The Cowboy's Summer Love by Unknown Read Free Book Online

good.
    He was just giving himself a mental pep talk to get out of bed when he felt the mattress dip and heard rustling. Opening his eyes, he looked into Cass’ little face just inches from his own. She put her tiny hands on his cheeks and patted them.
    “Hi, Uncle Travis! Mama said not to wake you up, but I saw you stretching and stretching, so I decided you were awaked. Uncle Trent said you got hurt. Are you okay? Can I get you a Band-Aid?”
    Travis put his arms around the little girl and gave her a hug before kissing her rosy cheek.
    “I’m fine, kiddo, but thank you for checking on me. Why don’t you go tell your mom that I’ll be out for breakfast in just a minute?”
    “Okay,” Cass said, jumping off the bed and racing out the door.
    Travis forced himself to get up and take a shower. The water hitting his thigh made him wince, so he hurried through his morning routine, not bothering to shave. Getting out, he dressed in a T-shirt and pair of shorts, limping down the hall of the big ranch house toward the combination kitchen and dining area.
    Trey and Trent were still sitting at the table even though the five ranch hands were already fed and out the door. Cady was sipping a cup of tea and Cass had disappeared.
    Since it was a school day, Travis knew Cass would be in her room brushing her teeth and getting ready for school.
    As he shuffled toward the table, Cady got up and retrieved a glass of orange juice along with a plate of waffles, sausages and eggs fried just the way he liked them. He gave her an appreciative nod and mouthed “thank you” as she set the glass and plate in front of him.
    Bowing his head he offered a quick prayer of thanks for the meal then turned to face his two brothers, making note of their matching scowls.
    “Morning,” he said, taking a bite of sausage.
    “Morning? That’s all you’ve got to say for yourself is ‘morning?’” Trey asked as the vein in his neck started to throb. “The Morgans have to drag your sorry backside home in the middle of the night and all you can say is ‘morning?’”
    Before Travis could answer Cass ran back in the room.
    “Let’s get you to school, sweetie-pie,” Cady said, taking Cass’ hand and leading her out the back door.  As much as she wanted to stay and referee the fight that would surely take place in the next few minutes, she decided whatever was going on between the three brothers needed to be settled without anyone else interfering.
    Travis continued eating his breakfast while Cass and Cady left. When they were gone, he set down his fork and looked at Trey.
    “What do you want me to say? That I did something foolish and got hurt? That I should listen to you? That you, Trey Thompson, are the knower of all things and never do anything you shouldn’t? You’re not my father, Trey. You aren’t quite big enough to fill those boots, so just back off.”
    Travis watched his words cut into his brother like knife wounds. Instead of yelling at him, which is what Travis wanted him to do, Trey sat looking at him with pain and regret in his eyes. Finally, Trey scrubbed a hand over his face and let out the breath he was holding.
    “I never tried to be a father to you, Travis. No one could take Dad’s place, ever. I tried to be a good brother to you, though, and set a good example. To be your friend. I guess I didn’t try hard enough,” Trey said, looking like he had truly failed his little brother.
    Travis sat back, surprised at Trey’s words. The reason he resented Trey when their dad died was because he had set a good example, he had been a good brother and friend to him.
     He wanted Trey and Trent to fall apart as much as he had when their father passed away. Instead, they seemed to gain an inner strength that helped them do what needed to be done and carry on. They left behind their professional dreams, returned to the ranch, and never looked back.
    “It isn’t you, Trey. I’m sorry,” Travis said, quietly, filled with remorse for