A Horse Wrangler for Christmas

by Cheryl Wright

  It felt good, and she didn’t pull away, although Meredith knew she should. She didn’t like displays of affection in public. It felt rather risqué. When he finally pulled back, Daniel was grinning. She felt like slapping the grin right of his face.

  “Thanks for supper, Merri,” he said, still grinning. “I really love having you as my wife.”

  She just bet he did.

  Chapter Five

  Meredith stood back and let Casey gallop around the paddock until she was done. After that, she slowly moved toward the mare. “Had enough, girl,” she asked quietly, with Billy watching on.

  As she moved forward, Casey took a few steps back, her eyes wide and her nose flaring. For some reason, she was more agitated today than she was last time. Meredith stepped away and let her be. She leaned against the fence and watched her every move, but only for a few minutes, until the mare was calm again.

  She fingered the light-weight rope she held and moved toward the now calm horse, always keeping eye contact. She slowly reached up and touched her face, running her fingers slowly down it. “Good girl,” she said quietly. Her eyes still wide and her tail still raised, Casey watched Meredith closely. She ran her hands across the mare’s body and back, moving from one side to the other, always keeping a close eye on what the horse was doing.

  Very slowly, she unraveled the rope, and draped it over Casey’s neck. “That’s it, good girl,” she said when no reaction was forthcoming. She began to walk around the paddock and the horse followed. A sure sign she was earning her trust. She glanced across to see Billy watching her every move. She promised to teach him and she would. First he had to see how gentle he needed to be.

  How she wished Old George and the other cowpokes had come here with her. They were the best team she’d ever worked with. It was a pity Daniel couldn’t get them out here, but they had a guaranteed job with the new owner’s of pa’s ranch. Well, what was once pa’s ranch. The thought made her sad.

  Meredith shook her head. She needed to get her mind back on the job. This is exactly how accidents happened, and to date, she’d not had one accident. She didn’t plan to either. Casey stared at her as she leaned against the fence, then suddenly began to nuzzle her shoulder. Then the horse sniffed at her pocket. Meredith grinned. She pulled out a piece of carrot and offered it to the horse, who greedily ate it.

  She sniffed Meredith’s pocket again. “That’s enough for now, girl,” she said. “Next time we see if you’ll take the halter.” She removed the lightweight rope from around the mare’s neck, and made her way back to the fence, leaving Casey to forage around the paddock.

  “I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Billy said excitedly.

  Meredith waved her hands, indicating for him to keep his voice down. “Keep your voice low. She startles easily – I’m working on fixing that.” She turned to Billy. “What did you learn today?”

  He looked thoughtful. “To keep it lowkey and quiet?”

  “Anything else?”

  Billy thought hard this time. “Keep eye contact.”

  “You’re a quick learner,” she told her student. “It won’t be long and you’ll be training horses yourself.”

  He stared at her. “Really?”

  “Of course,” she said. “The best way to learn is to do it yourself. I’ll be there backing you up. Time to muck out the stalls.” She felt sorry for him, but it was part of his job, only until now, Daniel had been doing it because the others were far too lazy. Billy was different without Colt and Angus around, and that was a good thing.

  As Meredith sat working on the long-dead vegetable patch, she thought about Christmas. Daniel said he always celebrated the day in a big way, so she would have to come up with something special. Christmas was, after all, not far away.

  Pulling weeds from between her new plants, her mind was ticking over. She wouldn’t promise anything, but she could perhaps make a turkey and…maybe a plum pudding. Was that was traditional Christmas food? It was something Daniel mentioned, but she really wasn’t certain.

  Enough of the frivolities. She quickly stood and dusted off her breeches. It was time to think about supper. It would be quite some time until her home-grown vegetables would be ready to pick, so she went to the spring house and then the root cellar, and collected up her supplies.

  Tonight they would have roasted chicken and vegetables. Then she’d see if Daniel thought chickens were a waste of time and effort. He’d had so few, which irritated her. How did he expect she would bake without enough eggs? She’d had him build a decent chicken pen and bring her a couple of dozen chickens and a rooster. That would keep them going for a while, keep them in eggs, and the rooster would ensure there was always a plentiful supply of new chickens. She couldn’t help but grin. It was far too easy to see her husband was basically a city man.

  She’d spent time yesterday killing and preparing the chicken. With only the three of them, they’d get two meals from this chicken, and their lunch tomorrow was already provided. She really loved living on a ranch.

  With supper prepared and cooking, she could get back to doing what she loved doing best – training horses.

  “Billy, get me that stallion, would you? I don’t wanna leave it too long before we work with him again.”

  The young man’s face lit up. “Yes, Ma’am. Er, Miz Meredith.” He stopped what he was doing and fetched the horse in question.

  “I’m going to call him Shiver,” she said quietly. Billy stared at her. “Haven’t you noticed the way he does a funny shiver now and then?” She laughed.

  “No, Ma’am.” It was going to take him a long time to get out of that habit. In some ways it was good. It showed he had character, but it made her feel old. In truth, she was only about six years older than him, if that much.

