Page 81 of Tough Love

“Like furry boulders.” I chuckle.

“Where will the last two hundred-odd be?”

“Hopefully in the hollow a little further up. Then we drive them across the top and down to meet the others at the rendezvous point.”

She nods, running her gaze over the animals. “How do you think the mares are getting on back home?”

“Ma is keeping an eye on them.”

“I hope we make it back in time.”

“We will; we do every year.”

“You guys really have this ranching thing down to a fine art, don’t you?” A smile blooms on her face.

“Would be pretty outrageous if we didn’t by now, Addy.”

She adjusts her reins. “It’s some life you have here, Hudson.” Her words are soft, almost longing. Something aches in my chest. And for a split second, I let myself think about what it would be like to have this life with Addy. The whole thing—the ranch, the horses, the farming, the house, the babies.

Air lodges in my throat.

“Should we keep moving?” She breaks my reverie.

I swallow. “Yup.”

I squeeze my heels into Rocket, and he breaks into a trot up closer to the herd. Ned and Mick have already gotten aroundthem, and we start tracking back east and upward to the hollow. We ride under snow-laden branches, ducking and weaving through the trees until every beast is gathered with our twenty from the first find.

I take the lead, riding in front of the mob while Mick and Ned flank them. Addy brings up the rear of the mob. Her sweet little “hup, hup” encouragements have turned into absolute business after the first day. She’s just as useful as Ned and Mick. Quick learner, my girl.

As the sun sets on the side of the mountains behind us, we spill into the hollow. Rocket and I move side to side at a brisk trot at the front of the herd, trying to keep them from rushing. The last thing we need is this lot setting the larger mob off.

I am not galloping down the side of an icy mountain after them. Even in broad daylight, it would be stupid. In the fading light when the horses are tired... Straight-out fucking dangerous.

“Woah.” I hold up a hand and slow the herd as we reach the larger mob.

As predicted, a little over two hundred head are milling about, grazing on the easier pickings, the snow cover almost nonexistent in this spot. It’s stunning in summer. Right now, it’s a much-needed reprieve after days of ice and snow and climbing. Rocket relaxes as the cattle mingle and settle. I ride back to Addy at a lope. She throws a giant smile at me in between turning her head every which way. Wonder lights up her eyes.

“Huddy, this is something else. And the view.” Her voice is light, raspy. Fog puffs out of her mouth with every word. She is looking out over the treetops, and from here the surrounding mountains sprawl until they reach the heavens. Like we’re in another world.

“It’s one of my favorite places. We camp here tonight and then back down the mountain.”

“I should check the horses. Make sure everyone’s alright.”

“Whatever you say, Doc.”

I ride beside her as we make our way to a small clearing. Mick and Ned are already waiting, leading their horses around to cool them down. I swing a leg over and dismount from Rocket, handing Ned the reins to help Addy with Mira and Sergeant. Mira nudges my arm as I lead her toward the others, and Mick takes her, talking to her softly. At least he talks to the horses.

When I turn back, I catch the wince that washes over Addy’s face as she shifts in the saddle. “How those hips holding up?”

Not answering, she stretches her lower back, sinking her hands into it and closing her eyes. She leans forward and kicks her foot out of the stirrup. When she swings out of the saddle, it is awkward and stilted.

Fuck.

She groans, and when her feet hit the ground, she stifles a hiss, hands gripping her left hip for a second.

“Addy?”

“I’m fine. Long day.”

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