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“You’re ready to go, aren’t you girl?” He rubbed her ears.
“You always talk to her even though she can’t hear what you’re saying. I love that.”
Shaking his head, he started the truck and drove to the barns, where everyone met. They knew to be at the barns by three-thirty so the cattle drive could start at four.
At four, the men began moving the cattle. Anyone not helping with the herding rode behind so they wouldn’t get in the way.
Liam stopped to watch the cattle going with the men riding alongside and behind them. He saw Siobhan talking with another woman and when she laughed, he couldn’t help but grin. It seemed she was awake now.
He gave a shrill whistle for the dogs to get the cattle going. Three Border Collies and three Australian shepherds were running the herd, and they knew what needed to be done. Liam rode Diablo back to Siobhan.
“Are you better?”
“Nothing was wrong.”
“Seriously?”
“Nothing except you getting me up before the sun.”
“It’s a cattle drive. We can’t wait until noon to get them up there.”
“Whatever, Liam Flynn.”
He chuckled and saw her bite her lip to keep from grinning, but he saw those dimples peek in her cheeks. He winked and laughed when she did the same. He touched the brim of his hat then rode back to the front.
****
Siobhan smiled as she watched him ride away. He could ride. Of course, he told her he’d been riding since being in diapers. She’d never be able to ride with that confidence.
“I’ve never seen Liam bring someone before.”
Siobhan glanced at the woman and grinned.
“I feel honored.” She laughed when the woman did.
“I come every year. I love it. I’m Margie Collins.”
“Siobhan O’Brien. It’s nice to meet you, Margie. How long has your husband worked on the Flynn ranch?”
“Terry has been here for fifteen years. He’s the herdsman and loves this ranch.”
“He must. It’s tough work.”
“Very.”
“What is a herdsman?”
“Aherdsmanhas specific skills only gained with years of learning and doing.An operation like this one benefits from a good herdsman.”
“How long have you been married?”
“Ten years.”
“Kids?”
“No. We didn’t want any.” Margie stared at her.
“That’s your choice.”
