Page 103 of Wildest Dreams

He laughs softly, “Why the slaughterhouse or why the breeding?”

“Why aren't you sure?” Riggs jumps down from his horse, tying him to the metal railing then leads his cow into the pasture and through the metal gate.

I follow suit.

“They've both lost a calf before this, just not sure if it's worth the heartache and the money to keep breeding if their calves don't survive.”

I roll my lips. I mean, it makes sense.

I say nothing. Because honestly, my heart hurts a little more today than usual. Sucking in my bottom lip, I try and ignore the tremble and the way my eyes are stinging and clouding.

I know it's because I want to cry. I just don't want to.

And yes, the reason I want to cry is because of the cows.

I. Am.Wrecked.

Every muscle in my body aches.

Riggs hits the trim of my hat as my heavy legs carry me across the dusty trail. “You done good today, kid,” he smiles as he unlocks his truck. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah?” I smile feeling all proud of myself.

“Yeah, Dixie... you're a cowgirl now,” he winks at me just as he climbs into his truck and shuts the door, and just for that moment, I feel like I am doing what I should have all along.

Walking through the front door, it's just past four p.m.

The house is quiet, but the smell that surrounds me has my stomach rumbling. I hadn't eaten today. We had been so busy down the fields; lunch was the last thing to enter my mind.

“Hey,” I call out as I sit on the small bench by the front door in the lobby and take my boots off, sighing in relief at how amazing it felt.

“In here darling,” Orla calls out and I float across to where she is cooking over the stove. Looking over her shoulder, her cheeks are rosy, eyes glistening. “Did you have a good day?”

I can barely nod. “So tired though,” I half laugh as I look at the empty highchair then back to Orla.

“She's with Tripp, they've been inseparable,” and my heart swarms deep inside my chest.

“How's Pacey?”

“He is doing okay,” I watch as her face falters for just a moment, “but he is a strong boy. He'll be up and about in no time causing havoc around the ranch like he does,” and my lips curl at the corners.

“That's good to hear.”

She hums, “Jorge is still down there, won't leave his side. I'm going to take dinner up to both of them.”

“They'll appreciate that,” I let my eyes drift for just a moment.

“Dinner will be done in about an hour. Chicken in a white wine sauce, potatoes and all the veg,” and my stomach rumbles loud in appreciation, my boobs aching. “Has my son not fed you today?” she spins, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Honestly, we have been so busy, even if we did sort lunch, we wouldn't have had a chance to eat it,” I half laugh. Last thingI want is for her to call Riggs out and snap the already thin line between us. He has only just started warming up to me, I don't want him to pull away now.

“Okay,” she gives a knowing nod before she turns around and continues cooking.

Forcing my weighted legs to move I walk out of the kitchen and turn left as I walk out of the double archway and down towards Tripp's room. I have missed Lainey immensely. I have missed Tripp an immeasurable amount. My two favorite people.

My steps falter when I can hear a soft lullaby coming from his room. Standing still, it takes me a moment to realise he is singingNeon Star - Morgan Wallen. Walking quietly, careful not to draw attention to myself, I peek my head around the door frame and listen. He is resting in the armchair that sits in the corner of his makeshift bedroom. His head is drooped, eyes cast down on my daughter. Her wide blue eyes are glued to him, corners of her mouth lifting into a smile as she babbles at him.

I'm not watching them long when I am caught. Tripp's eyes light up, his lips pursing into a wide toothy grin as he continues to sing.

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