Chapter 2: Brothers and Partners

"My dear Mr. Tanner, why would I wish to drive such a hideous monstrosity?" Ezra pretended to be offended at the suggestion, while he rejoiced internally that nothing had changed between them. "However, Mr. Larabee, I am quite serious about helping you with the purchase of the property. Were you not to do so, the sharp increase in the relative populous of the area would make it decidedly uncomfortable for us when we adjourn to your mountain retreat from our fair city." Ezra regally waved his hand indicating the ranch at large.

Chris smiled slightly at Ezra. It had taken more than a year to pull the stubborn, smart-ass Southerner from his protective shell, but what they found when they finally got him out was well worth the effort it had taken. Ezra had a soft heart and a gentle soul, even if he liked to pretend he was emotionless. "I'd appreciate it, Ez, but it would take me years to pay you back."

"I am well aware of that, Mr. Larabee; however I am prepared to ask a favor from you in exchange for this." Ezra glanced nervously at the men watching them.

"What, Ezra?"

Taking a deep breath, Ezra blurted, "I want to be your partner. I want to work the ranch with you."

Chris, Buck, Nathan, JD, and Josiah all looked shocked. Ezra? Work a ranch? The man that would not "debase himself engaging in menial labor"? Was this some kind of joke?

Vin sat up straight, Ezra had told him about one of the few times in his childhood where he had been truly happy. He had been working on an Uncle's horse ranch when he was thirteen. Never mind that his uncle hadn't wanted him around, he had loved working with the horses. He had told Vin that when he retired, he wanted to raise horses. Vin had joked at the time that there was good land around Denver, maybe Ezra should look into it. Apparently he had taken him at his word.

"You're jokin' right?" Buck was the first to find his voice.

"No, Mr. Wilmington, I am quite serious. I have spent time on a horse ranch before, and I am aware of the amount of work involved." Ezra glanced down at his hands for a split second before confessing, "The first few times I accepted your invitations to come out here, Mr. Larabee, it was more from a desire to see your horses than a desire to spend time with the members of the team, though I quickly learned to enjoy that even more."

Chris watched the expressions crossing the smooth talking undercover agent's face. He saw a certain wistfulness and longing, as well as a good hearty determination. Ezra was perfectly serious about this. "If you're sure, Ezra, I'm willing to go partners. There a good house on that land, it'd be yours if you want it."

The smile that lit Ezra's face at Chris's words reminded the other men of a child that had gotten his heart's greatest desire at Christmas. For the first time, Ezra consciously dropped the mask and allowed his gratitude and happiness to show on his face. Leaning forward, Ezra held out his hand to his boss, "Thank you, Chris."

Chris smiled as took the hand offered to him and shook it firmly, "You're welcome, Partner."