“Is it pretty there?”
“The Crystal Coast is the prettiest place to call home I can imagine.” A wistful look colors her features.
I want to know how she finds herself here, but it seems a heavy question for first thing in the morning. Taking the seat at the table next to her, I sit facing her way.
“I’d like to show you some pretty places here too, if you’ll let me,” I tell her shyly. I’m used to women who come on to me so starting this conversation from scratch is rough.
“Oh, Cash! Two visits in one week? What brings you—oh. I think I’ve got the good of it.” Aunt Lizzie looks at us, appraising the situation. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“Wait, Aunt Lizzie, you don’t have to rush out.”
At the exact same time, Callie says, “Mrs. Cox, come back. I wouldn’t want to monopolize your visit with Cash.”
“You two are awfully cute together. Bye!” she sings as she glides back through the kitchen door and Callie and I both laugh.
“Subtle,” she whispers.
“Back to what I was saying, can I? At least, can I have your number?”
She looks at me suspiciously, like she doesn’t believe I’m real. Like maybe I’m another man entitled to something I haven’t earned. I can’t be sure though.
“Okay, how about I give youmynumber, and if you want to talk, you can reach out?” I switch my tactic. Maybe she has trust issues.
“Um, sure.” She hands over her phone and I program my number in for her underCowboy Cash.
“Text me if you want to talk. We are moving cattle this week, lots of babies and mamas, so I’ll be busy through the weekend, but I’ll answer when I can.”
She studies my face, and I hope I look earnest and not predatory. There’s something about her. Something I can’t get out of my head.
On the ranch, watching the sunset over the snow-covered pastures, I sit on Daisy’s back, where I’ve been since I got back at a little after eight. We moved 500 new calves and their mamas across the ranch today, taking them toward better feeding areas. There’s nothing more beautiful in the world than watching the sky turn pink, blue, and orange over the ten-thousand acres of Colter Ranch. It’s a heady feeling knowing this is mine, and I’m responsible for five-thousand odd cattle, and everyone who works this land with me.
We will move 1000 head a day until all the cattle have been rotated. I’ve checked my phone probably a dozen times today and haven’t heard from Callie. Maybe she isn’tinterested. I won’t push, if she wants, she will come to me. Turning Daisy’s head, I tell her to head home. I let her take the lead—she knows the way, with Tank and Snapper at our heels the whole way.
It’s full dark by the time I have her bedded down in her stall, fresh hay and water available.
“Sweet dreams, pretty Daisy. We have another long day tomorrow.” I rub her long nose and place a kiss on it. My animals keep me company these days. It’s so hard to meet people when people only see me as Ashley, rodeo champion, instead of Cash, lonely rancher. I was hoping the east coast hurricane that blew into town might be it, but maybe I read it wrong.
I grab my guitar and head to the porch to play a little in the moonlight before I go in for the night. Settling into my chair on the wide porch overlooking the ranch, I strum a couple chords before raising my voice to sing the words of an old Garth Brooks song.
I belt out the rest of the lyrics in a clear voice as my dogs start howling in response. One day, there’ll be a girl sitting beside me. Singing along. Laughing at the dogs.
Mine.
After a few more 90’s greatest songs for the lovesick, I take my guitar in and rest it on its stand.
I stand my boots up by the door, reach over my head and pull my shirt off, unbuckle my belt, and drop my pants to the floor. I go upstairs and right into the bathroom attached to my bedroom and straight to the shower. I can smell myself, but I wish it was her vanilla and strawberry scent around me instead.
Toweling off after my shower, I pick up my phone to turn on some music and see a missed text that I immediately open.
Unknown
How were the baby cows?
A huge, mile-wide smile spreads across my face. I stare at myself in the mirror; this is my chance. I save her number, grateful she’s taking a leap.
Dirty? Dusty? Noisy? Just as cute as they could be.
Callie
