“The roping dummy.” She keeps pace beside me. “The one that got delivered to the academy yesterday.”
“Oh, right. I did.”
She launches into an explanation about improved mechanics, a different mounting system, and the training benefits.
I try listening. I really do. But halfway through her explanation, my attention drifts toward the ranch house.
The wraparound porch is crowded now.
Uncle Albert and Matty sit at the large table. Grandma Evelyn and Momma are carrying out platters loaded with sandwiches and pitchers of iced tea.
Enough food to feed a small army. Or one large ranch family.
Jovie and Cabe are seated side by side. Talking and laughing with Harleigh and Porter.
My eyes linger longer than they should.
Long enough that I completely miss whatever Charli just said.
“Axle?”
“Hmm?”
She stops walking, but I don’t until I realize she’s no longer beside me.
I turn, and she’s staring at me. One eyebrow raised.
“What?”
“Are you okay?” she asks.
I scrunch my nose.
The question catches me completely off guard.
“Of course I am.”
She folds her arms. “Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Then repeat what I just said.”
“Something about”—I gesture vaguely—“roping.”
Charli’s eyes narrow, and she plants both hands on her hips.
The expression is one I’ve seen countless times. Usually right before she loses her shit on somebody.
Unfortunately, that somebody appears to be me.
“Axle Trust.”
I sigh.
“Do you know what you’re doing?”
I stare at her. “I’m trying to put my horse up and go home.”
