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Trey spotted the twin-engine cargo plane seconds later, ines Not until its wheels touched down on the ranch’s private airstrip did Trey leave the relative warar office

The plane taxied to a stop on the apron area not far froot the chocks tucked behind the wheels, the plane’s door swung open, and its flight of steps was lowered Treyhis young son all bundled in a hooded parka and bulky mittens

One gli black hair that spoke of his Sioux ancestry and Trey broke into a wide sht hold of Quint’s hand and clamped his own onto Quint’s shoulder, in what served as a ht?”

“Not bad”

“Well, I’ve certainly been on s from the plane, the shiny copper color of her hair sharply contrasted by the dull gray of the fuselage

Quint turned to offer her a steadying hand while she negotiated the steps Her grandfather E his turn

“I thought ere on a rodeo ’Course it er”

“Had so of greeting

“It wasn’t that bad,” Quint insisted “Especially when you consider that cargo planes aren’t exactly fa smooth rides”

“I’d ask why you chose it, but I suspect the reason is somehow connected to your request that I have a pickup and stock trailer waiting for you at the hangar area” Trey hooked a thumb in the direction of the vehicle parked next to his SUV “Soage and Christmas presents”

“Yes and no,” Quint said, being deliberately evasive “Actually I need it for one special present that I’ at Chase’s request”

Trey raised an eyebrow “What in God’s name did he ask you to buy?”

Quint only laughed “Considering it’s for Jake, maybe it’s better if you don’t know yet”

Gus stepped out of the hangar office and called to Trey “Laura’s pilot just radioed in, asking for landing instructions Can’t be more than ten minutes out”

“Tenlook at Quint “Do you think we have enough tiet you loaded and dropped off at the Homestead and back up here before her plane lands? If not, I’ll have to cram her and Sebastian in the pickup Which won’t exactly thrill my sister”