Page 78 of Relentless

“It’s fine,” Harper agreed. “I won’t start any.”

She considered for a moment before conceding to her mother’s request.

“Why doesn’t Maeve get one of those heated driveways, like in Aspen?” Harper suggested, trudging through the thick icy snow. “Or at least some hired help — is it because she can’t afford to pay her staff?”

If that was the case, Harper could sympathize.

Oakleigh smirked, “Maeve Callaway has employed more people in this town than any other ranch.”

“Well, where are they?” Harper asked, astonished as she raised her arms, encompassing what she considered disheveled conditions.

“We’ve lost a couple to school,” Oakleigh listed off. “Some have families, and a couple of them got sick or injured.” Her voice held a dash of pride. “Maeve promised to cover everything they need, and she always does.”

Harper’s mouth went dry.

She couldn’t relate to that type of generosity, reminding her again she would never measure up to Maeve.

“Colton and Wade are here to stay, though,” Oakleigh rolled her eyes. “Couldn’t get rid of them if I tried, and trust me — I have.”

Harper followed Oakleigh into the darkened barn. Snow billowed through the open door, causing the animals to shuffle in their stalls.

Oakleigh pulled a large bale of hay off the stack with surprising ease, and set it in the middle of the barn floor. Harper mused that her daughter had always kept herself fit, but now she was strong.

“Just know,” Oakleigh warned. “I’m terrible at this.”

“Oh, I’m aware,” Harper gave a lighthearted wink to match her sarcastic tone. Much to her relief, Oakleigh chuckled at the lighthearted jab.

Harper folded her arms and leaned against a horse stall. The mare responded to her presence by putting its head over her shoulder and nuzzling her.

“Oh, hey you,” she exclaimed, initially surprised by the affectionate animal. She composed herself, calmly running her fingers through the mare’s soft mane.

“You really do like horses,” Oakleigh observed. “I guess I never knew that.”

“There’s a lot about me you don’t know,” Harper responded. Her tone was a little more aggressive than intended, and she could see Oakleigh’s walls fortify.

“I always have,” Harper softened, hoping it would make up for her snappy reply. “— but who has time for that sort of thing?”

She had spent decades building an empire, and there was little left over for frivolous hobbies.

Oakleigh took her place in front of the haybale. Swinging the rope over her head, she flung it at the target, missing it altogether. She shook her head and tried again. This time, the rope rebelliously fell limp to the floor.

She laughed uncomfortably.

“I really am bad at this.”

“Maybe ranching just isn’t for you,” Harper shrugged. It was far from encouragement, but it was all she had to offer.

Oakleigh paused, glancing at Harper with a look that begged for something more.

For the life of her, Harper couldn’t fathom what Oakleigh expected from her.

“Maybe you’re right about that,” Oakleigh pivoted. “I sure won’t be a competitive roper anytime soon.”

The weightlessness of their banter made Harper feel as though the broken bridge between them was beginning to mend. Perhaps their relationship wasn’t as irreconcilably destroyed as she had once assumed.

While she watched Oakleigh continue to practice her roping, she let her mind wander to what it would look like if she could convince her daughter to comehome.

The ranch life wasn’t sustainable, and it was certainly beneath her. Oakleigh was a Davenport. She was born and raised to command an audience.

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