Throat closing over, my jaw flexes, my mind desperate to catch up to what my heart has known for a while.
Maggie Gallagher is it for me.
I love this, too, Sunshine.
I just can’t figure out a way to keep it without you losing what you love doing most.
The roundup goes quicker than I anticipated. Maggie rides tail, poking the cows and calves up with her sweet little hup hups, slapping her thigh with her hand as she bounces around on Patsy’s back.
If she can sit down comfortably tonight, it’ll be a miracle.
Finally the homestead comes into view, and I slow the herd, cutting back and forth until they slow to an amble. Kayley is running flank as we lead them along the fence line.
Taking advantage of the slower pace, Maggie shoots images of the ranch. Of Kayley loping after a stray calf that thought it was a good idea to be a rebel and peel away the herd and have some fun.
Blonde hair flying behind her from under her hat, my sister brings the little guy back into the fold, reining away as the calf disappears into the herd. The girls are at the gates at the homestead, waiting to open them, Mom watching from the back porch, tissue in hand, like Scarlett O’Hara fromGone with the Wind.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If I could, I’d relive this day on repeat. Thismorningin particular.
If I could have one thing in life... it would be this.
