Page 37 of Skye's Fall

I don’t think I heard him right.

“You have your ranch back,” Ever pats my hand, “and everyone has been to auctions all over the state to find your horses. We found five of them. And Brick is bringing new ones to add. He gets in later tonight. He and Ariel will stay and take care of the ranch until you’re done here.”

“What? How? Why?” Why would people want to help me in the first place? Then again, this ranch was my life and I shouldn’t question this.

“The person who did this asked us not to tell,” Memphis replied.

“I don’t know what to say,” I’m overwhelmed.

“I’m sure they understand that you are grateful,” Ever says and I nod.

“I’ve talked to a few ranches in Texas who are willing to sell me a few head of cattle to get you started,” Memphis tells me.

“Thank you so much,” I want to cry.

“We will pass that on,” Ever says.

“Tell the others that coffee is on,” Memphis grins, but it’s not at me. When I turn, no one is there. Weird.

“Alright,” I head outside. “There’s coffee.”

“Why do you look like you’re going to cry?” Mason asks as Mallory heads in to get coffee.

“Someone bought my ranch back for me,” I tell him. I swear I see Skye stiffen in her seat, but I’m not sure.

“That’s awesome, man,” Mason replies as Ariel take a seat next to us.

“Brick will be along shortly,” Ariel says as she sits down.

“How’s Buddy?”

“He’s adorable,” Ariel coos.

“Until he wants your side of the bed,” Brick gripes as he joins us.

“You done with the horses?”

“Timber took over so I could come be with my girl,” Brick says kissing her cheek. Someday I want that, what they have.

“I miss him,” I tell Ariel.

“I’ll bring him up next time,” she grins.

“Thank you guys for looking out for me,” I tell them honestly.

“It’s no problem,” Brick assures me. I feel a little better knowing that someone is caring enough to do what they are doing.

“I’ll pay you back somehow,” I say.

“Don’t worry about it. You can let Ariel ride every once in a while. She loves it,” Brick says.

“Anytime,” I sit next to Skye, but she’s not acting like herself. Whatever happened at the bar has her on edge.

“They’re finishing up,” Sal says. “You’ll be competing against Jimmy and Mckenna and Peter and Alexa. You’ll be team roping.”

What in the hell?

“Just the guys?” Mason asks. I’m thinking the same thing.