For Her, He Will

Chapter Twenty-Six - Only one thing was missing.

End of April

Oakley sat up on her horse as she watched the wranglers finish dividing the herd of cattle up into three different groups. It was like a dance as they weaved their horses between the lines and created what would eventually become Oakley's first sale as an employee of the Dutton Ranch. Rip rode up to where Oakley was and chuckled.

"You look good up there, Oaks," Rip smiled. "Like you belong for once." 

"Feels good to be out here," Oakley nodded. "I don't even remember the last time I was on a horse."

"Means it's been too long," Rip looked out over the herd. "They should be good for the next few weeks. We'll fatten them up and then by mid-May they'll be ready for sale."

"Thank you, Rip," Oakley looked over at him.

"It's my job, Oakley," Rip eyed her.

"I know, but I can still thank you," Oakley smiled.

Rip whistled out and yelled for the rest of the crew to wrap it up for the day. They all headed back to the ranch, the ride taking about forty-five minutes. When Oakley got off her horse, she handed the reigns to Teeter who was waiting for her t get off.

"Thank you," Oakley smiled.

"Yes, ma'am," Teeter nodded, leading the horse over towards the barn.

When Oakley turned, she saw Jimmy standing awkwardly, waiting for her.

"What's up, Jimmy?" Oakley shielded the sun from her eyes.

"Um...Mrs. Dutton," Jimmy stuttered. "Uh, Oakley...Miss. Dobson?"

"Not Mrs. Dutton yet...but, Oakley is fine, Jimmy," Oakley giggled. "What's on your mind."

"There's uh...this rodeo at the end of May and I was uh...wondering if you would be okay with me...participating?" Jimmy asked.

"You want to be in the rodeo?" Oakley asked. "Didn't you get hurt pretty bad in the past a few years ago?"

"Yes ma'am," Jimmy nodded. "But I was decent, and it helped me make some extra cash, so I thought if I tried again?"

"Why do you need extra cash?" Oakley asked.

"I j-just thought...it's just s-something I could make a little more," Jimmy shrugged.

"Jimmy..." Oakley stepped closer to him. "Why do you need the extra cash?"

"I... um, well I was looking at rings the other day and they're expensive," Jimmy answered.

"Rings?" Oakley raised an eyebrow. "Are you gonna marry someone, Jimmy?"

"Yes ma'am," Jimmy nodded.

Oakley blinked back, shocked.

"Who are you marrying?" She asked with a laugh.

"Mia," Jimmy nodded.

"Mia?" Oakley tried to remember which one that was. "Which one is she?"

"Well," Jimmy glanced around and then pointed. "T-That one."

Oakley looked over and saw one of the barrel racers standing and waiting on Jimmy. She looked scared when Oakley caught her eye.

"I thought you were with the girl from the 6666 ranch?" Oakley looked back at Jimmy.

"She wanted to be back there, and I want to be here," Jimmy nodded.

"And...Mia is who you now want to marry?" Oakley asked. "Or I guess, marry again?"