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Left with two options: walk aith nothing or work like hell until it belonged to us again, we chose the latter Cash, myself, and our older brothers, Tripp and Hart, have poured more blood, sweat, and tears into this ranch than we should have, but we’ve done it all for her

Only it hasn’t been so easy Corn and soybeans don’t get the rate they used to anye dairy corporations have all but put every local dairy farmer out of business over the past few years We sold off that portion of our operation, barely breaking even, before selling off a thousand-acre portion of the ranch at fire sale pricing

While things have gotten better the last couple of years, our heads are barely above water

I’ to fold and walk aith some semblance of a true retirement, but she’s proud of e’ve built so far, hoe bounced back after tragedy She’s all guts and all glory, and she wouldn’t knohat to do with herself if she had nothing but time on her hands That and she’s become somewhat of a local celebrity in the area—everyone around here knows the story of the former beauty queen turned ho saved the family farm with the help of her sons

I have to say, though, it’s been years since I’ve seen her shine like this

“Why don’t you finish up here then cos”

She makes her way back up the hill toward the wraparound porch

When I was younger, I always thought I’d marry Blaire one day and we’d reed that out of the four of us, I was the one who’d take over the family farm when the time came I loved it more than they did, and my work ethic was second to none

But this kind of living isn’t for the faint of heart

Deep down, I know that I never could’ve given Blaire the life she deserved After all, I don’t even think I’d be able to buy her a proper ring I’ at the old line shack we used to frequent ere kids I’ve as line for a propane tank, adding a new bed, and a handful of other personal touches, but it’s still a glorified studio apartment in the middle of nowhere

I finish sharpening the last blade and head in for a quick bite, following the scent of frying bacon as I take in the sunrise

Tires crunch over gravel in the distance, and I glance over my shoulder to spot Cash headed down the drive in his shiny new F-150 Petty Cash is doing well, and I couldn’t be happier for hi an actual sitter instead of using Ma four boys, it’s not her first rodeo But the kid can be a handful at times