Ranch Daddy

I pulled the glove on. Could I really do this? “How will I know if I’m touching her uterus or, like, something else?”

“You’re overthinking it. Just focus on what you feel and don’t think too much about what you’re actually doing. If you can’t tell, I’ll check her.”

I glanced at the rear end of the cow and back at my arm. “You’ve really done this a lot?”

Blake laughed. “Yes. You get used to it.”

I didn’t think this was something I would ever get used to. I secured the glove, took a deep breath, and went for it. It was gross and fascinating all at once. There was a moment when I regretted eating a big breakfast, but I got past it. “I think I found it. I think she’s pregnant.”

“Good job, Riley.”

Blake was proud of me, and that made even this worth it, but when I looked back at the cow and thought again about exactly what I’d done, the queasiness returned.

“Riley, you look kind of green. Are you okay?”

“Um… I don’t…” I laid my hand against my stomach and prayed for my breakfast to stay down.

“Step away and take some deep breaths.”

I got far enough away for the air to smell fresher. I almost had my stomach under control when I heard my father call out.

“I thought I’d come to see how things are going out here.”

Blake had finished double-checking, and I heard the chute clang as he released the cow. “Good morning, Mr. Lawson. I was just teaching Riley how to verify pregnancy in a cow.”

“And then he ran off. Typical.”

“No, sir. He just needed a little fresh air.”

My father snorted. “Doesn’t have the stomach for it, huh?”

Blake glanced my way. “I think it’s a bit hard on anyone their first time.”

It didn’t matter what Blake said. My father wasn’t ever going to give me a break. Why had he picked that moment to decide to come out and check on me? So I was a little nauseous. I’d like to see him arm deep in a cow. See how well he took it.

“Riley managed just fine,” Blake said. “He was even able to feel the pulse along the uterus.”

I walked toward them, knowing my father wouldn’t leave until he’d found more ways to demean me.

He looked me up and down frowning. “So you fumbled your way through this. Tell me what else you’ve been learning.”

I looked to Blake, but I knew he couldn’t save me. I had to be the one to speak, but my stomach was still unsettled, and the smell of cow was stronger here. I really needed to end this quickly.

Blake smiled at me, and I could hear him telling me I could do this as clearly as if he’d spoken out loud.

I blurted out the first thing I thought of. “I led a bull that had strayed back into the bullpen.”

My father sniffed. “Hardly something you need to do on a regular basis especially if the fences are properly checked.”

“He jumped the fence, sir,” Blake said. “At least that’s what we concluded. There were no breaks, and the gate was closed.”

My father waved him off. “I suppose such things happen occasionally, but it’s hardly a significant part of running the ranch. Tell me more.”

I’d learned so much, but in that moment, I couldn’t remember any of it. I tried to explain a few more things to my father, but I mixed up the steps to follow when the calves were born, and I couldn’t answer more than half his questions.

“That’s enough,” he said after nearly bringing me to tears. “You’re not ready to lead us through calving season, that’s for sure. You’ve got a lot to learn and not much time. You’d best be paying attention.”

“Riley needs more practice with everything,” Blake said. “But he’s working hard, Mr. Lawson, and it is a lot of information to take in.”

“That may be true, but you both agreed to this, and so far, I’m not impressed.”

My father had never been impressed with me, and I didn’t think he ever would be. Why was I even bothering to try? He wasn’t going to let me win, no matter what I did.

Blake scowled at my father, and I was afraid he was going to say something that would get him fired. I was a lost cause, but I wasn’t going to let Blake fuck up his future for me.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m trying, but there’s a lot to learn.”

My father focused back on me like I’d wanted him too. “No more excuses, son. You either learn the information or prepare to be on your own.”

“Mr. Lawson—” I shook my head at Blake and mouthed don’t.

My father sighed. “I know you’re trying, Blake, but be sure you don’t waste too much time on this. I was foolish to agree to it in the first place.” He glanced at his Rolex. “I’ve got a phone meeting now. I’ll check on you again in a few days, Riley, and I expect some better answers.”