“I don’t see anything anymore.” Jude’s voice came through.
“Did we forget a cow?” Colt asked.
“I’m counting,” Theo said immediately.
I stayed close to the mama and baby in case we were being stalked.
“It’s a donkey,” Jude said, as I strained to see where he was seeing the animal.
“It’s Fred,” Theo said exasperated. “He gets out and decides to leave for weeks and just come back like nothing.”
I laughed. That damn donkey was the local donkey. We had heard about him showing up at ranches and farms all over the area, just casually making his rounds.
“Little shit, scared me,” Jude laughed.
“Let’s take a little break and let the little ones get a drink,” Theo said. “Colt and Jude, stay ahead and watch out for us.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed together?” Colt asked.
“No, stay there,” Theo said, grabbing his water bottle and taking a drink.
“We can switch, you guys can keep a watch and?—”
“No, we are fine here,” I said, as Theo reached for his radio. “Just keep an eye out for us.”
“We got it,” Theo said.
I grinned realizing Theo and I were keeping them away because it was safer. We finished moving the herd a little after lunch. The sun was high in the sky, and the heat was really getting to me as I made one last round to make sure we didn’t have any stragglers.
“Go home and rest a bit,” Theo called out.
“I will!” I said, my eyes roaming over the herd.
I double checked the troughs to make sure they were full and almost brought out hay for the heifers to keep them well-fed.
“You gotta take a break, Forest.” Jude rode up to me, handing me a water bottle.
“Yeah, I just want to make sure the mamas are doing ok,” I said, making a checklist in my head.
“Yeah, but you need a break, come on,” he said, pulling my arm. “I have some sandwiches and I also brought dessert.”
“Give me like twenty?—”
“If you don’t come with me now, I’ll eat the strawberry shortcake I got from Mae’s Diner,” he said.
I turned around and glared at him.
“I bought it just for you, but if you don’t want it, I’ll just eat it.” He shrugged and trotted off like he didn’t just threaten to eat my favorite dessert.
That little shit.
I looked out and knew that I had time, I just liked taking care of my mamas and their babies. I sighed, clicking my tongue to follow Jude. He was probably going back to his brother's old house that we used as a breakroom. He was removing the saddle when I returned, cooing at his horse and giving him kisses as he gave him a carrot.
Was I jealous of his horse?
Maybe.
I could neigh for Jude as he fed me.
