Page 88 of Tough Love

“Hey!” I slap his shoulder, and he picks me up and walks into the tent. Over his shoulders, I glance at Louisa. She winks at me before turning back to her husband who now stands, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

What is going through your mind, Harry Rawlins?

I guess, in time, we will know.

Chapter Twenty-Five

HUDSON

Ihave never been happier to see the homestead come into view as I am now. On the home stretch, and what a week it has been. Addy rides beside me on Sergeant. She insisted. Saying that she wouldn’t be a burden or a flake. Strongest fucking woman I have ever met. I think she is worried what Harry thinks, but I wish she wouldn’t. Harry can go take a flying leap if you ask me. Not that anyone has.

Things have been oddly quiet in the Rawlins’ camp since Addy was stuck on Sergeant and he had to go to ground for me to lift her off. I know Ma is quietly pleased that I finally stood up to the old man. But I can’t help feeling that I have overstepped. And I am fully prepared for an ear chewing when we make it home and the dusts settles.

“What are you thinking, Huddy?”

God, when she calls me Huddy, I feel like a stupid teenager, all giddy and shit. Not a grown-ass man who will be thirty-five in a matter of months. Not a man running a ranch and building a house. A needy pup that hangs on her words, on every look she gives me. “Nothing much. Possibly the ass chewing Harry’s gonna give me when we’re back.”

She laughs, throwing her head back.

I raise a brow. “How is that funny?”

“I would be more worried for Harry than you. Honestly, you were brilliant this week. Thoroughly impressed, cowboy.” She smiles, big and wide, and so fucking beautiful.

“Huh . . . You did pretty good yourself.”

“I really loved this. Being in the mountains and all. It was hard going but so satisfying. I understand why you love it here so much.”

“Yeah.”

That’s all I can say. I have to bite my tongue. ’Cause what I want to say is that I wish she would stay if she likes it... loves it. But that is selfish, and not what she wants. So I return my focus to the homestead and dream about what a hot shower is gonna feel like after a week in the outdoors.

One bath in seven days doesn’t cut it. Better than nothing, I guess. It was Addy’s saving grace after her rough dismount. And I am glad Ma had it organized. God knows what we would have done without it.

The herd is noisy, funneling into the yards by the homestead. A few nights here and some work through the pound and they will be set out into the fields between here and my place. Close, so we can keep tabs on them during calving.Every beast counts.Harry’s motto since the beginning of time, I suspect.

The men ride around the stragglers. Addy rides beside Ned, waving her arm and calling out sweet hup hups as she steers the last of the cattle through the double gates, her seat rising and falling back into the saddle as she paces along with Sergeant. She’s a fucking natural at this. And, well, that burns a little.

When the last of the herd is safe inside the main yard, I ride through the herd, taking a last look. I check for any signs of injury. When none seem distressed, I walk Rocket to where Addy is chatting to Mick.

“Good-looking herd this year, Hudson,” Harry says, trotting up to me.

“All accounted for.”

“Are my eyes on the fritz, or is Addy actually getting conversation out of old Mick?”

I huff a laugh. “Has been for a few days now. You should give her a break, Harry. She more than earned her keep this week.”

“I’ve never had a problem with her work or work ethic, son. But you haven’t upheld my instructions where Addy’s concerned.”

I stare at him. What the hell am I supposed to say to that?

I hear the familiar yapping before the small streak of white makes it halfway across the yard. Charlie flies through the cattle toward us. Ma leans on the rail on the other side of the yard, a huge smile on her face. She would have heard him whimpering and felt sorry for him and let him out. He scoots between two cows, and one spins on him. The other kicks out.

Snap.

Charlie cries out, sliding on his side in the dirt in the center of the yard.

Fuck.

---