The last four months had been uneventful for the most part. Ranching has issues at times, like cattle breaking through fences, sows having difficult births, and let's not forget wolves, bears and mountain lions running amuck in the back acreage. The one good thing about it being fall was that the bears would be going to hibernate. One less big bad to worry about, at least through the winter. I ran my hand along the back of my neck and watched as the horses ran along the fence. It was cold and cloudy today, which was sort of normal for this time of year, but there was something calming watching the horses enjoy their time out in the corral. I'd hate to be cooped up in the barn all the time too.

“Penny for your thoughts, cowboy.” The sweet voice of my girl wrapped around me and I wrapped my arm around her when she leaned into my side. This was going to be her first Wyoming winter. She said she was ready, but there was no way to get ready to freeze your ass off. I kissed her head and chuckled.

“Just thinking I know how the horses feel. I'd hate being cooped up in the barn all the time,” I said as she turned and pressed her front to mine. The huge bubble jacket she had on made me grin. “Cold, are we?” My brow arched as she chewed on her bottom lip. I leaned in and kissed her forehead.

“It's so frigging cold. Like, back home, forty-nine isn’t that bad. I'd still be in flip flops, but, here it's like I'm on the Arctic circle or some shit. My body feels like I have a slushy machine inside me.”

“It's not gonna get better, love. It gets a helluva lot colder. You’ll have to adjust, just don't ever come outside without a coat on. No matter what. A few minutes in the single digits will freeze ya for sure,” I said, dead serious on that.

She pouted and God help me I laughed, hard. My head fell back as she slapped her hands against my chest. I scooped her up and tossed her over my shoulder when she tried to walk away from me.

“Put me down, Mister!” She laughed and swatted at my ass. My coat blocked her actually making contact, but I felt it. I walked us into the barn and sat her on the bales of hay I'd pushed down from above earlier.

“No pouting, baby, the winter just means we get to do a lot more cuddling under the covers.” I waggled my brows at her before I leaned in to capture her lips with mine. She tasted like pumpkin and coffee. I groaned and nibbled at her bottom lip. “I see someone's been in helping Ma make pies.”

“Hmm…. pumpkin’s my favorite,” she said, grinning.

“Mine too. Guess this means I'll have to try eating it off of you next. Best of both worlds,” I said, leaning back in to kiss her hard. Her legs wrapped around me as I darted my tongue into her mouth. We both groaned when the barn door opened.

“Tater- Oh, sorry. Pa said to get inside. Uncle John, Uncle Chris and David are here!” Danny said and hurried back out of the barn. I chuckled and pulled back from her. I took her hands and helped her down.

“Come on, let's go meet the family. John is dad’s older brother. David is his no good son. Now, Uncle Chris, that's mama’s brother. He's nice, you'll like him.”

“So, John and David are not gonna be nice but Chris will be?” She asked nervously.

“John is blunt, he's an ass at times. Try to not let him or David rattle your cage. I'll be right there with ya, baby.” I hugged her tight as I pushed the barn door open and led her across the yard and into the back door. We stripped off our boots and coats in the mud room before moving into the kitchen. Tango met us and I scratched behind his ears.

“Hey there, traitor. Did you get more treats?” Georgie said rubbing his head. I couldn't help but chuckle.

“Let me guess, Abbie was having Cheerios?” I said, grinning as he sat there, his tongue lolling to the side as his tail swishes across the floor.

“Yep, and your Mama gave her some of those cheesy things. They both had snacks. I think she dropped as many as she ate,” Georgie said, laughing softly.

“At least with him around I'm not having to clean up a big mess,” Ma said as she walked in, laughing to herself. Uncle John and Chris were behind her. I moved to kiss her cheek before I embraced my uncles in a big hug.

“What brings y'all old timers in two days early? Wasn't expectin’ y'all until Wednesday?” I asked.

“We just thought we’d come take a look around. Do some extra visitin’. And to meet your new girl,” Uncle John said, looking over at Georgie who was still fussing over Tango.

“Your mama and I have some things to do over at the Community Center, so I came early to help out,” Uncle Chris said, smiling at Georgie.

“Georgie, this is my Uncle Chris, and this is Uncle John.”

“Nice to meet you both,” she said. I couldn't help but grin. The back door opening caught my attention and Abe strolled in with his hands full of boxes.

“Ma, where ya want these?” he asked, as Georgie and I moved to help him.

“What is this?” I asked as we sat them on the table.

“Pie boxes. I had your brother pick them up in town so I didn't have to go back out.” She said as she pulled yet another pie from the oven.

“What are they for?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

“Nathaniel, if I have to answer that…”

“Oh, Lord. They're at it again,” Uncle Chris said and I chuckled.

“Abigail, you know what the boy was asking,” Dad said as he walked in and handed Abbie to me.

“Oh, I know, but he walked into that one. Everyone, sit. Lunch will be ready in a minute.” Ma said, pointing a wooden spoon towards the table.

