Woman's A Cowboy

11

I changed into a dark blue work dress that complimented my eyes. Raleigh said the dress no longer fit her, and that neither Ebony nor herself were very good with a sewing needle.

I found that hard to believe but graciously accepted the gift, realizing there was no more need for jeans and shirt.

I moved down into the kitchen, helping to set the table as best as I could with only one arm. Once finished, I told Ebony that I would like to go for a walk.

"Oh, Clementine, none of the ranch hands know that you are-"

I nodded, "I understand. But they need to. There is no avoiding things now. I want to thank you again for all the help you've been to me. I don't think I've ever met as nice of people as the Tuckers. "

I pulled on my pair of work gloves and stepped into my boots. I buckled my holster to my waist but left my hat on the dresser. Ebony had told me earlier that the room would be mine for the time I spent here. Partly because I was hurt and she wanted to keep an eye on me and partly because now, I was Clementine.

I stepped outside, my arm cradled in a sling. I made my way to the barn and found slim, asleep, on the paddock floor.

Buck rested his head on his gate. His tack hung on the wall next to him.

I reached up, resting my good hand on his face. He was brushed from yesterday and someone had found a blanket to put on him.

Seeing that neither beast was worse for wear, I led Buck out of the stall. It took me a minute to lift the saddle, and after a long struggle, I finally got the saddle on. I messed with the bit and halter and released a sigh when all was finished.

I hooked my foot in the stirrup and swung onto the saddle. Most likely one of the Trio had gone in to help Riker with the pasture, and even if I couldn't do much, I was determined to see the man who had become my brother.

Slim was at my side the whole time, flinching at any movement. I rode down the road to the pasture. Longhorns grazed while Riker worked at the shed.

His red checkered shirt strained against his newly formed muscles as he moved hay. He'd grown into quite the ranch hand over the past few weeks and I trusted him with my life.

I rode up to the gate that was still open. The cattle wouldn't get loose with Slim standing guard anyway.

I trotted towards the Shed and found Dean wiping a kerchief along his brow.

Riker looked up and smiled at first, only the smile twisted into a frown when his eyes landed on the sling.

I blinked at him before pulling to a stop and dismounting. The hem of my skirt got tangled on the heel of my boot and I stumbled, making my usually impressive dismount look clumsy.

I ripped the skirt out from under me and grumbled, stomping towards the shed.

"Well look who it is... " Riker drew out. His eyebrow was raised in question.

Dean stuck his head out the shed and immediately came over. "Now who is this lovely lady? "

I smirked, "Hello, Dean. It's me, Clem. "

The man laughed and slapped his knee, "that boy? Nah! "

I nodded, "really, its me. I... Well, I dressed like a boy so I could get the job. "

Dean smiled, "Well, I ain't never imagined the sharp figure you could cut. But I guess it makes sense that ya wore that hat and bandana all the time. " He dusted off his hands.

I looked around the pasture. "Can I do anything to help? " I asked.

Dean hooted out a sharp laugh, "you can-"