Free Not My 1st Rodeo by Donna Alward

come.
    Brett glanced beside him, admiring her straight and tall form in the saddle. She’d taken to Charley right away, but then the old gelding had always been a charmer. Brett had watched her hands as they rubbed Charley’s neck, heard the soothing sound of her voice as she spoke to the horse while she slipped the bridle over his ears and the bit into his mouth. Despite Brett’s best intentions, he hadn’t been able to stop himself from comparing her to Sherry. To his recollection, Sherry had never saddled a horse in her life. She’d gone riding now and again when Brett pressed her to do so, but he’d always had to tack the horses so that all she had to do was hop into the saddle.
    Melly did it all like she’d been doing it for her whole life…which she probably had.
    They rode silently for several minutes. Brett liked that he didn’t feel the need to make conversation. There didn’t seem to be any awkwardness in the quiet. It wasn’t until they were out of sight of the yard and starting an incline that Melly nudged Charlie closer and started speaking.
    â€œThis is really beautiful,” Melly commented. “But Lazy H is bigger than I expected. You downplayed it a little when we met.”
    â€œThere are a lot bigger ranches in the area,” he replied modestly. “Between my sisters and their spouses, and my mom and dad…well, I’ve wanted to strike out on my own for a while now.”
    â€œLeave Lazy H behind?”
    â€œNaw.” He smiled, took a deep breath of air scented with grass and sunshine. “I still want to be part of Lazy H. Mine will be more of a satellite ranch. I think it’ll work really well for everyone involved.”
    â€œWon’t you miss it here?”
    He nodded. “Of course. I grew up here.” The horses plodded along, following a path that climbed a rise. “Melly, I understand your attachment to your ranch. I really do. It’s why I suggested riding today. I want to show you something.”
    â€œYou do?”
    â€œJust over this knoll.” He pointed with his left hand. “Come on.”
    He nudged his horse into a trot and heard Charley’s hooves following close behind. In no time, he’d reached the crest. The valley spread wide below him, a palette of greens and golden browns of pasture and grain fields, stretching out for miles. A few other ranches could be seen, their buildings dotted in groups in the distance.
    Melly came up beside him and reined in, patting Charley on the neck. “Wow. Look at it up here. What a view.”
    â€œIt’s my favorite spot on the ranch,” Brett admitted. “Whenever I was troubled or needed to get some perspective, I’d come up here for some peace and quiet. It always made me feel a bit better. Like I was part of something bigger than myself. Like I was connected to something even when I felt alone.”
    He felt a little silly admitting that to her, but this might be his only chance. She believed he hadn’t had an ulterior motive, but that was a far cry from making things right. Starting over. And he wanted to, he discovered. Yeah, he’d been angry at what she’d said. But if he’d been in her shoes, he might have thought the same thing.
    He watched her dismount and hold Charley’s reins as she walked along the narrow dirt trail, worn from years of travel. Lord, she was beautiful. The way she was looking at the valley right now did something to his heart he hadn’t expected. It was healing, he realized. Realizing that someone else could have the same attachment and love for his way of life rather than disparaging it. It was very different having someone care for him because of it rather than despite it.
    He also dismounted, and together they walked along the ridge, the warm breeze ruffling his hair and the sun soaking into his face.
    How would he feel if someone wanted to take this away from him? Angry. Sad.