud of that. Proud to be like the old man. He didn’t mean to disappoint his father but he wanted to see the world before dying in his worn cowboy boots.

‘And the world chewed you up and spit you out’ A dark thought said resonating in his head. He shook his head and gingerly went to his knees with his head bowed low.

“Please forgive me,” was all he said. He didn’t know where the tears came from but they rolled down his scruffy face like a river. It has been a while since he had a good cry. No tears came even when he was in that torturing cell. Nor when they killed his best friend in front of him. Killian knew he had to be strong in the Army Rangers but now facing his father’s cold grave he just couldn’t. He was now a little boy missing his father.

“Come now. You’re supposed to be comforting me.” The voice of Kelsey made him release a sad laugh. Her arms were around him filling him with that sisterly love. Together they silently sat by their parents' grave and remember happier days.

---

It was now Friday and Killian had a feed run in town. He has been back home a week now and hasn’t ventured into town. He was a bit apprehensive but decided to get it done. He couldn't hide his presence in that town. It was now common knowledge that the prodigal son was back home. Everyone he walked by stared till the town sheriff walked up to him with his eyes squinting in confusion.

“Junior? That you?” The older man shouted in disbelief. Killian’s signature grin graced his face, “Hey Mr. Jessup.” He can never get rid of that formality even when the man before him was appointed sheriff when he was seventeen. The old man laughed boisterously and pulled Killian into a bone-crushing hug. “Our prayers have been answered. You’re back home with us. You got us right worried in these parts. Just look at you,” Jessup said holding him at arm’s length. With pursed lips, glassy eyes, and a firm nod of his head, Killian knew where the man’s thoughts were. “I got the news when I came to,” he said softly.

“Kels was beside herself self but she held on real good. Proud of her ya know.”

“I am too. It’s good to be back home.”

“I know how it is to be back. You faring okay?” Jessup spoke from experience being a veteran himself and then joining the police force.

“The nights are hard. I don’t wish the same to newbies that are going in now.”

Jessup nodded in agreement, joining him on the stroll along the sidewalk. Killian took in the stores both old and new, the people who were always friendly, and how they all flourished. Whispering Creek was one of a kind. “You planning on going back?”

Killian shook his head no and stopped outside the feed store. “I don’t know my next step. I’m still fitting in on the ranch. Kels did a damn great job and a champion. She sure as hell growing up. The ranch has always been in her blood. Me? I don’t know yet. Still searching I guess,” he confided. Mr. Jessup was his father’s old buddy and the man took up the role of uncle to both him and Kelsey without a question. They told him anything.

“I understand. Take all the time you need. Call me. I might have a spot for you. May not have major crimes like the big cities but the law has to be lain down in a small town too.” Jessup said. Nodding his head and a thankful smile he shook the hand of the older man and disappeared into the store.

---

After the feed store, he decided to get a few things for himself and ordered a new saddle for his horse Pyro. Half the day was spent in town but he didn’t mind. He got reacquainted with the older folks and was introduced to new ones he may be seeing on occasion now. Heading back home his body was growing tired and the pain meds were wearing off minute by minute. Driving up the long dirt road he saw the outline of an SUV, not a common type around these parts but the kind you take out two mortgages just to own. Getting closer he let out a long whistle of being impressed. Apart from the dusty film and muddy tires, the vehicle was a beauty. He parked his all-terrain pickup a few feet away from it and slowly approached it. It was a beauty. Black in color, the wheels were definitely all-terrain, peeking in the lightly tinted windows he saw the backseats were folded down and a fur-lined dog bed took the space.

“Riding in style,” he murmured. He took another turn around the van and noticed the New York plates. Did this person drive all the way here? Who is this person? With enough gawking done, he set out to walk back to his van, and the sound of loud playful barks reached him. Brows furrowed he was confused, all the herding dogs were out in the field, why were these back on the compound? Turning around he saw two larger-than-life identical dogs come bounding toward him. “Huskies?! Where in the hell these two came from,” he shouted admiring their speed. They brushed passed him in a flash, it seems like they were having a race of their own. Their coats were perfectly trimmed both were light grey and white in color with beautiful blue eyes. Killian looked from the dogs to the SUV, it seems like we like the finer things in life, he thought to himself climbing back into his van. He drove to the back of the main house and parked outside the feed shed, immediately the hands came out to unload. It was a fully loaded tray of feed and these were just replacements for what they used up.

Helping the men, he asked the question that bugs him. “Whose luxury ride and show dogs are those?”

“Mik’s. The kid just came in a good hour ago. He’s inside with Kels now.” The foreman said leaning against the truck. Killian totally missed the humor in the eyes of the ranchhands, they were all in on Kelsey’s joke.

“Just who is this guy? Those things scream hoity-toity,” he grumbled.

“Probably like the fine things in life but he’s humble alright. The red thoroughbred and chestnut are his.”

Killian stopped. “Kels told me she was housing them for a friend. Top of the line flesh.”

“And that friend is Mik. He helps with the animals to let Doc rest. He’s retiring soon ya know,” the foreman said. A few of the ranch hands couldn’t take it and had to walk away a few steps to take a deep breath to avoid chuckling like virgin greenhorns.

“Yeah. Heard in town,” he murmured looking at the main house. “I think I will just go find out what’s this Mik’s deal. No man bathing in money will just drive to Montana for nothing,” he grumbled striding away from the snickering cowboys. Killian was worried about some city boy taking advantage of his baby sister. His strides were long allowing him to reach the door to the mudroom of the house quickly. He slammed open the door with a force he didn’t realize. Forgoing taking off his boots he strode through the kitchen calling out her name.

“Kelsey dammit where are you?!” he shouted.

“In the den and quit ya yelling. Mik is on the phone.”

“Don’t tell me what to do. Why didn’t you tell me your ‘friend’ was coming?” he returned stalking to the den. Shouting matches were a norm between the siblings so them being grown and doing the same wasn’t new. Entering the room he spotted Kelsey lounging on the sofa with a raised eyebrow on her face. “Same old Killian. I told you when you got home big bro,” she said with a mischievous grin.

“Thank you Chaswick. I do hope this works out for the best. For both of us.”

The unfamiliar female voice had him turning to the corner of the room near the window seat. Killian staggered unsteadily on his feet totally hit with an untellable force by the sight he just set his eyes on. Clad in a denim cutoff and loose tank the woman looked right at home in all her ethereal beauty. Her slim mocha-toned legs were crossed at the knee showing off dainty feet with a glimmering toe ring. Killian swore he now had a foot fetish. His eyes took in the curve of her calves to the smoothness of her firm thigh. Though sitting he sure can tell she carried well behind there. Toned arms came next, slender and deft fingers were now clutching the phone, and her breasts were ample but just begging to be squeezed. Finally reaching her face he staggered back even more.

She was pure angelic beauty. Her brown hair was sleek and fell past her shoulders in a layered style. A few strands framed her flawless face. Full pink lips wanting to be kissed all day long, pert nose, and the most alluring grey eyes. Who in the world is this woman? She just outshined every woman in the state of Montana.

“Who are you?” His question was meant to be gentle but they came out as an angry ogre. She laughed at his question. The first chord of that sweet laugh was now trapped in Killian’s mind and heart. Slowly she stood up and walked towards him. She was within four steps of him and her scent was intoxicating. It was vanilla and a fruit he has yet to identify. Up close she was perfection in his eyes. Unconsciously he stepped forward wanting to be close to her for some reason. The pain, the memories none of it was on his mind. His sole focus was on her.

“Name’s Mikel Rysdale. You can call me Mik for short.”