Page 31 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Colt

I was out in the field, going around the fence on the side by side to spot the damage to the fence.

My dad had let me know early that he wanted to me to run out and check it while he did a couple of things first and then he would head out and work on repairing the fence.

I had just spotted the damage when my phone rang.

“Colt?”

“Yeah, dad? I just got out of here. I see the damage and…”

“Don’t worry about it. I need you back here.”

“Okay.”

“Just go ahead and head back.” I was a little worried by how that phone call went and the tone of his voice, but I was hoping everything was okay. I rushed back, eager to see what was going on.

“Hey, dad. What’s going on?”

“John needs some help with the cattle. I told him I would send the two of you to help. I’d go, but I’m going to stay and fix the fence.” I was thankful that nothing was seriously wrong. He placed a hand on my shoulder, moving me away from Daisy.

“Listen, Colt. Make sure she doesn’t dig herself a deeper hole with her dad, you know? I’m sending you to look after her and make sure she doesn’t give him any of that attitude to make things worse. If I go, she will know why I took her along with me, so I’m sending you instead.”

“I got it.”

“She needs to finally talk to him, and this may be the chance to do that.” I nodded and walked over to where we had left Daisy standing. I could hear my dad start the side-by-side and head out.

“Are you ready to go?” She nodded.

* * *

I knew John had been struggling a little bit lately and needed some help from time to time.

My dad usually went over there when he needed someone.

I occasionally went alongside him or in place of him when needed, but my dad usually liked to go.

John and he were friends from way back. John hired help from time to time, but that doesn’t come cheap.

I was glad to have Daisy along for the drive out to John’s, but I could see the nerves on her face.

I hadn’t seen this look on her face in a while, and I was concerned.

“Daisy, are you okay?” I waited a minute, and when I didn’t get an answer, I repeated. “Daisy?”

“Hm?” She turned quickly towards me.

“Are you okay?”

“Oh. Yeah.”

“I can tell by the look on your face that you aren’t okay. Tell me the truth. What’s going on inside that pretty little head of yours? ”

“I’m just dreading this a little bit.”

“Going back to the ranch or seeing your dad?”

“Um…”

“Both?” I nodded. “I haven’t seen the ranch in seven years.”

“You didn’t see it when you came in for my mom’s funeral?”

“No. We ate after, and that was it. He offered for me to stay the night there, so I didn’t have to drive back to the city, but I turned him down.”

“Oh. If you don’t want to go…I mean, if it will be too hard for you…If you’re not ready yet, you can fake getting sick, and I’ll take you back, and you can go to bed and rest instead. I can handle helping your dad.”

I made the offer because I wanted Daisy to know that she could count on me…that she could lean on me.

“I’ll be okay. I need to do this.” She nodded, and I placed my right hand on her inner thigh. She looked at my hand, placing hers on top of mine.

“Daisy, you don’t have to hide it from me.” She smiled, knowing I saw her trying to hide her tears. “Are you sure you’re okay?” She nodded, and we got out of the truck.

I walked behind her, knowing how nervous she probably was after not being back here in so long.

I knew she had spoken to her dad only once since being back here this summer, when he had come over one evening and joined us for supper.

I knew she didn’t feel the best after that conversation.

I felt bad for her, knowing their relationship was a little strained, but I was glad I was here to help her in any way she needed.