Tucker pulled his gloves off and threw them on the ground so he could untie a rope knot. The ranch’s property ran far up into the mountain range, where scattered stretches of pastureland spread between the valleys and peaks. It was almost time to bring the herd down to closer pasture anyway, but the unusual storm system slated to hit their area in the next five days made it more urgent. Cole braced a broken gate panel on a log so he could repair the bolts that held the brackets in place. Birdie’s birthday was today, now to be exact, and Tuck wanted to talk about a two-day endeavor? “If you want to round up a crew, go ahead. I’ll have to sit this one out.” Cole banged a wrench against the bolt, driving it into the bracket. Tucker snorted while he looped rope. “Like hell you’re sitting out.” Cole looked up, and they locked eyes. “Ma isn’t doing well at all, if you haven’t noticed.
