“What?” The laughter in my chest burst out, because I knew exactly how frustrated she was. I felt it, too.
“You know. Now, let me say goodnight and I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”
“Want me to come over and we can have dinner together?”Please say yes.
“I’d love that. I can make my famous Mac n Cheese with bacon, and if you’re lucky my cinnamon rolls.”
“Sounds perfect.” And it did. “Seven okay?”
“Great. See you then.”
“Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep well.”
“You, too, honey.”
As she ended the call I thought about hopping in my truck and going over there, but she was right she needed sleep. Plus, I had some questions to answer for my niece. There really was no damn place like home that was for sure.
Chapter 33
Somebody Like You – Keith Urban
Gunner
My day was not going well. A night spent away from Cassidy had led to me tossing and turning. I was missing her and wished I’d gone to her place and had that early night with her. So, the morning had begun with me being grouchy and it just got worse.
It was Charlie’s last day, and I’d wanted to spend some time with her, checking she’d got everything documented. Unfortunately, I hadn’t banked on being three hands down because the shits were going through the place. Thank God my guys slept in a separate bunkhouse to the ranch hands because Wilder and Nash were busy with late calving and branding and could do without the hassle. It meant that we’d been maxed out all morning. We’d had two new horses to assess, the stables to muck out, as well as feed and groom the ranch horses that were on rest. There was also the pain in my ass Dick Hazel. He was bringing Momma’s Pride back having finally got pissed at havingto trailer him in every day. I’d left Charlie to assess the horses while I dealt with Dickie.
“I did say he should have stayed here,” I told him as I checked the horse had enough water.
“And I told you that your prices are too high.”
I scoffed. “Like you can’t afford it,” I muttered under my breath, “Dick.” And that was an adjective for him and not his damn name.
“You know there’s a guy called Jimmy Destry near Grand Junction who is half your price.”
“Yep and he has half my ability and success rate, so it’s up to you.” I moved past him and made my way out of the stables. “If you want to follow me to the office, Dick, so you can sign the papers.”
“I signed them,” his deep voice boomed, far too loud. “Why do I need to sign them again?”
“Because he’s now being stabled here.”
“Doesn’t it still apply from last time?” He stopped in front of me, his huge Stetson shadowing his face.
“Nope. Besides, my rates went up last week.”
“What? You actual mother fu?—”
“I’d be careful Mr. Hazel.” My jaw went tight as I stared at him. “You finish that, and you may be giving Jimmy Destry a call.”
As he considered his options for a moment, I saw Tally approaching. She was wearing Western style boots, jeans and a shearling lined denim, walking with confidence across the yard.
“Oh hi, Mr. Miller, sorry I can come back.”
“It’s fine, Tally. Dream Maker is out in the paddock with Songbird and her foal if you want to go and see him.”
Her eyes brightened. “He is? That’s incredible. I was going to ask if we could try and integrate him with some other horses and see how he goes.”
If this girl didn’t want to come and work for me then I’d be pissed. “Tally, can I ask you something?” I asked, suddenly having an idea.
