Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 100226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
My dad hated that we played out here and had the mine sealed up so we wouldn’t get hurt. Not to mention, it’s so close to Lexington property, and he didn’t want us out this far.
And now, here I am, just aimlessly wandering back and forth between the two pieces of land, as though there never was a feud that could have ended a man’s life. Probably did end someone’s life a time or two, back in the day. And it feels really good to know that that piece of history is over.
Because as far as I’m concerned, it was just stupid. Both families had more than enough land for their businesses to be successful. Hell, they still do.
There was just no reason for so much hate and ugliness.
“Good girl,” I croon to Betty as we make our way south. I know that Holden said there’s no cell service here, but I check my phone, and I have one little bar. If something happened, I could reach someone. Maybe it’s just on his side of the line that it goes dead, because we’ve never had an issue before.
I want to make a big circle, and by the time I cross back over to Lexington property, I’ll be back in the good cell coverage. It’ll be fine.
My mountain looms so high and proud before me as Betty and I ride along. Aside from the deer earlier, I haven’t seen any other wildlife.
But then I glance down at the ground and see the bear scat.
“Hmm.” I narrow my eyes as we pass by. “Looks like a couple of days old. Not fresh. They’re likely long gone by now.”
Betty doesn’t seem worried at all, but I pull the bear spray out of the saddle bag and clip it to the saddle to have it closer, just in case I need it.
“We’ve seen our share of bears,” I remind us both as my eyes move back and forth. “But there’s no need to be stupid.”
“Millie?”
I spin as Betty shifts on her feet and see Brady and Bruiser riding not too far away.
“You scared me!”
“What are you doing out here?” My brother frowns over at me as his horse slows near mine. Bruiser hangs back just a little.
I think Bruiser used to have a crush on me, but because he works for my family, he never asked me out. He’s always kept a respectable distance. And I like him. He’s huge, at well over six and a half feet tall, but he’s just a big teddy bear at heart.
And if I hadn’t been in love with my husband since I was nineteen, I might have pursued something with Bruiser.
“I’m riding my horse. Duh.” I roll my eyes, and Brady scowls at me while Bruiser hides a smile behind his hand.
“Why?” Brady asks.
“Because I wanted to go for a ride. Holden and Remington both know what I’m doing. I texted Rem before I headed out.”
Brady’s shoulders relax a bit at that. “He’s in town, and I haven’t seen him. You’re okay?”
“Yeah, just more arguing with Dad, and I needed to clear my head.”
Brady nods, his mouth set grimly. “I get it. I saw you on one of our trail cams, and I wanted to make sure you’re okay, since you didn’t answer your phone.”
I scowl and look down at my phone and see that I don’t have a signal.
“I must have been out of range for a minute. Sorry about that. I’m just wandering, but don’t worry about me. I have bear spray, and this isn’t my first ride.”
“Oh, I know you can handle yourself,” Brady says with a wink. “Just making sure because I’m your brother, and that’s what we do.”
“Yes, I’ve had overprotective brothers my whole life.” I soften and offer both men a smile. “Thanks for checking on me, though. I really am okay. I’m going to ride about two miles south and then cut back over to Holden’s property and make a circle back to the barn. Should be there in less than an hour. It’s a nice day for a ride.”
“Text me when you get back, okay? Just so I know that you’re safe.”
Not wanting to cause anyone any undue stress, I nod. “I will. Thanks for checking on me. Go talk to Dad and tell him he’s being an asshole.”
Bruiser coughs, and Brady shakes his head. “I’d like to live, thanks. Have you ever considered that he has a good reason for the way he’s acting?”
“Sure, but I asked, and he won’t talk about it. Anyway, let me get back to finding my Zen. I love you. Kiss Daisy for me, and tell Abbi we need a girls’ night.”
“I’ll do both.” He turns back to Bruiser and nods. “We’re good here.”
“See you, Miss Millie,” Bruiser says, tipping his hat at me, and then the two men ride off, back toward the way they came.