by A. D. Ellis
“Injury to the horse or the people?” Reid asked, fear furrowing his brow.
“Both.” Norma grimaced.
Wes came running from the barn. “Two of the horses have some cuts and scrapes from thrashing in their pens. But the newest one was too scared and too strong, she busted through her pen and jumped the fence. She’s on the run and possibly injured. Walker went after her. Three others are riding with him. I need all hands on deck to help with the injured horses and calm down the others.”
Reid watched helplessly as many went to offer assistance. “I don’t know what to do. I want to help, but I can’t go near them, especially if they’re worked up.” He ran his fingers through his hair and clasped his hands at the base of his neck.
“Don’t you worry about it,” Norma cooed as she rubbed his back. “We’ll stay here and help with tear down and clean up.”
Reid attempted to stay busy with Norma and the others while supplies and food were cleaned, gathered, and packed. Finally, he could take it no more.
“Think it’s okay to at least go check on Cinnamon?” Reid shuffled his feet and shot a worried glance at the barn.
“I’m sure that baby girl would be thrilled to see you,” Norma patted his shoulder, “but you gotta remember most of the other horses are in there, and they had a bit of excitement tonight. They may be a little worked up.”
Reid nodded and pulled at his ear. “Maybe I’ll just go down and ask if Cinnamon is okay.”
“You do what feels best, baby.” Norma rubbed a hand between Reid’s shoulders.
You can do this.
The horses are likely more afraid than you.
You can do this.
Cinnamon is probably scared. She’d love a friendly face.
You can do this.
None of those horses would purposely hurt you.
You can do this.
It’s not like you’re getting in the pen with the big horses.
You can do this.
If it’s crazy or seems dangerous in the barn, you can leave.
You can do this.
Reid attempted to build his courage with each step toward the barn.
When he opened the small side door to the barn, he was greeted with the earthy aroma of hay, straw, feed, and horse. He took a deep breath and felt a wave of calm rush over him. He wrinkled his nose. Since when had the nasty smell of the ranch and the barn become something he welcomed?
Instead of turning right toward the office, Reid moved farther down the hallway and took a left to the main barn. Nickering, neighing, and various other horse sounds mixed with the quiet chatter of the men working on the horses.
Reid saw Wes and raised a hand. “Think Cinnamon could use a visitor?” he called softly.
Wes gave him a thumbs up.
Reid walked toward Cinnamon’s stall with light feet and peeked around the door to her pen.
The nicker that greeted him was music to Reid’s ears. “Hey, girl, how are you?” He slid open the door to her pen and entered.
Cinnamon nudged his chest and leaned against him.
“Scary night, huh?” Reid scratched her face and let her nuzzle against his hand. “Sorry, baby, I should have brought a treat. Next time, huh?”
Reid spent the next thirty minutes comforting Cinnamon.
When the sound of pounding hooves echoed through the night, Reid and Cinnamon both perked their ears.
“Wes, let’s get her walked for about fifteen minutes. She’s hot; get her some water and hose her down. We’ll have some hay ready for her once she’s cool,” Walker’s voice rumbled through the barn.
Wes turned over what he was working on to another hand and took Zeke with him to work on the runaway horse.
Reid gave Cinnamon a last bit of love and left her stall to find Walker. With all of his focus on finding Walker, Reid paid very little attention to the other horses around him.
“Hey, is she okay?” Reid asked as he found Walker at the edge of the corral where Wes and Zeke were walking the biggest, blackest, fiercest-looking horse Reid had ever seen.
“Yeah, she just got majorly spooked.”
“What’s her name?” Reid asked.
“Beauty,” Walker replied before pulling Reid into a hug. “You okay? Sorry I had to rush off like that.”
“Yeah, I’m good. I was worried about you both.” Reid’s words were muffled into Walker’s shirt.
“Must have been super worried if it brought you to the barn voluntarily,” Walker teased before moving to lean against the corral fence.
“I came to see Cinnamon, because I didn’t want her to be alone.” Reid shrugged and leaned against the fence next to Walker. “Must have been the adrenaline of fear, but the usual nasty-ass stench of the barn actually calmed me when I walked in. How weird is that?”
