I blink. “Tonight?”
“Yes.”
I think about it.
“Nothing. I’m having lunch with Daddy and Devon. After that, I have no plans, except maybe laundry.”
Harleigh grins. “Perfect. You’re coming with us.”
“Us?”
“Me, Porter, Cabe, and Micah. Maybe Charli.”
“Oh, right. You guys are going to see a band in town. Cabe mentioned it.”
“Yes. The town is hosting a Summer Concert Series, and Wildhaven Junction is playing in the park.”
“I don’t know. The clinic was so busy this past week. I told Cabe I just wanted to relax this weekend.”
“Ugh. You can relax when you’re dead,” Harleigh whines.
Matty rolls her eyes. “Don’t let her bully you.”
Harleigh ignores her. “You don’t have to stay late if you aren’t having a good time; Cabe can take you home.” She pauses. “Come on. There will be music, dancing, and funnel cake.”
That actually sounds fun.
“Fine. You had me at funnel cake.”
She hooks her arm through mine. “It’s gonna be fun.”
A smile pulls at my lips.
Daddy and Dev return with the numbers they need, and we say our goodbyes.
Harleigh points at me. “See you tonight. No backing out.”
I shake my head. “No backing out.”
Axle
The July sun beats down on the ranch yard, turning the dust golden and warming the back of my neck beneath my hat.
Sweat slides down my spine.
My horse shifts beneath me, muscles bunching as another Black Angus calf tries to break from the herd.
“Not today, buddy.”
I guide my gelding sideways and cut the calf off before it can squeeze through a gap in the fencing.
The animal bawls in protest.
Beside me, Royce swings his horse wide, pushing another cluster toward the chute.
Dad works the opposite side, his movements smooth and practiced, like always.
The three of us move around the herd in perfect rhythm, and the cattle flow exactly where we want them.
