But Daddy I Want Him
“Keep letting the cattle spread out like that, and we’ll lose that one,” Heath shouts, motioning to a calf who’s slipping past my side of the herd and is darting toward a gap in the fence.
“They move easier when they’ve got space to roam,” I call out. “But hey, if you think you can handle it better, be my guest.”
He narrows his eyes, tugging on the brim of his hat. “It’s fine. Just grab that little one before it sets off a stampede.”
I spur Ranger, my bay quarter horse, forward with a sharp “giddyup,” shifting the reins to one hand as we surge forward. Veering toward the fence, I grab my lasso from the saddle and swing it overhead, looping it clean around the calf’s neck, leaving just enough slack to slow it down without hurting it.
“Easy, there,” I say, easing the calf toward the herd with careful pressure on the rope.
Of all the chores on the ranch, nothing compares to being on horseback, riding alongside the cattle. It’s the best part of the job and makes the days more manageable when I can break them up with a ride through the pastures, taking in the natural beauty of the land.
Once the calf is back with the herd, I ease the slack on the rope and, with a practiced flick of my wrist, slip the loop over its head, keeping the rope clear of its legs. I coil the lasso on the saddle horn, tucking the end under so it won’t drag, and give Ranger a pat on the neck for a job well done.
“Still think letting the cattle spread out was a good idea?” Heath hollers, riding up beside me.
“It would’ve been fine if the fence was intact,” I mutter defensively.
We’re in the process of mending the fences in this field, but it’s been slow going with the entire crew focused on tending to our ever-growing operation.
The late afternoon sun beats down without mercy, and I peel off my gloves and grab my canteen from my saddleback, taking a long swig of water to quench my parched throat.
We’ve spent the better part of the day finishing up the cattle vaccinations and are just now wrapping up herding them to the south pasture to graze.
By this point, tempers are frayed, and it’s clear both Heath and I are itching for a break. We work best when we tackle separate projects. The minute we team up, he wants to take control. As the oldest, he’s convinced he should call the shots, afraid I’d somehow screw up if left to my own devices—even though I’ve been doing this almost as long as he has.
He pulls a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping his neck as he shoots me a wary glance. “We going to keep ignoring this thing with you and Birdie?”
Other than the group chat I’ve shared with him and Briar the past couple of days, we haven’t really talked about it—and honestly, I’m good with that.
I take another drink of water before responding. “There’s not much to talk about.”
He fixes me with a level stare. “That mean you’re sticking to the story that you’ve been secretly seeing each other and only went public after getting caught at the bar?”
“That’s what happened,” I say, keeping my voice even. “I’m not sure what else you want me to tell you.”
“Uh-huh,” Heath replies, stroking his mustache and keeping a tight grip on the reins with his other hand. “So all those weekly trips to the feed store were only about stealing a few minutes with her—in public, surrounded by her coworkers and customers?”
I sigh, putting my canteen back in the saddlebag. “Can you stop picking apart my relationship and just be happy I found someone I care about, instead of sleeping around?”
Heath scoffs. “Walker, I’m not an idiot. You haven’t done that in years, despite what everyone else thinks.”
Seriously, why does he have to be so damn perceptive? We might not always get along, but he knows me better than anyone and has a knack for seeing straight through my bullshit.
I nudge my horse forward with my heel to guide another straying cow back to the main group.
“Everything changed the moment I realized I had feelings for Birdie. She’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted a relationship with, and I knew I had become someone worthy of her.” There’s a sense of freedom in confessing part of the truth out loud.
Still, the very reputation I’ve been trying to outrun is the same one that made Birdie turn to me for help. Despite cleaning up my act and trying to become a better man, she still sees me as the charmer who’s left a trail of broken hearts, and I worry she’ll never recognize that she’s the only person I can see a future with.
Heath glances my way. “You’re too hard on yourself. Birdie’s lucky to have you.”
I snicker under my breath. “Says the guy who finds something to criticize no matter what I do.”
He hesitates, worry creasing his brow. “That’s never my intention. I’m grateful for everything you do around the ranch. This operation wouldn’t be possible without you, Brother.”
“Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.”