Walker chuckled. “Told ya this place would grow on you.” He bumped his shoulder against Reid’s.
“How far did Beauty get?” Reid watched Wes and Zeke lead the majestic creature in slower and slower laps while she cooled down.
“Remember that fence we fixed a while back? She had begun to slow up when we caught up to her. We got her slowed enough to turn her around and bring her back in.” Walker repositioned his hat. “But she’s hot and it’s not safe or humane to put a hot horse up without cooling her down.”
“I thought I’d heard it was dangerous to use cold water, let them drink or eat, when they are hot?”
“Myths. Best to walk them first, but cold water is fine to hose them with. Since the evening isn’t super warm, the hose water will likely be lukewarm.” Walker reached across his body to touch Reid’s arm propped on the fence. “Probably best to have her drink cool water rather than cold, but only because they usually drink more when the water isn’t super cold.”
“She’s massive,” Reid murmured.
“She’s one of the most gorgeous animals I’ve ever seen.” Walker squeezed Reid’s elbow. “We’ve not had her long. She’s got a lot of fear and bad habits, but we’ll get her straightened out.”
“She looks angry and mean.” Reid shivered.
“Nah, she’s just not had the right upbringing. No love.” Walker stared at the horse. “You’ll be amazed at her transformation. You won’t even recognize her when we’re done with her.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” Reid said. “Or I’ll watch her transformation from afar.”
Wes led Beauty to the barn. “I’ll finish her up, boss,” Wes waved to Walker.
Walker and Reid moved around the barn, checking the stalls and horses. Reid stayed more in the middle, farther away from the animals.
“Gotta say I’m pretty impressed you’re even in the barn,” Walker bumped Reid’s shoulder as they neared Cinnamon’s stall.
Reid shrugged. “Guess all the worry overrode my fear. At least for tonight.”
“Maybe you can use this as proof that the horses aren’t out to maim and maul you. Spend some more time here,” Walker suggested.
Reid gave a noncommittal grunt.
After a late-night shower, Reid made his way to the kitchen and found Walker leaning against the sink looking out the window.
“You okay?” Reid lay a hand on Walker’s bare shoulder.
Walker shuddered as if to clear his mind before turning to take Reid in his arms. “Yeah, just a lot on my mind.”
“Beauty?”
“Well, yes, she could have been injured or killed. I want to make sure the kids who did this know how dangerous it was, as well.” Walker paused.
“But? It sounds like there’s something else.” Reid pulled back and looked directly into Walker’s eyes.
“It’s probably nothing,” Walker began.
“Go on,” Reid encouraged.
“Pine Ridge sits on a geothermal pocket. It’s not the biggest around by any means, but it’s large enough to net a substantial profit for the geothermal company who purchases it.”
“Okay?” Reid scowled. “Are you saying you want
to dig up the ranch? Sell to someone? I’m confused.”
“No, not at all.” Walker shook his head and moved to sit on the counter top. “When I first came here, multiple geothermal companies were pursuing Jack and trying to buy the ranch or at least part of it so they’d have access to the pocket.”
“Was Jack interested in this?”
“Not at all. He told them in no uncertain terms that no part of his ranch was for sale and it never would be.” Walker drummed his fingers on the counter.
“So what’s the problem?” Reid moved to stand between Walker’s legs.
“Like I said, probably nothing. But the biggest of the companies contacted me this morning suggesting a large purchase price and asking for a meeting.” Walker draped his arms around Reid’s neck.
“So tell them no,” Reid replied.
“The issue is that the company made mention of a new party involved in their pursuit of the ranch, and made a point to bring up that the new party has informed them that the ranch may not be in a stable ownership position at this point.” Walker massaged Reid’s neck.
Reid scowled. And then his eyes widened. “My dad?”
Walker shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe? It would make sense.”
“But why? What would my dad have to do with any of it?” Reid wondered aloud.
