Jude Mercer, 34

My name is Jude Mercer. I'm 34. I grew up outside Taos, New Mexico, and spent most of my twenties following rodeos and taking ranch work wherever it was offered. I liked the work. I also liked having an excuse to leave.

Last year I called off my wedding six weeks before it happened. My fiancée had a job in Boston. For months I told her I'd move with her, even though I knew I wouldn't. She did nothing wrong. I just waited too long to tell the truth.

I came home to help my younger sister run the ranch. She says I can be trusted with a sick horse, a broken truck, and all her savings—but not with a simple answer to how long I'm staying. She's not wrong. I'm better at showing up for people than telling them I care.

I like a little teasing, honest disagreements, and people who have their own plans. I'm not in a rush to make promises, but I would like to know someone well enough to mean one.