Chapter 35: An Unexpected Reunion

I watched as the cattle worked their way slowly along the side of the stream. My heart nearly leaped from my chest when I spotted Luke’s unmistakable size astride Mack at the back of the herd.

I reminded myself of the unwelcome greeting I’d received from Bev the day before and did my best not to get my hopes up again. After all, he was engaged…

I should have played coy and gone back inside but I was too mesmerized by the scene before me and sat gaping like an idiot. It really was something to behold—a small glimpse into my paternal past. I wondered how many cattle drives my dad had been on.

As the cattle’s hooves began clicking past me, I wondered if I should go and open the gate, but ultimately decided not to, for fear I’d be trampled.

Luke and Mack trotted toward where I stood on the front porch. My heart thumped loudly and I reached for my hair, feeling insecure. I wished I’d looked in a mirror that morning or at least brushed my hair… I must have looked atrocious.