The Cattle: A Fictional Narrative

The cattle broke through the steep snowbanks. Their dark hides moved as one, scattering ice crystals into the air.
Gathering her wits Lauren retreated, but the snow and freezing wind strangled her choppy steps.
From within the tumultuous storm the white horse emerged. Its rider caught her wrists in a vice like grip, lifting her sideways into his saddle.
The cowboy’s coarse voice carried from under his kerchief. “Hold on.”
Lauren didn’t need to be told twice, she dug her gloved fingers into her rescuer’s coat, curling her knuckles tight.
He kept one hand around her and held the reins with the other. The horse snorted, leaving the herd behind.
They rode on.
Nothing made sense. She wanted her warm apartment. She wanted to forget about Zach, …show more content…

“You’ll have to let go so I can climb down.”
Frost-covered brows moved as he spoke. Any other time she might have found it humorous. She bobbed her head up and down, but he still had to pry her fingers off his coat.
He dismounted and held his arms up to help her down. Nodding her understanding, she tried moving her numb legs, but this shifted her off balance. She fell.
He caught her close and carried her into the cabin.
She half-expected a reality TV crew to greet them.
Inside the cozy room, he laid her on a cot next to the fire.
A woman’s voice cut into the silence. “I know I told you to bring me something for Christmas, but this isn’t quite what I expected.”
“Ya, Pa. Where’d you find her?”
A boy wiggled next to the cowboy. He looked seven or eight-years-old, but Lauren didn’t know much about kids.
“All in good time.” The man’s kerchief fell against his neck, exposing the shadow of a beard, and a handsome face toughened by the sun. He rubbed the brows, knocking the frost off. “I’m Zachary. Do you have a name?”
“I’m Lauren Adams. My car got stuck a short distance away and I—”
“A car?” The cowboy titled his head.
“Yes, an …show more content…

Holler if you need me,” Johanna said.
Zachery watched her leave the room and turned back to Lauren, pulling up a chair. “Now then, Miss Lauren, from the beginning, tell me about this s u v and how you ended up here.
Her heart sank, but she raised her head, resigned to face the unbelievable. “It started with this painting . . .
They talked late into the night. She kept her voice calm and her tears in check. His face remained stoic. While he didn’t have an explanation for her appearance, he didn’t strike her as the type of fellow who’d believe in time travel either.
Zachery seemed a kind and caring family man. It was lucky that he’d seen her. He and his wranglers were moving the herd to weather out the storm closer to the ranch.
It was almost midnight when he tossed a log on the fire and excused himself to turn in. Lauren made herself comfortable on the cot, but she was afraid to sleep. The tears flowed then, a sad sense of loss and frustration.
She heard a creek and Shawn shimmied down the ladder.
He put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m awful sorry you’re so sad. It’s Christmas, you know. I have two peppermint sticks. Candy always makes me feel better.” He licked his and held the other out to