Page 68 of When It Reins
“On the drive! The boys were just inside discussing the details,” Dani says, grinning at us. “It’ll be like a couples’ retreat without plumbing.”
I frown, not really liking the sound of that. Then I think about riding a horse. Ireallydon’t know about that part. Then I think about going overnight somewhere with Mitch. That’s a little better.
In a tent, though…yeah, maybe not.
“Well.” I clear my throat. “As fun as that sounds, we have a bar to run. Don’t think I can take off work.”
“I’ve got it covered.” Annmarie comes out, pulling up a chair. Shelly is noticeably absent today, saying she had a work hangover from hell and stayed in bed today.
“No, that’s not fair. I’ll stay back. Juniper, you go,” Thea says, nodding at me.
“No, you go. I don’t remember the last time you and Logan got away,” I insist, the thought of this cattle drive making my anxiety go haywire.
Quinn chuckles. “I don’t think the Weaver sisters share your enthusiasm, Dani.”
“I’m a Cash,” Thea smirks, probably thinking of her wedding and ridiculously hot cowboy husband. I smile, thinking of my own Cash brother, the memory from the storeroom front and center in my mind.
Don’t think I’ll ever forget that.
I sigh. He hasn’t said a word about going on a cattle drive, much less taking me with him. But maybe this is important to him. Maybe this is part of reconnecting with his brothers again. It sounds like most of them are going. Maybe he is reaching out again.
“Actually…” I start, painting a smile on my face. “It does sound fun. If Mitch wants me to go, I’m in.”
“Oh. Well, Mitch said he’d go only if you went, so I’m thinking you’re coming.” Dani says, smiling devilishly at me. She is an ornery one.
After Mitch assured me of my place in his life, I really can’t deny that we are heading in a direction I am excited about. So doing this one small thing for him is really not a sacrifice at all.
I think about the label offer and glance around for Felicity. Everything has been happening at warp speed, and I haven’t had a chance to talk to anyone about it, not even Mitch.
We spent a few hours in his bed before we were due at the ranch today, most of us skipping the normal Sunday morning church service to get the extra sleep.
I really need to talk to him about it.
“Hey.” Quinn nudges my shoulder, and I turn my attention to her. “You did a great job on the concert last night. I might need to snag you for help with the festival.”
Just then, the rest of the group comes out to join us, and Felicity smiles at me. “She’s not going to have any time soon! She’ll be in the studio nonstop making her new album.”
I stare in shock at her, and my gaze switches to Mitch, who’s frowning at me. A collective gasp goes around the circle, and the group congratulates me. Felicity looks worried, and I catch her gaze and smile.
“Thanks,” I tell everyone, standing from the swing. “I only got the email yesterday.”
“Sorry, Junie. I thought you would have said something.” Felicity looks genuinely upset, and I reach out to pat her arm.
“No worries,” I say with a bright smile, accepting the hugs from my sisters before making my way to Mitch. He grabs my hand, immediately interlocking our fingers.
“Wanna go walk?” I ask, and he doesn’t respond, just leads us off the porch and down toward the barn. We walk the outside runs, and I pet the horses begging for attention, unable to help myself.
I turn to Mitch, who’s stayed quiet. “So, cattle drive?”
He smiles and nods. “Wanna go?”
“I’d love to,” I say, even as nerves roll through my stomach. “Do I have to ride my own horse? ’Cause I’ve never done that before.”
Mitch takes in my nervously wringing hands and grabs them. “Don’t worry. CT’s got some trail horses that will babysit you.”
“Good.” I exhale a breath, thinking about climbing onto the back of a horse. “Still nervous, but I’ve never done a cattle drive. Could be fun.”
“I’ll stay by your side the whole time.”