“Maybe he has a hand in the company? Owns shares? Wants to mess with the ranch so that you sell and move on?” Walker shrugged. “There’s any number of reasons.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I think you and I will pay a visit to my grandma and have a meeting with the company next week.” Walker tipped up Reid’s chin to kiss him. “We’ll do the meeting one day, spend the night, and visit Grandma the next day. Plan?”
“I like it.” Reid kissed Walker. “I’m worried about whatever this meeting could bring about. But I’m happy to meet Grandma…,” Reid paused, “Corrigan?”
“Yeah, my mom was never married so she kept her maiden name.” Walker trailed his hands down Reid’s back and gripped his waist, pulling him closer before kissing him deeply. “And we don’t have to hold off on anything while we’re here. We’re in a pretty quiet wing of the house, but an overnight at the hotel could be a fun night, ya know?”
Reid reached up and wrapped his arms around Walker’s neck and returned the kisses before murmuring, “Mmm, I think that sounds like a very fun night.” He pulled back a bit. “I’m fine with what we’ve got going, not too fast, not too slow, but I’m not against going farther.”
Walker groaned. “Same. I didn’t want to rush into anything, but I’m definitely on board with moving things along.” He hugged Reid close and sighed. “Probably better hit the hay.” He kissed the tip of Reid’s nose and ran fingers through the hair at the base of Reid’s neck. “I gave all the guys an extra two hours of sleep in the morning, so I have to be sure I’m up and ready to do the work.”
“Aww, that was nice, but why? Doesn’t that just leave you with extra? And even less sleep?” Reid pouted as he defended Walker.
“I’m the one in charge. Those men worked hard tonight. They deserve it. I don’t mind, and the head man has to be ready to shoulder the work. The ranch is only as good as those in charge lead it to be.” Walker kissed Reid then pushed him away as he hopped from the counter. “Sleep tight.”
12
“Good morning,” Reid mumbled as he poured coffee.
Walker stopped mid-sip of coffee. “Why are you up? I didn’t mean you had to help. Go on back to bed.” He walked to the counter and pulled Reid into an embrace. Walker nuzzled Reid’s neck and kissed along his jawline. “Although, I can’t say I won’t enjoy this for just a bit before heading out to the barn.”
Reid tipped back his head, offering Walker more of his neck, and rocked his hips into Walker’s. “Mmm, I’ll get up early every day if this is how you greet me.”
Walker chuckled. “Seriously, I didn’t expect you to help. Go on back to bed for a while.”
“The ranch is only as good as those in charge lead it to be,” Reid recited Walker’s words from the night before.
Walker’s eyes sparkled and his face softened into a warm smile. “I like the sound of that. Working alongside you today sounds perfect.” He tipped Reid’s chin and kissed him. “Let’s see if we can wrangle up something to eat.”
“There are leftovers from the party.” Reid went to work gathering and plating food. “Your breakfast is served, sir.”
They sat adjacently at the table, their knees nudging and teasing.
“I want to learn to ride,” Reid blurted.
Walker’s fork clattered against his plate. “Say what?”
Reid shrugged. “I felt helpless last night when I couldn’t help with Beauty and the other horses. If I’m going to live on a ranch, I can’t avoid horses forever.”
“Are you sure?” Walker cocked his head. “There are tons of things you can do here without having to ride horses.”
“Yes, I’m sure.” Reid shivered. “I’m scared, but it’s important to me. I can’t be part of this place if I can’t get close to the main reason this ranch exists. My grandfather was a horse man, so it’s got to be somewhere in my blood.”
Walker beamed. “Great. We’ll start slow. Get you comfortable just being around the horses first. Then we’ll figure out which would be best for you to ride.” He winked and waggled his brows.
Reid groaned and bit his lip. “I know exactly what would be best for me to ride.”
It was Walker’s turn to groan.
“Come here, baby. I’ve got some sugar for you.” Walker’s voice echoed softly among the horse’s noises in the barn.
“That sounds promising,” Reid murmured at Walker’s side.
Walker laughed and dug into his pocket to produce sugar cubes. “I meant for the horse, you goof.” He leaned over and kissed Reid. “But I promise to give you some sugar later.”
