She was supposed to be there at eight-thirty, actually, but she was feeling nervous under Brandon’s scrutiny. She hated feeling like that. She never felt nervous around her brothers. Not ever. She said her goodbyes and headed down Maple to where she parked her truck by Maple Park—right next to a big pile of leaves that she was sure would be scattered once the kids got there. She’d deal with whatever it was that was making her nervous later.
* * *
Zoey had never beena part of a cattle drive before, and she’d been in awe as the Westbrooks had saddled up that morning, getting their gear, ropes, and everything they’d need for the day ready as they’d prepared to head out. It felt like a chapter from a Louis L’Amour book. They had the leather, the Levi, and the lassoes—although a real cowboy wouldn’t call them that these days. All they needed was a Spaghetti Western soundtrack playing in the background and she’d expect a Sackett to ride in and tell them all to “mount up.” Her dad would’ve loved it, and for a moment, she felt a longing for him and wished he could be there.
She’d also felt proud that this family had thought her capable enough to participate.
Hunter hung close, making sure she was part of the group. He used every excuse in the book to touch her in some way.
“Let me check your cinch,” he said as he placed his hand on her side and leaned down, dropping a kiss on her neck as he tugged on the leather strap. With any other guy, she would have told him to keep his hands off her tack—with Hunter, she wanted to snuggle or even ride double.
They moved out, the promise of a delicious meal when they returned wafting from the smoker. Blake, who had online college classes today, was staying behind to tend to the meat.
Bringing in the cattle also brought out the Westbrooks—which reminded her of her dad’s favorite Sackett book,The Sackett Brand, where all the Sackett family comes to the aid of one Sackett. The Westbrooks were like that, actually. They’d all come together to help Brandon save Allie. Her dad would’ve loved the Westbrooks.
Zoey’s head swam with names as they pulled in and were introduced, and then she was handed a horse’s reins. It was a good thing the Westbrooks had so many horses to spare.
Jud introduced her to his dad, Scott, and his little sister Birdie. She was the same age as Blake, graduating last spring. They ran a B&B in town.
“I’m surprised you can make it, what with all the festival traffic. Your place must be bursting.” Zoey shook hands as she talked.
Scott nodded. “It is. But we don’t miss the roundup. I’ve been doing this since I was old enough to hold on to a saddle horn.” He put his arm around Birdie’s shoulders. “This one too. She’s a natural on a horse.”
Birdie grinned. “I can ride, but don’t ask me to throw a rope.”
“She gets her roping abilities from her dad,” called Tom—giving his brother a hard time. Seemed like teasing was the main entertainment for the day, as there was plenty of it going around.
Next to show up were Reggie and Garth. Reggie was a college baseball player home for fall break, and Garth was working at Choco-Latte. Their parents owned the coffee shop on Main Street. Reggie swaggered on over, a cocky grin on his face. “Hello there.”
She rolled her eyes. He was a cutie, there was no denying that, but even his broad, muscular shoulders didn’t make her butterflies so much as a yawn. “You must be Hunter’s cousin.” She held out a hand.
“He’s talked about me, huh?” Reggie prodded.
“No, but you look like a Westbrook, so I figured …” She let the implication that he wasn't on her radar hang there like a crooked Halloween decoration.
Reggie nodded once, acknowledging that she was off-limits, and then headed into the barn. Garth waved as he followed, a younger brother’s grin plastered across his face. She almost felt bad for Reggie, because he’d hear about striking out for most of the day.
Hunter trotted over on Penny. He reined her to a stop and patted her neck. “You ready for this?”
“I’m ready for anything you can throw at me, cowboy.” Zoey swung up into the saddle.
“Ooh, Hunter. You’d better watch out for that one,” called Birdie.
Hunter chuckled. “Oh, I’m watching her.” His eyes smoldered with a fire that reached right into Zoey’s belly and made the butterflies dance. Her cheeks flushed and she sent him her best smile, teeth and all, as she spurred Cher Bear to get moving. The group waited as Tom went over some basic info about where he thought the cattle were and the plan for bringing them in. He glanced at Carrie, his wife and partner, for confirmation, and she nodded her agreement. Only after that did he tell them all to get going.
Now well up into the hills—with Hunter to one side and Tom and Carrie to the other,
Lucky and Swayzie riding point, and Maverik bringing up the rear—she felt like she’d been formally welcomed into the clan. She remembered Brandon’s warning not to break Hunter, and that when she left, he still wanted the Westbrooks to like him. She glanced over at Hunter in his tan Stetson. He winked at her, sending pleasant tingles up her spine.
What was her plan exactly? When she’d come into town, she’d had no plan—only the goal of fixing her family. She’d spent more time with Hunter than with anyone else in Harvest Ranch. She couldn't complain about that. Planning wasn’t really her style, but things were getting serious fast with Hunter, and she was starting to wonder if a plan wouldn’t be a bad idea. Did she want to leave?
No.
Could she picture herself living in this town the rest of her life?
A week ago, she was pretty sure she would’ve said no, but now … she wasn’t so sure. There was nothing wrong with Harvest Ranch, other than it was small, but really, it’d never felt that way. The festival brought in huge numbers, and the streets were always crowded. Maybe when it was over, she’d feel differently, but for now, Harvest Ranch fit like her favorite pair of riding boots.
Tom pulled even with her. “That’s a beautiful horse you have there.”
