Travis Comes Home. Patricia Thayer

done everything to get into Abby’s life except admit that he still loved her. It had been their son, Brandon, who finally brought them together. Now they’re a real family.

      And a few weeks ago, the youngest, Travis, had showed up. After a rough time in Houston, Hank was glad that the boy felt he could return home and let them help him.

      Oh, yeah, there was nothing like family, Hank thought as he looked around the ranch. He’d spent most of his life building the Circle B. Forty-three years ago, when he’d brought his new bride to San Angelo, he had planned to fill the large ranch house with children. Since he’d been orphaned, Hank didn’t have any family, and he and Mae both wanted a large brood. But years passed, and the babies never came. Although Mae had never said anything, he knew how much it bothered her that she couldn’t give him a child. He told her many times that it didn’t matter, but she was never convinced. When he’d lost his bride at forty-five, his life seemed to fall apart, until Chance, Cade and Travis came to live with him. Too bad Mae had never gotten to know them; she would have loved the boys as much as he did. They didn’t need to be blood for him to call them his sons.

      And now they were all home again…and then some.

      Hank grinned when he thought about the Circle B’s newest resident, Josie Gutierrez. The dark-haired beauty reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t quite figure out who.

      He liked her. What he liked best was how she could rile Travis. That boy sure was in a snit about her being around. Hank shook his head. Good. It was time he thought about something besides computers. He needed a woman who got his blood stirred up. Hank would bet his prize bull that Josie might just have enough spunk to handle a Randell.

      “What you all grinning about?”

      Hank didn’t turn when he heard Ella’s voice. “Just thinkin’ how lucky I am.”

      “So what’s put that dreamy look in your eyes?”

      He sighed. “I was thinking about all the years I’ve been standing on this porch, looking out at this land.” He gave her a sideways glance. “And the boys.”

      “That should keep you smiling awhile—having them home.”

      “It does.”

      She sobered. “Are you worried about what’s happening with the ranch? With Mustang Valley?”

      “Naw, Chance and Cade are doing the right thing. With cattle prices up and down, we need some security. Not for me, but for them and for the grandkids.” He smiled. “Can’t say I’m unhappy that they’re all so close to home.”

      Ella crossed her arms. “I guess I’m feeling the same. But what about Travis? I’m thinking he’s going to be heading back to Houston when this mess is cleared up.”

      “I’m not so sure,” Hank said. “I don’t think he knows either. Maybe our Ms. Gutierrez will hold his interest long enough so he won’t want to go back.”

      The housekeeper smiled. “Why you old codger, are you trying to matchmake?”

      “Like you haven’t thought about it?” he accused playfully. “Besides, she seems like a nice young woman who’s had some bad breaks.”

      Ella nodded. “Alone and with a baby on the way. That poor dear… I just hope she’s good with a camera.”

      “Something tells me she’ll do just fine.” After seeing the loneliness in Josie’s eyes, Hank knew he couldn’t let her leave. She needed a dose of family.

      Hank turned to Ella. “Besides, it’s fun to watch her rile Travis.”

      About eleven o’clock the next morning, Travis yawned as he drove the truck back toward the ranch. He’d gotten up twice during the night to check on Josie. Waking the sexy green-eyed woman put ideas in his head that had nothing whatsoever to do with anything medical.

      Travis groaned, remembering the soft purring sounds she’d made when he nudged her awake. It had taken all his willpower to do his job and then leave. Travis wasn’t a saint but he’d never taken advantage of women.

      “They just take advantage of me,” he said sarcastically. He turned off the highway and rode under the Circle B archway. No, he wasn’t going to waste time thinking about Lisa. She was Byron’s problem now. He had moved on. Not an easy thing to do when his life was in limbo.

      Travis already knew he’d have to start over, from scratch. But first he had to get out of the mess he was in now. Hopefully, Cade was taking care of that. One thing for sure, he needed his family. He kept remembering what Hank had told him once. He couldn’t do anything about how another person acted. It was only his actions that mattered. Although the family hadn’t blamed him, Travis had blamed himself. And one way or the other he was determined to clear the Randell name.

      He pulled the truck beside the barn and parked in the usual spot. Seeing Hank with one of the hands, Travis grabbed a sack off the seat and went to talk with him.

      “You’re up early this morning,” Hank said.

      “I had some errands.” He held up the sack. “Josie’s photos.”

      “Are they any good?”

      “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I thought she should be the first one to see them.”

      “Then let’s go find her.” Hank walked toward the house with Travis beside him.

      In the kitchen, Travis was surprised to see Josie seated at the table, Ella braiding her hair.

      “Travis, you made it back,” the housekeeper said. “You were gone so long, I thought you were headed back to Houston.”

      “Not hardly, I just needed to get something taken care of this morning.” He turned to Josie. She was dressed in a white blouse and a pair of faded jeans. Her feet were bare, except for her bandaged ankle. His attention returned to her face, and he caught her challenging look. “What are you doing out of bed?”

      She shrugged. “I got bored.”

      “And how did you get down here?”

      Her pretty green eyes darted away. “I managed with Ella’s help and some crutches.”

      “I didn’t exactly encourage her,” Ella said.

      Travis figured as much. He glared at Josie. “Don’t you realize that you could have fallen? And in your condition…”

      Her chin came up. “I can take care of myself, and my condition is not your concern.”

      “The hel—heck it isn’t,” he said perhaps a little too strongly.

      “No, it’s not. I’ve managed for years,” she insisted.

      She had to be the most obstinate woman he’d ever met. And by the look in her eyes, he wasn’t going to get anywhere. “Fine. Then I’ve got things to do.” He handed her the sack, then walked out.

      Josie felt the heat rise to her face. Why did that man have to be so bossy? She glanced at Hank and Ella. “I’m sorry for that. It’s not that I don’t appreciate everyone’s help, but I’m used to doing things for myself.”

      Hank sat down next to her. “And I raised those boys to be helpful, to treat women with courtesy and respect.” He raised a hand. “I don’t doubt that you can handle things, Josie, but I do believe Travis feels responsible for your accident.”

      “He’s not,” she gasped. “I’m the one who was driving.”

      “And it was a Circle B ranch hand who left the gate open.”

      “But I don’t blame you or anyone.”

      Hank smiled at her. “I’m glad to hear that, but humor us males. We just want to take care of you until you’re healed. Now tell me, do you have anywhere else to go?”

      Josie shook her head, feeling