Page 70 of Timber's Line

“Sal, where are we going?” I ask.

“Mason’s ranch. One of his cows is ready to give birth.”

“Oh.”

“This will test whether they can handle more than just blood and bruises.” He laughs.

“That’s a good idea,” I tell him and head in the direction of the van.

“Ride with me,” Diego says and grabs my hand. I can tell it’s to keep me out of the van with Dayton. Fine with me.

“Do you know what we are doing?” Noah asks me.

“You’re not doing anything. You’re just there to see if you can take it.”

“Oh good.” He sighs with relief.

We pull up, and Mason heads straight for me.

“Broke last night.”

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“I wanted you to have a good time. Alexa took over watching when she got home. She told me about your date.” He frowns when I frown.

Then he sees Snow with Ever.

“Fuck.”

“I’m okay. Like someone reminded me this morning, there are plenty of eligible suitors that I haven’t gone on dates with yet.”

“Good for you.” I follow him into the barn.

“Hey, Alexa.” She looks tired.

“Hi.” She yawns.

“Babe, go and get some sleep.” Mason kisses her, and she waves as she heads inside.

“I didn’t think she would fit into my life, but she does.” He smiles, watching her enter the house.

“I’m happy for you.” I start prodding the cow’s stomach and checking vitals.

“How is she?”

“Good.” We sit for a minute while Sal tells them what’s going to happen.

“It’s not time to pull yet,” I tell him.

“I know. We set up some lawn games and Memphis is breaking out the grill. I knew they would get bored waiting,” Mason says.

“Thanks.”

“How is she?” Easton asks. He wandered in with Tobias and Nash.

“She’s good. Soon, but not yet.”

“Won’t she get hurt being tied up?” Tobias asks.