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Mitch let out a raspy chuckle. “I s’pose you’re right about that.”
“Speaking of which, I'm gonna check on Bella Blue.” I pushed off the fence and patted my hand on Mitch’s shoulder.
“Go on, she'll be happy to see you. Ain't nobody she likes better than Gray Anderson,” he said, tipping his hat to me.
I grunted in response, pushing off the fence and making my way to the main stables, just on the other side of the training ring. The horses nickered softly as I walked past their stalls, a familiar and comforting symphony. Bella Blue, our youngest—and last—pregnant mare of the season, greeted me with a soft whinny as I approached her enclosure.
“Hey there, girl,” I murmured, unlatching the gate and stepping inside. Her coat was glossy under the dim stable lights, and I ran a hand along her flank, feeling the life stirring within her. “How's my favorite lady tonight?”
Bella nudged my chest with her nose, searching for treats. I pulled out an apple I'd snagged and offered it to her. She took it gently, crunching contentedly as I continued to stroke her mane.
“Easy now,” I whispered, my voice barely above the rustle of hay beneath our feet. “You don't need to worry about a thing. I've got you covered.”
It was easier, somehow, talking to the horses. They didn't need explanations or reassurances about bottom lines and land acquisitions. With them, actions spoke louder, and they knew mine by heart.
The mare turned her large head toward me, her breath warm against my cheek. “Hey, girl, you’re doin’ great.” I murmured, running a calloused hand along her flank, feeling the life kicking beneath her skin. “We'll get through this together.”
There was solace in simple acts, in the routine of care and comfort that didn't require words or explanations. The ranch demanded so much of me, yet offered these moments of clarity in return.
Bella nuzzled my shoulder, and I felt something twist inside—a feeling I couldn't name, wouldn't name. Was it loneliness? Or just the weight of all those unspoken things pressing down on me?
“Gray?” Walker's voice interrupted my thoughts, tentative as if bracing for another brush-off.
“Thought you’d be headed home by now,” I said without turning, focusing on adjusting Bella's blanket, checking it for any signs of wear.
“Nah, I ain’t got plans tonight.”
I heard him approach the stall, imagining him leaning his forearms on it. I still didn’t bother looking though.
“How is she?”
“Strong. She's going to bring some fine foals into this world.” Pride swelled within me. The horses were more than just animals; they were Red Downs Ranch, beating hearts and all.
“Good. She’s grown up fine.”
“Sure has,” I said, patting her flank. A moment passed in silence. Then another.
“Listen Gray, believe me, I don’t wanna do this.”
“Do what?”
“Mama’s just worried is all . . .”
“Oh hell, not now, Walk.” This had happened a few times before. Mama knew I’d brush her concerns off and lie to her face, so she’d send Walker in to do her dirty work.
“Have you . . .” he hesitated, and I could picture him scratching his head in that way he did when he was nervous, “. . . have you ever thought about what you're doing all this for? Like, what you're doin’ it for? Or who you’re doin’ it for?”
“The fuck are you talkin' about?”
“I've just been thinkin' you know. Mama's getting older, and with Dad being gone . . . I don't know, you're the leader of the family I guess.”
“I didn't ask for that,” I grunted.
“Maybe not, but you are. Ma's concerned. You're bogged down with all this responsibility but you don't ever take time to live, is all. You haven’t taken a day off in years.”
“I'm livin' just fine, thanks. And there are no days off on a ranch, you know that.”
“When Dad was your age, he was married with two kids. You haven't even gone on a fuckin' date in over a year.”
