Page 38 of Rancher to the Rescue

“He had to know that Dad would never sell the ranch,” Brax chimed in.

“But he could kick Uncle Keif and his family off,” Adam said. Keifer Firebrand wouldn’t stand for it.

“The Marshall deeded their homes to them,” Brax said.

“Then, they can bulldoze their houses and drill there,” Adam quipped. He shouldn’t let emotions get the best of him. In fact, sitting close to Prudence was a reminder of the damage he could cause if he did.

He wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

“Check that,” he said. “Maybe we can talk to Dad and see if he’s willing to compromise.”

Brax laughed.

“You clearly weren’t here to witness the fireworks,” he said. “Lines have already been drawn. Dad threatened to kick Uncle Keif off the land. It’s the reason we know he can’t.”

“I can only imagine the blowout that must’ve caused.” Adam shook his head. His precious land was safe but family relationships just got a whole lot messier.

“Uncle Keif is threatening to contest the will,” Brax said.

“His hands are the most tied because he can’t do what he wants and there’s a boatload of money in mineral rights.” Adam wasn’t surprised at his uncle’s knee-jerk reaction. “It won’t do any good to contest the will. If I know the Marshall, that thing will be ironclad.”

“There’s a catch,” Brax said. “One that I don’t think any of us expected.”

Well, that news got Adam’s attention.

“If the Marshall’s sons can’t come to an agreement before all their sons are married, they lose everything. The inheritance goes directly to us and both land and mineral rights are equally split,” Brax said.

Adam almost laughed out loud.

“Considering there’s eighteen of us and not one of us is currently married, I doubt that’s a big threat,” he said. It was just like the Marshall to do something like that. Adam had no plans to wed after Libby. Now that he might be a father, he’d be too busy caring for an infant to date for the foreseeable future. The annoying voice in the back of his mind picked that moment to point out his chemistry with Prudence and how incredible she was with baby Angel.

“I’d agree with that assessment except that our dad and uncle can dig their heels in when they really want to. Being stubborn seems to be part of the Firebrand DNA,” Brax stated.

Prudence didn’t hold back a grin.

“I’m sure Kellan is blowing a gasket.” Adam smirked. He couldn’t help himself.

Brax chuckled. “Let’s just say he’s not shy with his opinion.”

The baby started fussing in the next room. Adam checked the clock. Eight p.m. on the dot.

“I’ll take care of her and let the two of you finish talking family business.” Prudence seemed eager to leave the room. He shouldn’t take it personally, and yet he did.

Sucking in his pride, he leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the island.

Brax stared at Adam for a long moment, and it looked like he was holding back.

Rather than goad his brother on, Adam changed the subject. “Speaking of food. Have you eaten yet?”

“Me? No. I wanted to fill you in the minute you got home,” Brax said. “I put security on notice to let me know the minute you pulled up to the front gate.”

Adam crossed over to the fridge, pulled out a sealed container of meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and string beans. Miss Olive must have anticipated company following the Marshall’s death. A normal family might gather at the main house. But then, Firebrands had never been considered typical.

“Thanks for coming over to let me know what was going on,” Adam said.

“It’s what brothers are for.” Brax didn’t miss a beat, but there was much more to their relationship than blood ties.

“Not every brother feels the same,” Adam said. He could add a few of his cousins to that list as well.