“True as the North Star,” Beau affirmed.
“Been counting the cattle myself,” Nathaniel added, his quiet strength speaking louder than words.
There, under the emerging tapestry of stars, the truth lay bare. George, the grizzled old cowboy who had once commanded their respect, now stood isolated.
Steven’s hand curled into a fist at his side, the muscles in his jaw clenching as he faced the man who’d been part of the ranch for as long as the Walstads had lived there. The moonlight cast a pale glow over George’s features, etching deep lines of defiance and guilt on his weathered face.
“George,” Steven said, his voice steady despite the tempest of emotions that raged within him. “I’ve heard enough. Your time here is done.”
George’s eyes flickered with something akin to surprise, quickly masked by a familiar obstinance. He squared his shoulders, his beard bristling like the mane of an old lion ousted from its pride.
“Yer makin’ a mistake, boy,” George growled, his voice low and guttural, but it lacked the authority it once held.
“Perhaps,” Steven conceded, his tone unyielding as bedrock. “But I will not abide deceit on my land. You’ve broken trust with us all.”
“Get your things,” Elaina added, her presence beside Steven unwavering, her voice carrying the weight of finality. “You leave at first light.”
George’s lips parted, perhaps to protest or plead, but no words came. Instead, he nodded, his steel blue eyes reflecting the faint glimmer of defeat. He turned, his movements deliberate, and walked toward the bunkhouse where his belongings—a lifetime’s worth—were stowed.
The other cowboys watched in silence, their expressions somber, the sense of betrayal lingering like the scent of rain on dry earth.
Steven felt Elaina’s hand slip into his. Together, they watched the dark outline of George disappear behind the wooden door of the bunkhouse.
“Tomorrow will be different,” Elaina murmured, her words tinged with both sorrow and hope.
“Better,” Steven replied, feeling the truth of it settle in his bones. Tonight marked an end, but also a beginning. A chance for renewed faith and the promise of the better life they all sought.
