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“Wait,” I said, already turning back into the house. “Gotta tell Eryn.”
I jogged up the stairs, the wood floor cool beneath my bare feet. Reaching the bathroom door, I knocked gently before pushing it open. Steam billowed out, and for a moment, I got distracted by the outline of her silhouette behind the frosted shower glass, the curves and movement mesmerizing in a way that no social media illusion could ever match.
“Hey, princess,” I called, leaning against the door frame, trying to keep my voice steady despite the stirring inside me. “Bella's foaling. Thought you’d want to be there.”
“Really?” Her voice lifted in pitch, a note of pure joy cutting through the patter of water. “I'll be out in a flash!”
“Take your time. We'll be at the stables.” I tried to sound nonchalant, like my heart wasn't racing at the thought of sharing this moment with her.
“Okay!” Her response was muffled by the rush of water, but the happiness in it echoed off the tiles.
I allowed myself the briefest of smiles before turning away, heading back to Walker who was waiting outside, illuminated by the porch light. His expression was patient but expectant, the shadows under his eyes betraying how tired he must have been.
I pulled on my boots and closed the door behind me.
“Let's go,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder as we moved together towards the stables, our steps matching in the familiar rhythm of brothers and partners in the family business. Tonight, we were united by the promise of new life on our ranch, and the excitement was enough to chase away any remnants of grumpiness from my bones. At least for now.
“Hey, Gray,” Walker broke the silence, his voice unusually somber against the night's serene backdrop. “I've been meaning to talk to you.”
I glanced sideways at him, taking in his drawn features. “Yeah?” I prompted, my curiosity piqued despite the urgency of our task.
“About the other day,” he started, scratching the back of his neck, a telltale sign of his discomfort. “I'm sorry, man. Billy Myers was running his mouth about you and Red Downs, and I guess I let it get to me more than I should have.”
“Is that right?” I kept my tone even, but inside, a mix of frustration and brotherly concern brewed. “And you thought throwing punches would fix it?”
He winced. “Not my brightest moment. I know that now. But, you gotta understand, no one talks trash about my brother or this place.” His eyes met mine, earnest and pleading for understanding.
“Appreciated, Walker,” I said, and I meant it. Despite the rough edges and wild streak, Walker's loyalty was as solid as the ground beneath us. “But next time, use your head before your fists. We've got enough on our plates without extra drama.”
“Got it, boss,” he replied with a half-grin, some of the weight lifting from his shoulders.
“And I’m sorry for thinkin’ you might have had something to do with the damage at Eryn’s. I knew better, but I let my anger get the best of me.”
“It’s alright. I wasn’t exactly being forthcoming with you. Didn’t want a lecture, so I thought I’d keep it to myself. Surprise surprise, that made things worse.”
I laughed and clapped him on the back. “It’s like that sometimes. Let’s try to remember we’re in each other’s corner.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
“Good. Now, let's focus on Bella. She needs us tonight.” My voice carried a hint of excitement. It wasn't every day that you got to witness the miracle of birth, and each time felt just as special as the first.
“Right behind you,” Walker affirmed, matching my stride once again.
As we approached the stables, the structure loomed large and silent, the sporadic flicker of a few strategically placed lights casting long shadows across the barn. Inside, the familiar scent of hay mingled with the musky aroma of horse, creating a comforting blanket around us.
“Let's do this,” I muttered, feeling the last of my grumpiness slip away into the night, replaced by the irrepressible spark of joy that came with the promise of new beginnings.
The stables were alive with a quiet energy, a sense of expectancy that prickled my skin. We moved through the dim, spacious interior, our boots scuffing against worn wood as we headed straight for Bella's stall. Bella Blue awaited, her sides heavy and her breathing measured—a testament to the life she bore within.
“Check the foaling kit; make sure everything's there,” I instructed, my voice low but firm. The soft rustle of straw underfoot accompanied my words as I lifted the latch and pushed open the gate.
“Got it.” Walker's reply was crisp, efficient, and he set to work rifling through the neatly arranged supplies—towels, gloves, tail wrap, thermometer—all laid out on a nearby shelf.
Meanwhile, I approached Bella, stroking her neck with gentle, reassuring motions. Her coat was slick with sweat, her eyes holding that deep, ancient wisdom of a creature that knew the earth in ways we never would. “Easy girl,” I murmured. “We're right here with you.”
Walker joined me, his hands steady as he helped check Bella over, our movements syncing without need for words. It was moments like these, when the world narrowed down to the essence of life and survival, that I remembered why this land, these horses, were more than just a business—they were part of our soul.
“Everything's ready,” Walker announced after a moment, his tone filled with the reverence fitting for the occasion.
