Page 56 of Levi

“Is that ice I hear hitting the windows? Damn it, I hate driving in ice. I hope it’s gone by Monday.” She looked at Tootsie to see her staring at her. “Don’t give me that look. You don’t have to go out in it. Lucky you.”

Kinley laughed when the cat jumped down from the tub and walked out the door.

“You have no idea how good you’ve got it,” she yelled, and she was sure if a cat could give the finger, Tootsie was doing it.

****

Finally, after months of bitter cold and barren landscapes, spring had arrived in full force. Levi couldn’t have been happier to see it. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and it was a perfect day to be outside. He stretched his arms above his head and let out a contented sigh.

“Levi?”

He turned to see Jude strolling toward him, asmile on his face.

“What’s up, Jude?”

“We’re loading four of the bulls up for the competition this weekend. The other four are out in the east pasture.”

“Got it. Are you going to the competition too?”

“Definitely. I’ve been itching to go since last fall. Axel and Carl are going too.”

Levi chuckled. “You always get excited for these things.”

“I can’t help it. It’s my favorite event to see.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it.”

“Well, I better start getting ready. We’re heading to Kalispell. You should go.”

“I’ll think about it. I haven’t been to one in a while.”

“You could drive there tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend.”

“I might do that. And maybe I’ll ask Kinley if she wants to come along.”

“Cody said he’s going too. Not sure about Addison though.”

“I’ll find out from Kinley. If Addison’s going, I know Kinley will want to go.”

“Alright then. Maybe I’ll see you there.” Jude jogged over to the truck and hopped onto the passenger seat.

As they drove off, Levi waved at them and watched as two trucks pulling trailers passed by him, each carrying two bulls for the competition.

Levi walked across the yard and knocked on her door. Cody answered with a grin.

“Hey, Levi. What brings you here?”

“I just wanted to know if Addison is going with you this weekend.”

“Yeah, why do you ask?”

“I might go too and take Kinley. I know she’d go for sure if Addison was.”

“That would be great. We’re planning on leaving when Addison gets home after work tomorrow, since the competition doesn’t start until six.”

“Sounds good. I’ll check with her and let you know.”

“Alright. Hope you both can make it.”

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