“Ready?”
“Ready.”
We set off. I made sure to take things slow at first, knowing it had been years since Daisy had been on a horse. I wanted to ease her back into it.
Riding along the ranch brought me a lot of comfort. I started doing it more frequently after my mother passed. It made the feelings easier to deal with. I didn’t have to face them head-on this way, and it took my mind off it all. My dad was sad for a while…I think he still is in a way...and that made it hard to talk to him because I was sad, too, but I didn’t want to make him even sadder. Even now, he rarely ever mentioned my mom. Sometimes I wished he would, just so I knew he was thinking about her.
Riding with Daisy felt nice. It was the first time I had ridden horses with someone just for fun since my mother passed.I let that sink as we continued riding.
“You know…it’s uh…been a while since I’ve ridden with someone.”
“Yeah…it’s been a while for me, too. It’s been…years since I've been on a horse."
"You haven't been on one since you left, have you?"
"No." I knew the answer before the word left her lips.
We kept riding in silence, just listening to the sounds of the earth around us and the horse’s hooves galloping across the land. I loved the ranch, and I wanted to take it over someday, but I knew my dad wasn’t ready to give it up just yet. I liked the open fields, herding cattle, riding horses…all that came with having this much land and a ranch to call home.
Chapter Six
Daisy
Riding with Colt was nice. I admitted to him that it had been years since I last rode with someone... just been riding in general. Ever since I left my family’s ranch, I have not been on a horse, and even before then when I was still in high school, I had pretty much stopped because that was something my mother and I did together. With her gone, it just didn’t feel the same. I didn't think it ever would.
When we got back, we took off the tack and put the horses up in their stalls. We started for the house, knowing it was about time to eat, and no one wanted to be late when it came to Walt. He was one stubborn, hard-headed old man. My father was much more lenient and soft spoken. I was thankful for growing up with someone like that instead.
“Hey…um…thanks for the invite today.” Colt nodded.
“I guess I could keep worse company.” I playfully punched his shoulder, and he grabbed his arm as if he were in pain. We both laughed, and I couldn't remember the last time I laughed and enjoyed myself.
We looked up toward the house as we heard voices. My dad was standing beside Walt on the porch. I was surprised to see him, and I was dreading our encounter. I hadn't spoken to him since he dropped me off here. I was still mad at him.
“Are you too grown to give your old man a hug?” I shook my head and hugged him.
“It’s good to see you, Colt.”
“You too, John.” They shook hands. I was glad to still see Colt's manners at play.
“Colt, come inside and help me set the table. John is going to join us tonight.” They went inside, and I could tell that my dad wanted to speak to me alone. I was a little afraid of what he would say. This is something I had been dreading since I arrived back in Garrity Valley.
“So, how’s it been here?” He propped himself up against the beam on the porch.
“Well, I’ve seen better times if that’s what you mean. Cleaning stalls at 6:30 AM... I did not miss that.” He laughed a little.
“You know why I brought you here, though, don’t you?” I nodded.
“Yes. I do.”
“I just want you to learn some hard work, and there isn’t a harder worker than Walt Hogan.” Yeah, working hard was part of it.
“He’s something alright.”
“Listen, since your mother died…”
“Dad, stop.”
“No, you need to listen.”
