"Good. It’ll be good for us, the ranch,andthe bull stud movin’ forward.”
Twenty-something years ago when I caught sight of a kid jumping the fence and almost breaking his neck, I neverwould’ve thought that we would end up where we are now–ranch and stud owners, giving back to the rodeo industry that helped get us here and the animals that worked as hard as we did along the way.
I get up everyday thankful for what I’ve got and what we’ve built here. Getting to do it surrounded by men and women I think of as family just makes it all that much better.
“You sure you’re happy for me to make the final decisions then and there?” I ask.
His head jerks back and his brows jump high. “You kiddin’? I already trust you with my life, my money, my future, and my family. I think I can rest easy and let you take the lead on these business deals, Red.” There’s no missing the ‘duh’ in his tone.
I nod my agreement.
“You sure you’re holdin’ up OK? You don’t seem as sure about things as you usually are.”
I recognize the concern on his face. Everyone has had the same look since Wy got the job and announced he was leaving. It’s like they all expect me to finally crack or something when the truth is, I’m surprisingly good.
Is it going to be hard to put him on that plane in a few days? Hell yes. But something Mags said to me made me realize that this isn’t about me. I have to trust the man I've raised him to be and trust in myself that I’ve given him all the tools he needs to thrive.
Once I let that sink in, I knew he'd be golden.
“I really am. He’s only gone until January, then he’ll be back in town with a bunch of money in his pocket and a lot more stories to tell. If he decides to go back and do another stint, thenthat’s what he’ll do. Or he’ll find it’s not for him and move on to somethin’ else,” I say, recounting the result of the many talks Wy and I have had in the past few weeks.
Rhett nods. “Sounds like a good plan. Smart one too. He’s a good kid.”
“He sure is.”
“Sure is what?” My son says, walking into the room with a big duffel hooked over his shoulder and his red cap still sitting backward on his head.
“It’s a good day for a road trip. That’s all,” Rhett replies with a grin. “Think you packed enough?”
Wy rolls the bag off his back so it lands with a loudthumpon the kitchen floor. "Hope so."
I chuckle. “Any more and we’ll need a big rig to transport it, kid.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m just goin’ to head to the barn and say goodbye to the guys. That OK?”
A glance at the clock says we've got time. "Of course. We'll meet you there if you want. Saves walkin’ back.”
It’s then Wyatt’s stomach lets out a loud grumble, getting a startled laugh out of me. “You hungry already?”
His mouth tips up. “Nah. Just makin’ room for all the goods Mags is bringin’ on the trip.”
“Hey, now. We’re not bringin’ her with us to feed us, you know?”
“I know, but she always brings food. You know it,Iknow it. Hell, evenRhettknows it.” He looks at the man in question. “Am I right?”
Rhett shrugs. “You’re notwrong. Mags’s love language is food, and none of us are ever goin’ to complain about it.”
“See, Dad. Besides, I don't know why you’re complainin’. With me not here, she’s just gotyouto look after. Means more of Mags for you. It’s a win-win.”
My head jerks back. “What do you mean she looks after us?Ilook after us.”
“Yeah, you do,” Wy replies, his gaze softening. “But Mags is always just there. She’sMags. She’s like a backupyoufor me, and a backupMafor you.”
I suck in a silent breath. "She's not tryin' to be your Ma, Wy. She'd never want to replace Anna. You know that, right?"
Wyatt rolls his eyes. "That's not what I meant. I'm just sayin' that she looks out for us. She always has. Before Ma passed and even more so after. She's as much a member of the family as Rhett and everyone else. She's got your back. She's always had it. And that's why I'm not worried 'bout leavin' you here alone. I know Mags will make sure you're OK."
I open my mouth but for once I'm speechless.