I moved to sit down, keeping Abbie cradled against me. I made faces at her as Tango laid his head on my leg so he could watch her. He'd become very attached to her over the last few months. Which, I'll be honest, made me extremely happy. I knew he'd keep both of my girls safe when I wasn't around.

“When did y'all get another dog, an inside dog at that?” I looked up to see David coming in with Phoebe and some bimbo on his arm. The man changed girls like he did his underwear. I gave him a nod and looked down at Tango who let out a small growl. I placed a hand on his head and he settled.

“He's mine,” Georgie said. Sometime after leaving my sight she stripped out of the huge sweater and was left in her tight jeans and a t-shirt that hid nothing. She was a classic beauty, unlike the twit on David’s arm. “They sort of adopted us. He's housebroken and doesn't cause no troubles.” She grinned at me as she sat a bowl of salad on the table. My eyes roamed her over once and I sighed. She was so perfect. When Abbie heard her voice she pushed up from my chest and looked for her. I handed her over the moment Abbie’s hands went out to her. Georgie kissed her on the cheek and grinned as Tango let out a small woof. Georgie looked from Abbie who started her babbling as she looked down at Tango. “That's it, you tell him. No barking at the table.”

We all laughed. Well all but John and David, and his guest. She was too busy sizing up Abe and Jon. I wasn't sure I liked how David was looking at Georgie. John just stared at her like she was some weird art display in a museum. I shook it off and watched my girls. Dad gave Georgie a kiss on her temple and moved to sit down with the men at the other end of the table. Finally Ma guided Georgie to sit by me and the table became quiet when we all started eating. Until the Spanish Inquisition started.

“So, Georgie is it? Where are you from?” Uncle John’s tone was inquisitive yet suspicious. I glared at him, but was ignored. Could this holiday week be over already?

“My friends call me Georgie. My names actually Georgeana, Georgeana Larson. And, I'm from Georgia.”

“You were named after the place you were born?” David asked, chuckling. Ugh, no one likes the douche, so why was he even here?

“David Michael, you will show respect when in my house. Do you understand me?” Ma’s tone was the one that said “I mean business, boy” and he nodded.

“Yes, ma’am. I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect.” He said, quickly.

Liar, I silently accused.

“For your information, David, I was named after my great grandmother, Georgeana La Croix, of the Louisiana La Croix. My grandfather thought it was fitting to give his only granddaughter a strong family name.” I noticed as she spoke that southern drawl she had got thicker. A good sign that she was angry. We’d all seen it a time or two now. Tango whined from where he sat on his bed. It was away from the table but within sight. Ma made it a rule he wasn't allowed at the table when they moved into the house and Georgie agreed. Tango didn't like it much but he obeyed nonetheless. I moved my hand to her thigh, squeezing gently.

“Georgia, huh? Did your family own a home in the city or country? Do you know anything about ranchin’?” Uncle Chris smiled at her and you could see the genuineness of his question.

“Some of the older generations had ranches and plantations, but I grew up on the edge of that. My grandfather had a big plantation home, but only had a few acres. He had a lovely garden and pond put in before I was born. We spent a lot of time fishing and gardening.” Her smile grew as she spoke of her grandfather. The man that raised her to be the woman she was. She was missing him terribly now. This was going to be the first holiday without him. I leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“She may not have been born to it, but she's gettin’ the hang real quick. Had a bear try to attack her and Pheebe’s. Georgie put it down. Three shots in its head.” Abe said. Georgie groaned.

“Let's not mention that. It wasn't my proudest moment,” Georgie grumbled.

“Not a hunter then?” Uncle John asked in a nasty tone. “You won't make it out here without that skill.” Dad chose that moment to speak.

“Brother, that's enough. Fill your mouth with food and leave the girl alone.” His accompanying glare made me grin. Dad didn't like his brother anymore than we did. Sad, but true.

“No, it wasn't that. I don't believe in killing a living thing just because it's doing what it's supposed to. That bear was protecting her cub. We threatened them in her eyes, and yet, I took her life,” her voice cracked and she looked down at Abby who was patting her cheek. Tango was whining and pawing at the floor. Shit. I knew what was happening. I got up and helped Georgie up and walked her out of the room. As soon as we were out of earshot, I leaned in and kissed her lips and cheeks.

“I told you he could be an asshole. You can feel bad, but remember what I told you? You saved your life and Phoebe’s. You're no match for a pissed off bear. So, let's go back in there and finish lunch. Just ignore him,” I said as she shook her head. Tango pushed himself between our legs and leaned into her. She visibly released a sigh and I kissed her again.

“I can't, I need a minute,” she whispered.

“Okay darlin’. Can you go put Abbie down for me? Tango can go with you.” I said kissing Abbie’s head.

“Yes.” She smiled tightly and kissed my cheek. “I'm sorry. I love you.”

“No need to ever be sorry, baby.” I brushed stray hairs from her face and smiled as I met her gaze. “I love you, too. Now go on before I decide to take you to our room.” She blushed and I swatted her ass as she turned to go upstairs. I waited until my girls were up the stairs before I went back to the kitchen to get a few words in with that asshole uncle of mine.