Chapter 9

“First on my list,” Liam said.

Barry returned to the table. “So you see, I’ll be fine.” He touched first Jimmy’s cheek then Jake’s.

“You still might get into a wreck.” Clearly Jimmy wasn’t giving up.

“Exactly,” Jake added.

Barry huffed. “Gee, thanks.”

Yet again, Rory wished he had someone who cared about him like that.

Barry reached over for the coffeepot, gave it a quick shake, then cradled it to his chest. Looking first at Jake then Jimmy, he said, “I’m sure the two of you could find something more useful to do on the ranch than go into town with me. You’ll just get bored. I’m only going to a couple places, including the grocery store.”

“No we won’t,” Jake insisted.

Barry looked at him sceptically.

“Besides.” Jimmy smiled triumphantly, “We need to get your Valentine’s gift.”

“And that takes both of you?”

“Not letting him pick,” Jimmy protested, pointing at Jake. “He’ll just buy something in red.”

Wayne groaned. “That’s the color of Valentine’s, dumbass.”