Chapter 23
Beckett
I haven’t been on the back of a horse in years. My time here at Scars Creek Ranch had me on a horse's back almost every day, multiple times a day, and I loved every minute of it.
Carson and I would help Holden break the horses, do pasture checks, round up cattle, and whatever else needed to be done. Then in the evenings, we would practice on the mechanical bull Holden had for us in the hay barn.
I remember the day Nugget came to live on the farm.
Holden needed a new partner on the ranch.
His old horse died of old age, and he wanted another of his own.
Not one he would share with anyone else, just him.
That colt had a fire in him from the moment he stepped off the trailer, and he bonded with Holden almost immediately.
He was spunky, full of life, and he loved this ranch, maybe even more than the man who rode him.
I had never seen a horse love his job more than Nugget. He wanted to work cattle, go out in the fields, and have Holden in the saddle on his back.
That horse might as well have had his own bedroom in the house by how much Holden loved him. I am shocked he even let anyone else but Holden ride him.
Carson is a good close second.
No matter how much Carson hates me, one thing I will never be able to lie about—he is the spitting image of his father and a damn good cowboy.
Lacey pulls herself up on the back of her mare, easing into her saddle, and nods at Joe that she is ready. I walk my horse beside her once settled in my own saddle, “You, okay?”
“I just need to get to Carson,” she says in an almost whisper.
Even as mad as she was at her brother just last night, her love for him is even greater. I never knew sibling love like that.
Joe turns his horse and heads off towards the back pasture, our horses breaking out into a gallop behind him, the barn getting farther and farther away the faster we go.
I forgot how beautiful this land is. I have been all over it. From the creeks, mountain tops, and the river, this ranch will exceed every expectation you could ever have of a horse ranch. With the rolling mountains, grassy plains, and seclusion from the world; it is paradise.
I truly don’t know why I ever wanted to leave.
Off in the distance, we see them by the river bend. The other cattlemen sit on top of their horses in a circle around Carson, who lays on the ground, Nugget’s head in his lap.
I see her out of the corner of my eye, Lacey leans forward, kicks her mare in the sides, and loosens her reins. Her mare gains speed, passing Joe and me in a flash.
“Lacey, wait up!” I holler but it’s no use, she keeps going toward her brother.
I kick my gelding in the sides, begging him to catch her.
Carson doesn’t look at us when we get to him. Joe holds our horses while we both kneel down by Nugget, Carson never taking his eyes off him.
“Car . . .,” Lacey says softly, “Carson he is suffering.”
Carson rocks, tears flowing down his face. “It’s the last thing I have of dad, Lace. I can’t let him go.”
I reach my hand out, touching Nugget. The warmth of his body touching my skin brings the memories of my time with him, Carson, and Holden to the forefront of my mind.
“I know, but dad wouldn’t want him to suffer. He is old now and won’t do well like this. You have to think about what is best for him.” Lacey touches her brother’s hand. “Carson, please.” Her voice breaks, a tear sliding down her face.
“Do you remember the day we found him in the pasture herding cattle on his own?” I ask, not knowing how Carson is going to react to me being here. “He was doing the work he was taught without a rider on his back. Your dad was amazed.”
Carson finally looks up and looks right at me. He must have not realized I rode up with Lacey. For a minute I think he might hit me again, like last night. But instead, he chuckles, “Your eye looks like shit.”
I smirk, “Not as bad as your nose.”
His attention goes back to Nugget. “He loved his job. Didn’t you boy?”
Nugget nudges his hands. Lacey rubs her hands over his neck. “You have always been the best boy. And we love you so much.”
Carson sighs, “I want to be the one who does it.”
Lacey shakes her head, “No. Let one of the cattlemen do it. You don’t need that on your plate.”
“He is my horse, Lace. It is only right that I put him out of his misery.”
Lacey is right, he doesn’t need it on his conscience. “Let me.”
They both look at me, Lacey’s eye widens. “What?”
“You already hate me, right?” I tell Carson, “Well, it just gives you more fuel to the fire. Let me take that burden off you.”
For a minute, I think he might take me up on the offer but instead he looks at his sister. “Lacey, go back to the barn with the men. Beckett and I need to do this together.” He looks at Joe, “Bring the backhoe. We will dig him a grave out here on his favorite part of the ranch.”
Lacey bends down, hugging Nugget one more time and kissing him softly. “I love you, old man. Say hey to daddy and mama for me. You’ve missed daddy since he left. Go find him and take him for a long overdue ride.”
She stands, “Don’t let me regret leaving you two alone.”
Carson nods. “Promise.”
I raise an eyebrow, somethings fishy—Carson is up to something.