by Brynn Paulin
“Any day of the week.”
* * * *
They decided indeed to go riding—at the Flying D. Since it was a long holiday weekend, Patrick took off from the shop and they had a picnic—a real picnic with a little extra spice thrown in—before their friends came in.
When they returned to the barn afterward, they dismounted and led their horses inside the clean, spacious area. The Flying D owner, Robert, was inside looking at a small group of horses with a couple of his men. His arms were crossed over his chest as he regarded the four animals. He shook his head, speaking to the men.
Her brow furrowing, Verity handed the reins of her horse to Sim and walked over to her old friend.
“Is the equipment ill-fitting?” she heard him ask as she approached.
“What’s up?” she asked him.
“Looks like I need to get your daddy out here,” he replied. “I need him to check out these mares.”
She studied the four. “They have streptothricosis,” she observed. “Rain rot. Look at the way the hair is tufting on their hindquarters. The scabs need to be combed out and their hair thinned. Everything will need to be sterilized to keep from cross contamination. The other horses will need to be checked, too. These are bad cases, and the others might have it but to a lesser degree. Do you mind if I take a closer look at these?”
“Have at it,” Robert said.
Slowly, she stepped forward so she didn’t spook any of the mares. Moving to the closest one, she stroked its muzzle while speaking in a low, calm voice. Gradually, she moved to the side, smoothing her hand along the horse’s side. Occasionally, she’d feel small bumps, but the animal’s skin was fairly clear until she reached its hindquarters. Crouching, she discovered a plethora more scabs underneath.
“Once these are removed and the horses brushed down, I’d recommend an antibiotic to speed along the healing. At least, for this one. I’d have to check the others to see what stage they’re in. This is quite advanced. Considering it’s May, that’s unusual.” She returned to the horse’s head and petted it again. When she turned again to face her old friend, she found the four men had joined him.
Robert cocked his head. “Will they need ointment?”
“Absolutely not. The problem is trapped moisture. Ointment would only hold it in. For some reason, these horses have been damp for long periods of time…”
He frowned and glanced over her shoulder at his hands. “I’ll look into it. I should have recognized the rain rot.”
“It’s pretty bad,” she offered, defending his failure to identify it.
“Yet, you did.” He grinned. “What exactly have you been up to, squirt?”
“That’s Dr. Squirt to you.”
“Well, Doc, why don’t you come to see me Tuesday morning after the holiday and tell me all about your credentials and training? I’ve been looking to hire on a vet, but I didn’t want to undercut your dad. My spread is large enough for its own veterinarian, though.”
She glanced at Patrick and Sim, excitement building in her chest. “I think I’d like that. Eight?”
“How ‘bout ten. Morning chores should be done by then and I’ll have gotten through pressing business.”
“I’ll be here. Thanks!”
He glanced at his horses. “No…thank you, Verity. I think we’ll be great working together.” He glanced behind them to Patrick and Sim. “As long as these two are okay with you coming out here to work with this bunch of cowboys everyday.”
“As long as they keep their hands off and send her home at the end of the day,” Sim replied, surprising her since he was generally the most laidback.
“They’ll definitely behave or face my wrath,” Robert confirmed. He smiled. “This is going to be good,” he said almost to himself. He turned back to the horses and started directing his crew. Verity had no doubt she’d find all the horses in tip-top shape on Tuesday. And she had a job!
She was practically jumping up and down as she exited the barn.
“I don’t have to ask if you’re happy,” Patrick laughed, spinning her around. He kissed her hard then Sim caught her and took over.
“I can barely breathe, this is so perfect,” she exclaimed. She loved the Flying D. She’d get to see her Briar. She got to stay in Daly! And best of all she’d be with her men!
“There’s just one thing…” she said, turning serious.
“What’s that?” Sim asked. Both men’s brows furrowed in concern.
“What is it?” Patrick asked.
“Before we celebrate,” and oh what a celebration they’d have with all five of them tonight, “I want something from you.”
“Okay…” they said cautiously.
“I want the two of you to meet me on Sunday in the middle of Main Street before Conlin and Regan leave. Meet me and most of the rest of Daly. Give me your hands and…” She had to swallow around a knot. “And promise me forever.”
“There’s no getting away this time,” Patrick told her.
She shook her head, loving them more than ever. “No, not this time. I’m giving you forever too.”
The two of them gathered her in their arms, hugging her fiercely and murmuring their love. Tears of happiness streamed down Verity’s face. She’d finally found her way home… She’d never be lost again. These men had always been here and they’d forever fill her soul.
About the Author
When it comes to books and movies, Brynn has one rule: there must be a happy ending. After that one requirement, anything goes. And it just might in her books.
She lives in Michigan with her husband and two children, who love her despite her occasional threats to smite them. They humor her and let her think she's a goddess...as long as she provides homemade chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis. Brynn has conducted workshops at several writers’ conferences around the country and enjoys mentoring and meeting new people.
According to Brynn, her writing success can be attributed to an eclectic collection of music, her local road construction crews, a trusty notebook, and of course, her husband, Mr. Inspiration, who puts up with a lot in the name of research.
Brynn loves to talk to her readers and can be found at www.brynnpaulin.com.
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