“Couple of Morrison’s hired hands by the loading dock,” he says, nodding toward the far end of the market. “But no sign of the brothers themselves.”
I follow his gaze and spot them, two men in worn jeans and dirty caps, leaning against a pickup truck. They’re trying to look casual, but their eyes keep drifting our way.
“They’re keeping tabs,” I mutter.
“’Course they are. Question is whether they’re here to start trouble or just gather intel.”
Carson pulls up, riding with a friend from a neighboring ranch, so that he can drive the cattle trailer home, and Devlin can head back into town with me.
The next few hours pass in a blur of adrenaline and forced normalcy. We move through the familiar rhythm of the cattle sale—inspecting our animals one final time, registering with the auctioneer, then watching from the bleachers as lot after lot goes through the ring.
Devlin stays close, his presence a comforting weight beside me. We’ve done this dance so many times over the years, but today feels different. The stakes are higher now, with Truett laid up and Aubree’s future hanging in the balance.
When our first lot enters the ring, I hold my breath. Twenty-five head of prime Angus steers, their black coats gleaming under the auction house lights. The bidding starts strong and climbs steadily, buyers recognizing quality when they see it.
“Sold for twelve hundred per head,” the auctioneer’s voice booms through the speakers.
Devlin lets out a low whistle. “Damn good price.”
Our second lot does even better, thirty head of heifers that bring in thirteen-fifty each. By the time our final group goesthrough, I’m starting to believe we might actually pull this off without incident.
The Morrison hands stay put throughout the entire sale, watching but not interfering. Maybe they’re smarter than I gave them credit for. Starting trouble at a public cattle auction would draw too much attention, even for them.
When the last of our cattle sells for another strong price, I feel some of the tension leave my shoulders. We’ve done it. The ranch has enough money to stay afloat for another season, maybe two if we’re careful.
Carson meets us at the settlement office. “Ready when you are.”
I take the check from the clerk, the paper feeling heavier than it should in my hands. This represents all the danger we’ve put ourselves into in order to make a living.
“Take it back with ya. We’ll be home sometime tonight.” I hand him the check and watch as he runs off with a grin on his face.
Devlin and I walk back to my truck in comfortable silence, both of us keeping an eye on our surroundings. The Morrison hands are nowhere to be seen now. Hopefully, they didn’t see anything that made them suspicious.
“Think they’ll make a move?” Devlin asks as we climb into the cab.
“Not yet. They can’t pin it on anyone, at least not yet.” I start the engine and pull out of the lot, taking the long way back toward town. “Hopefully, they let it go. They can’t get them back now, anyway.”
The drive back to Nora’s apartment takes longer than it should, partly because I’m being extra careful about checking for tails, and partly because I’m nervous as hell about this dinner. Taking Aubree out in public feels like crossing a line somehow—making our relationship official in a way that can’t be taken back.
Not that I want to take it back. The woman has gotten under my skin in ways I never expected, and the thought of her leaving for Chicago makes my chest tight with something I don’t want to name.
Nora’s apartment building comes into view. I texted her to let her know we were close, and as Aubree comes down the stairs, I can see she’s changed into a dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her honey-blonde hair catching the late afternoon sun. Even from here, I can see the nervous energy in her posture.
Atlee stands beside her in jeans and a fitted top, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else. She’s younger than we are, and no doubt she feels a little out of place.
“About time,” Devlin mutters, but I catch the way his eyes linger on Atlee as we pull up to the curb.
The women approach the truck, and I’m struck again by how beautiful Aubree looks. The dress brings out the warm brown of her eyes, and when she smiles at me through the passenger window, I feel that familiar kick in my chest.
“How did it go?” she asks as she climbs into the front seat.
“Better than expected,” I reply, starting the engine as Atlee and Devlin settle into the back. “We’re officially in the black for the rest of the year.”
“I’m so glad!” Aubree’s genuine excitement makes something warm unfurl in my chest. “I knew you could do it.”
“We all did it,” I correct, glancing at her sideways. “It’s a team effort.”
“Speaking of teams,” Atlee pipes up from the back seat, “Nora’s heading out to the ranch to check on Truett and bring him some dinner. She said to tell y’all have fun and not hurry back since she’ll be there.”