Reid sighed. “I’ll hold you to that.” He moved back suddenly and tensed. “So, this is my girl, huh? She’s a shit ton bigger than Cinnamon.”
“Well, Cinnamon isn’t old enough to ride, so the next best horse is Buttercup.” Walker held out a sugar cube, and the mare gobbled it up before nuzzling her nose against Walker’s chest. “Buttercup is a total sweetie.” Walker offered her another sugar cube. “She likes sugar cubes, but the true way to her heart is with carrots. Head over to the fridge and grab a couple. She’ll love you forever if you give her a carrot.”
Reid took a deep breath. “Love me forever or eat me along with the carrot.”
Walker chuckled. “Damn, man, when was the last time you heard of a horse eating a person?”
Reid shrugged and turned for the fridge across the barn. “Could happen,” he grumbled. “Maybe.”
“Horses don’t eat meat. Some are known to be biters, but Buttercup has never had that issue.” Walker brushed the horse as Reid returned with three large carrots.
“What’s she here for? Don’t all the horses have some sort of problem you’re trying to fix?” Reid stood a couple arm’s lengths from Buttercup’s stall.
“Nah, some are here for breaking, some for training, some for rehabilitation. Buttercup was just a purchase Jack made. She’s not a racer, but she’s a smooth ride and a good horse. We can trust her. She’s not easily spooked. I take her out to ride the fence sometimes. No attitude, no trouble, great gal.” Walker connected a lead to Buttercup’s bridle. “Come on, we’ll go out in the corral. The arena is being used for training right now, but the corral is open.”
“Am I riding today?” Reid had stepped back and allowed Walker to lead the horse past, but stood stock still as he asked his question.
“Not unless you think you want to,” Walker hollered back.
Reid scoffed and kicked at the dirt before following. When he reached the corral, he stood by the fence and watched Walker lead Buttercup around once.
“Okay, bring her a carrot. It’s your turn.” Walker waved Reid
over.
Reid handed Walker two carrots and kept one in his hand.
“Hold it out to her.” Walker demonstrated. “If it’s small, hold it flat in your hand so her teeth don’t nip, but the carrot is long enough she can take a bite from it first.”
Reid did as instructed, wincing as he offered the carrot to Buttercup. When he didn’t lose a finger, he chuckled and watched as the horse gobbled up the carrot. “Dang, she eats that like I eat cake.”
Walker bumped Reid’s shoulder. “Now, hold the rest of it in your hand, but keep your palm flat. She’ll put her mouth on your hand, but she’s not going to bite if your hand is flat and out of her way.”
Reid grimaced but held the remainder of the carrot out to Buttercup. When her muzzle came in contact with his skin, he shivered and grabbed Walker’s hand. “Oh my God, that feels so weird.”
Buttercup nuzzled her head against Reid’s chest as if asking for more carrots.
“See, she loves you now.” Walker handed Reid another carrot. “Give her this one and then we’ll walk her for a while.”
A half hour later, all the carrots were gone and Buttercup was indeed loving Reid.
“She’s not pushed me into the fence or stepped on my foot or kicked me even once,” Reid marveled.
“Most horses are calm and sweet. Whatever horse horror movie you’ve got on replay isn’t reality.” Walker led Buttercup to the water trough. “You ready to put her away?”
Reid stood, hands on hips, and jutted his chin as he took a deep breath. “I want to ride.”
“We will. Give yourself time.”
“No, today. Unless you think I’m not ready.” Reid walked slowly toward Walker and Buttercup. “She’s the gentlest horse I’ve ever seen aside from Cinnamon. I want to start riding. Today.”
“No reason not to, I just didn’t want to push you too fast.” Walker handed the lead to Reid. “Let her drink more if she wants. I’ll get the tack, and we’ll get started.”
Two hours later, Reid was sore but exhilarated. “Was that okay? I mean, I know I still have to learn how to put on the saddle, but I think I did okay. What do you think?” His words were breathless as he led Buttercup back to the barn.
