Chapter 7
Darkness had fallen before they rode into the yard at the ranch. The mules and mares they’d left behind greeted them with brays and whinnies, trotting along the fence as they rode by the pasture. Jase trailed behind as he had the whole journey. He’d been the one to dismount and get all the gates this time, since Orr was not able to now. The fact Orr had not waited for him each time was gratifying. It hinted the rancher no longer considered him a greenhorn, someone who had to be watched and coddled.
Now he let Katie follow the other five mules toward the barn as they all moved into a shuffling trot. There was still energy in the tank because canny mules never gave more than they had. They always saved a bit back for any emergency. Getting home was important enough to pick up the
