Her Old-Fashioned Husband by Laylah Roberts

out.
    “Afternoon,” Heath called out.
    “Hey,” Tom greeted him, following the other man as he turned and walked into the house, moving to the study. Tom barely bit back a groan. It was a well-known fact that when Heath wanted a “talk” he went to his study. T alk was code word for spanking—if you were his sister or wife—or lecture for the rest of the family. Tom really didn’t need a lecture.
    “Sit down,” Heath told him, moving to his alcohol cabinet. “Do you want a drink?”
    Tom leaned back. T empted to just close his eyes and sleep. “Better not.”
    Heath poured himself some whiskey then sat in one of the leather, oversized armchairs Ava had given him for his birthday. They were a gorgeous chocolate color and suited the room and the man well.
    Tom looked at his brother-in-law, wondering how he did it. He wore his authority like a second skin. He ran a successful ranch and he headed his family like he was born to it. No one ever doubted Heath’s authority or challenged him.
    “What are you thinking?” Heath asked.
    “That anyone would have to be an idiot to disobey you and I’m wondering how I can develop some of your authority,” Tom said candidly.
    Heath nearly choked on a swallow of whiskey. He patted his chest a few time, his eyes watering. “You think no one ever challenges me? Have you met my wife? Hell, have you met yours?”
    Tom waved his hand. “Frankie may have rebelled as a teenager, but she wouldn’t dare go against you now. And Ava is a sweet, gentle woman, I’m sure she never gives you any trouble.”              
    Heath grinned. “Well, you’d lose that bet. Frankie loves nothing more than to push me; you just don’t see it because she’d never dare do it when you’re around. I wouldn’t spank her now without your permission and she knows it. As for Ava, hell, that woman challenges me all the time. She may come across as sweet and compliant, but if she doesn’t want to do something I want her to , then she becomes a stubborn brat.” Heath smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even now, she ’s asleep in bed with a pink bottom.”
    Tom’s eyebrows rose. “Even though she’s pregnant?”
    Heath nodded. “I asked the obstetrician if it was all right to spank her, she was mortified of course, bu t he said it was fine as long as she wasn’t putting any weight on her stomach or getting too upset. She just gets small reminders.”
    Tom sighed. “I’ve always looked at you and been so jealous. You and Ava, you have it so together, with Frankie I always feel like I’m feeling my way in the dark, I’m worried I’m going to make a mistake and turn her against me .”
    “And that is your problem,” Heath said.
    “What?”
    “Do you think I don’t worry? When my parents died I was terrified about looking after the ranch. About taking ca re of Frankie. My brothers, too. E ven though they were grown they still needed me for reassurance, guidance. I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was what I’d observed and learned from my parents.”
    “You never showed it,” Tom said in shock. Heath always seemed so confident.
    “And that is the trick. I never let on how lost I was, because the minute I did everything else would have unraveled . I reckon my father felt this way as well. But he was head of the household, it was up to him to guide us, lead us, love us and I had to do the same. I wanted to do the same. So I went with my gut and sure, I made mistakes, but if people love you, then they’ll forgive you.”
    Heath stared at him. “Frankie loves you, Tom. She knows you’re only human, but she looks to you to lead. She looks a bit lost, unsure, worried. She needs reassurance that she’s loved. That no matter what you’ll be there for her. Frankie still hasn’t gotten over our parents death. She thinks she has. She thinks she’s come to terms with everything, and she’ll tell you that lots of people lose loved ones and move on, but