Early the next morning, Nadine’s RV idled in the front yard. She’d arrived at the crack of dawn and already had coffee and doughnuts ready for folks as they arrived. Horse trailers and pickups littered the yard and people milled about. Saddled horses stood tied, swishing desultory tails at the occasional fly, heads down as they dozed in the early-morning light.
Cass hadn’t slept much. Keyed up, nervous and scared she’d fail, she’d paced the floor of her bedroom in between bouts of tossing and turning. She wished Chance was there—even if Boots would have a conniption over Chance sharing her bed. She wanted the comfort of his arms. He would have kissed her, told her she was doing the right thing and that everything would be all right.
He’s busy, she told herself, but part of her resented the fact he wasn’t there. He’d said the words, told her he loved her, but everything was still new enough, she didn’t know whether to believe or not. Especially when it seemed that if she needed him, he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, make time.
She had four days to go just over twenty miles with five hundred head of prime grass-fed beef. At current market rates, they were selling for almost a hundred and fifty dollars for a hundredweight. Even if they brought less, she’d make enough to pay off the mortgage and her dad’s medical bills.
Nadine pressed a steaming cup of coffee in her hand. “I made it good and strong this morning, honey. Y’all are gonna need a kick in the britches today.”
Without thinking, Cass took a sip and sputtered. She managed to swallow the hot, black liquid without spitting, but it took supreme effort on her part.
“Cream and sugar is over there, hon.” Nadine patted her on the back in an effort to ease her coughing spasm.
“Thanks.” The word came out choked but at least she could still talk. Movement down at the gate caught her eye. The big Ford pickup maneuvered through the congestion and inched up the drive. Chance. Had he come to help after all? She waited until he parked before walking over. She arrived just as he stepped out.
He wore boots, but he sure wasn’t dressed for cowboy work. Dress slacks and a starched button-down shirt made him look more like a male model than ever. Or a lawyer. But what she wanted right then was a cowboy. She schooled her expression before greeting him.
“Hi, cowboy, fancy meeting you here.” She kept her voice light and teasing despite the disappointment churning inside her. That whole fantasy of the two of them riding off into the sunset was just that. A fantasy. For now at least.
“I have court today, Cass. I’m sorry. I couldn’t get the docket changed.” He didn’t step away from the shelter provided by the open door and the bulk of the truck cab. Truth be told, she was glad for the privacy.
She lifted one shoulder in a lopsided shrug. “Hey, work happens. Thanks for getting up so early to come see us off.”
He gazed around and seemed surprised by the hustle and bustle and the number of people. “Looks like you have a lot of help.”
“Yeah. We even have places to camp out along the way. Once the word got out about what I’m doing, all sorts of people stepped up.” She inhaled, feeling very pleased with herself. “This will work, Chance. I’m going to get the herd to the stockyards and get them sold. Then I can pay off Daddy’s debts.”
“What will you do then?”
His voice sounded peculiar, and she cut her eyes in his direction. He looked odd, the expression on his face unreadable. She tilted her head and turned to face him. “I’m staying here. Daddy’s dying gift to me was that colt down in the barn. I’m not a rancher. I don’t know squat about cows, but horses? Horses I know. I’ll use any money left over from the sale to get a couple of mares and when Doc is old enough, I’ll breed him. And I’ll train horses. I may have been out of the game for ten years, but I went out on top. I was the national champion cowgirl.”