Page 53 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

Meredith blushed. “No, there hasn’t been that much time.” It was a lie, and Meredith wasn’t very good at lying so she looked away in an effort to hide her face. She and Jace had talked about riding out, him showing her the land, but then they’d talk and touch. One thing would lead to another, and they’d end up in bed promising to make an attempt the next day.

“Hell, that boy is slacking on the job.” Pops shook his head. “Meredith, hon, go inside and grab a shotgun. We’re going to ride out far.”

She slid from Coco and made quick work of grabbing the shotgun, a few extra shells she stuffed in her coat pocket. She took a small backpack from the closet then filled it with bottles of water and power bars. Just in case.

Back on the horse, she followed the Shepards at a slow, easy trot. They headed away from the ranch toward the burning sun, the mountains at their back. They rode across the plains and over a small creek, the land flat and easy for riding. The scenery was stunning, from every angle. No matter which way she looked, the view only improved, and many times she was caught staringslack-jaw at the endless beauty before her. Knowing all this was within an easy ride from the house pleased Meredith. She could see herself and Jace, too, riding out to enjoy and explore.

“Look over there. There’s Jace and Tuck.” Marjory pointed to a tributary where several cattle were drinking and Jace’s truck was parked in the flood land.

Meredith scanned the area, but didn’t find him until the wading cattle shifted away from the stream. Jace and Tuck were bent over a cow that looked to be in the process of giving birth. With Pops in the lead they rode their horses down to Jace and Tuck.

“How many like this this year?” Pops called.

Jace stood, looking between his parents and Meredith, but said nothing. He walked to the large quarter horse and rubbed his neck before answering. “This is the second that we’ve seen.”

“How many more you got out there?” Pops looked across the valley.

“We estimate five.” Jace had explained to her at dinner last night that prior to birthing season, the heifers that were expecting were brought down to the lower pasture, the one closer to home, but a few always slipped through the cracks.

“That’s good. The tracking system sure makes things easier.” Pops took off his hat and wiped his forehead. Sweat had soaked his hair. From behind him, Marjory was making quick hand gestures to Jace who was staring at her, brows furrowed.

Pop's tried to twist in his seat to look at Marjory.

“I’m getting a tour of the land,” Meredith said, shifting Jace’s focus from his father to her. She hoped he wouldn’t say anything about his dad being on a horse or the fatigue it was obviously causing. Picking up on Marjory’s intention with her signs, Meredith said, “We’re headed back now, though. I don’t know about Pops or Marjory, but I’m starving.”

“Tuck’s headed back as well to grab a few things if anyonewants to ride with him.” He glanced at his parents, then Tuck, who looked surprised.

Pops huffed. “If you’re referring to me, I think I’ll pass. This might be the last time I’m able to get on and stay on a horse, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to get off now. I may be tired, but I’m riding this here beast back to the house. Understand?”

Jace nodded.

Pops shifted in the saddle. “Understand Marjory? I know you’re back there trying to communicate with Jace by glaring or using gestures or whatever, but I’ll be the one who decides what’s best for me.”

Marjory snorted. “A stubborn ass like you? I don’t see it. But I’m always open to find out. I love saying I told you so, and this sounds like one of those times I might get to say that.”

Meredith squirmed, uncomfortable with witnessing their fight, but startled when Pops laughed.

“Damn, bossy woman. Between you and Meredith, I don’t stand a chance.”

Marjory hugged him. Not a fight, just familiar banter between people who loved each other.

Jace raised his brows, his attention on Meredith.

“I, ah…” Would this cause a fight between them? She was anxious for the time when she understood Jace's moods the way Marjory did Pops.

“She was the one who got Pops on the horse. Clever girl,” Marjory said.

Jace crossed his arms. “Is that so?” Yep, he was not happy. His eyes narrowed. Meredith shifted in her saddle and waited for the tightening of anxiety to take over. Yes, this wouldn’t be their first fight, but it would be the first one where the anger was directed at her, not coming from her.

“Looks like you have everything under control here, Jace. We’ll see you at home later.” Pops pulled the reins, and the horseturned and ambled away. “Come on, Meredith. I can’t get off this mountain without you,” Pops called over his shoulder.

“Ah…” She didn’t know what to say so she tugged the reins and followed suit.

The ride back was quick, and once Pops was off the horse, he gave her a hug. “Thank you for not treating me like an invalid.” He squeezed her shoulders before turning to Marjory. “I’m gonna take a nap, lover.”

“You want something to eat first?”

Pops shook his head. “No, but how about you lay down with me. You ain’t no spring chicken and need to rest those old bones.”

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