Page 103 of Giddy Up, Daddy

Sam shifted his grip. It wasn’t easy to hold the big circle of metal off the ground like that and the strain showed in his voice. “Can’t do this for long.”

“Perfect. Get ready to flip it on its side.”

“Wait how are we going to do that when her head is stuck?” Nick asked.

Charlie didn’t answer. They’d see soon enoughifit worked. She grabbed the bucket and lifted it so the cow could plunge her head in for a mouthful of treats.

As soon as the cow got a taste of what was in there, Charlie set the bucket to the ground just beneath Bessie’s head. She quickly backed up. “There you go. All-you-can-eat buffet, girl. All you have to do is… reach it.”

Bessy strained to lower her head, but the bar under her throat stopped her. She made several tries and each time the weight on the feeder had Nick and Sam groaning. But then,smart cow that she was, she realized it was the cage keeping her from stuffing herself.

With absolutely no trouble at all, she backed up and pulled her head out, standing free and loose in the center.

“Holy shit. Lift it quick,” Sam yelled. He didn’t need to, Nick realized at the same time, and between the two of them, they managed to stand the feeder on one end, before Bessy could shove her big head back in between the bars.

“Woo-hoo!” Nick shouted as one fist punched the air.

The cow let out a concerned moo-ing sound, but her attention was fixed on the bucket of treats, and she carefully stepped over the bottom of the feeder to get to it. She feasted while Nick and Sam rolled the metal cage away. It was left to lean against the side of the barn, where it wouldn’t cause any more trouble.

“Smart plan, Charlie,” Sam said, grinning as he dusted off his hands and came to join her.

“I could see she was keeping her head there on purpose. Every time you tried to untangle her, she would lift her head, so it stayed stuck. I figured if she had a reason to want out…”

“Fucking cattle,” Nick grumbled. “You want to take that bucket away from her before she eats it all?”

“Aww… I guess. I feel bad though.” Charlie sighed as she grabbed the handle and pulled it away. “I mean, I did promise it was all-you-can-eat.”

Sam snorted. “You’d run out of treats before she ran out of stomachs anyway. Besides, I’m not sure Battle Bessie needs more energy.”

Between the three of them, they herded the cow into the corral with the others and closed the gate. “They’ll be fine until the hands arrive, and then we’ll go fix the fence.” Nick groaned and stretched. “Not how I wanted to start my day.”

“You could go back to bed and catch another hour?” Sam suggested.

Nick checked his watch and shook his head. “No point. Too wired now anyway. I’m going to get some coffee going, and then rearrange the morning schedule before everyone gets here. Sorry I had to wake you guys, but no way I could have done anything with her on my own.”

Sam laughed. “Unlike you, I can nap later. If you need help with the fence, give me a ring.”

Nick snorted. “Sure, old man. Get that nap in.”

“Don’t be jealous?—"

Charlie interrupted, cutting Sam off. “Well, I won’t be helping with the fence, because Iamgoing back to bed.” She grinned at Nick, gave him a little wave, and then turned toward the house, without waiting for Sam.

Those two could stand there bantering all morning, if they wanted, but she was far too cold to wait while they teased and insulted each other.

Chapter Seven

Sam had been looking for a reason to wrap up the banter fast without having to admit that he wanted to get out of the cold. Nick would have teased him about getting soft. Charlie’s abrupt departure was a good reason to follow.

“I think that’s my cue. Call if you need help with the fence later. I know you’ve got a couple guys out on vacation.” Sam turned to follow Charlie.

“I’ll let you know—oh, hey! Before I forget. I heard the Carpenters have a litter of Australian Shepherds that are almost weaned. Weren’t you talking about getting a dog?”

Sam stopped and turned back. He’d mentioned it in passing. “It feels weird to have a ranch without dogs. We used to always have one or two, but Charlie’s father always picked them. It’s been a while now, and I keep thinking I should find a pup.”

“Wouldn’t mind one to chase the coyotes away and help with the herding. Rounding up Bessie’s followers sure would have been easier this morning. Shepherds are good working dogs.”

“True. But I was thinking more that Charlie would love a puppy for the house.” He hadn’t really considered a working dog.

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