Page 2 of Saddles
Knowing how damn lonely I was last winter, I’d almost be willing to offer the job.
Not that I’m fit to be around people. It’s probably best if I just stay off grid.
“He’s too smart to be stuck up there, I bet he’ll be fine at school.” I give Val a short wave and head towards the exit.
She rolls her eyes, then tucks a strand of dark pink hair behind her ear. “Ford, you be careful up there. Don’t go do anything stupid and get yourself killed.”
“There’s worse things,” I say under my breath before pushing out into the cold October air.
“Go on, get off and run then.” I snap my fingers at Roscoe who sails from the back of my horse to fall into a lope next to me in the grass next to the gravel road.
His fidgeting was getting annoying.
Or maybe I’m just cranky.
His compact blue frame easily keeps up with the methodical steps of Pepper until we get to the main house. The heavy steam rising from each of his exhales in the frosty air tells me I’m pushing my luck waiting this long to leave.
Snow comes early in the mountains, and stays late.
There’ll be storms up there that dump feet of powder when it’s clear and crisp down here at the ranch.
Fuck, I hope it hasn’t already dropped some.
Sawyer already has his gelding with the three pack mules tied up and ready with the last of the feed and gear.
Who knows when I’ll get another resupply, so it’s best to have everything up there.
Forty miles by trail on horseback is a long way from an hour trip into town by car to get fast food. I felt like a pioneer of the old west last winter, but learned what I really needed.
“‘Morning, Ford. All set?” Sawyer tilts his baseball hat back on his head and grins up at me. His lanky frame skips the first two steps on the porch to stride to the door. “Lori made us some breakfast to go, if you haven’t eaten.”
“Is she feeling any better?” I’m torn over going in because I know she’s sick from her pregnancy.
Black Gulch is turning into a damn nursery with Mason and Dixon’s kids running around.
How old would mine have been? Four? Five?
The thought leaves a sour taste in my mouth and a twist in my gut.
And I know it ain’t the hangover.
The rich smell of fresh bread does little to help it.
“Hi, Ford.” Lori stands behind the counter of the kitchen, stuffing things into a grocery bag. “I made some sandwiches and breakfast wraps for you guys.” She smiles as she hoists the handles.
Mason moves past her carrying a hard Pelican case. “Here’s the sat phone. You know you’re welcome to check in more than three times all winter.” His mouth twists into a lopsided grin as he hands it to me. “Gonna miss you, bud. No one here matches your grumpy ass anymore. Even Dixon is—” He gives a fake shiver. “—happy.Feels weird without you.”
“Well, with Dixon living back on site, you get the added bonus of Blue and Wade hanging around again.” I pat his shoulder and take the case. “You’ll hardly notice I’m gone.”
“Uh, yea. In what universe would I trade Wade for you?” Mason chuckles.
Sawyer takes the food from Lori, who snugs herself against Mason’s side.
“I hope you both have a safe trip and come back in one piece.” She bites her bottom lip with tears shimmering in her eyes.
“We’ll be fine. This is what, trip number five this summer?” Sawyer twists his fingers in the handles. “Bye Dad. Bye Lori. Kiss Jack for me ‘til I get back.” He grabs his Carhartt by the door and heads outside.
“Baby sleeping?” I didn’t pay any attention that Mason and Lori weren’t holding Jack in their arms.
