“How’ve your past two weeks been, Ryder?” Dr. Marie Brown asked, her tone steady as the mountains just beyond her office window.
He tipped his hat back and exhaled slow, a grin tugging at the edge of his mouth. “They’ve been good, Doc. Damn good. Rodeos been kind, bulls been rank but ridable. I’m sittin’ first or second near every night.”
Her smile widened. “That’s wonderful to hear. Sounds like you’re finally back in top form.”
“Back and light on my feet,” he said, stretching his boots out, spurs catching the sunlight like sparks. “That burden you talked about—shadow on my chest—feels like it’s finally lifted clean off.”
“That’s excellent.”
He nodded, eyes softening. “And Isobel… well, Doc, I told her I love her. Never let those words loose before, not with anyone but my folks.”
“An