  When Shiver was in the paddock she’d allocated for training purposes, Meredith let him gallop about as he had done previously. Only this time, she cautiously climbed the fence, carrots in her pocket. Billy sat on the fence watching closely. She knew he would make a great trainer when she was through with him.

  She moved slowly toward Shiver. His eyes opened wide, and he suddenly threw back his head. “It’s alright, boy,” she said quietly, reaching out toward him. He watched her closely. She went to touch his face, but he backed off. She continued to speak quietly and tried again to touch him, but he was having none of it.

  Suddenly he leaned his head down and sniffed her pocket. She gingerly pulled out a piece of carrot and offered it to him. Her heart pounded. He could turn on her, but she was a good judge of horse character, and was confident he was really a gentle giant. She kept eye contact while he ate the carrot, then reached out and gently stroked his face. “Good boy,” she said gently. “That’s right – I won’t hurt you.”

  She ran her hands over his body, moving slowly, never losing eye contact. When she came back to stand in front of her, he nuzzled her shoulder. Progress at last. Meredith pulled the short rope from her shoulder, and draped it over his neck. He studied her momentarily, but didn’t protest. He began to step back, and she followed him, stroking his face again, then ruffled his mane. He shook his head a couple of times, whinnying as he did. Meredith took that as a sign he’d accepted her, and the rope, and began to walk around the paddock. He followed her.

  She was elated. At first it seemed like he wasn’t going to comply with the training, and she had been certain if the opportunity arose, he would escape back into the wild. But now? Things were different and he might turn out to be one of her better students.

  She slowly turned toward him and offered another piece of carrot. He didn’t refuse. She slowly removed the rope from his neck, and began to walk away. When she finally left the paddock, he was grazing on the luscious grass there.

  “That is so gratifying,” she told Billy. It was then she noticed Daniel. He came to her and pulled her close.

  “You’re amazing,” he said quietly. “I thought Uncle Willy was good, but he has nothing on you. His
arms came up around her, and he kissed her forehead. Meredith slumped into him. As much as she loved training horses, it was tiring work.

  She suddenly straightened. “Billy, can you take Shiver back, and bring that young Palomino? You’re going to work with her.”

  He began to protest. “But…”

  She held up a hand. “I think you’re ready. I’ll be right there with you, I promise.”

  Billy glanced across at Daniel for reassurance. “You’ll be fine. If Merri says you’re ready, then you’re ready.” He pulled her closer still.

  “Remember, no sudden moves, and keep your voice low.” Meredith was certain he knew, but reinforcement was always worthwhile.

  “Yes, Ma’am. Er, Miz Meredith.” He scampered away before another word could be said.

  Daniel watched from the sidelines, his heart pounding. He knew Merri had it all under control, but still, he couldn’t help but worry.

  He watched as she stood not far from Billy. She was dwarfed by the horse, not that she ever let that bother her. It wasn’t that the horse was large, it was more to do with how small she was.

  She said something to Billy, but from this distance, Daniel couldn’t make out the words, but whatever it was, it would have been said in a low voice. Billy quickly reached out and the horse moved back. It was her first time working with anyone, and things could quickly get out of control, but Merri wouldn’t let that happen. He knew Billy was nervous, but it was only natural.

  Merri stood back away from the pair, and Billy had full control. This time he moved slowly and carefully, and managed to touch the horse’s face. Merri nodded. That was far better from what Daniel could see.

  Soon Billy was running his hands all over the horse, and she was letting him. Finally he pulled a piece of carrot from his pocket and rewarded the mare. Merri was smiling and so was Billy. They left the horse to graze and made their way out of the paddock.

  “I can’t believe I just did that,” Billy said breathlessly. “That was exhilarating.” He was shaking his head, a grin from ear to ear.

  “You did brilliantly,” Merri told him. “She’s going to be easy to train.”

  “You should name her,” Daniel said, then thought he may have overstepped.

  Merri stared at him, then grinned. “You should.”

  Billy thought for a minute. “What about Gypsy? I used to know a gypsy. She was a sweet girl, but the family moved away.”

  “Gypsy it is then.” Merri grinned at him, then began walking away, but turned back. “Get her sorted, Billy. This girl is your responsibility, but don’t go in there with her for training unless I’m with you. You don’t know what will happen.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” he said, then headed to the barn.

  Daniel opened his arms to her and she snuggled inside them. “You’re doing a wonderful thing for that boy,” he told her. She glanced up at him.

  “He’s hardly a boy, but I think it will be the making of him.” She relaxed against him, and Daniel felt elated. After all this time, she seemed to finally warm to him. She shimmied as she made herself comfortable in his arms.

  Warmth flooded him. He hoped this was the beginning of them having a real marriage, and not one of convenience.

  She glanced up and studied him. “Daniel,” she said cautiously.

  “Hmmm?” He didn’t want to break the spell he was under.

  She turned her eyes away and looked past him instead. “It doesn’t matter,” she said quietly.

  He reached his fingers under her chin and leaned in and kissed her gently. “Tell me.”

  She licked her lips, then studied him. “I know this is meant to be…” She shook her head. “Forget it.”

  She pulled out of his arms and strode toward the ranch house. Whatever she wanted to say, it seemed rather serious. Please God, he prayed. Don’t let her want to leave.

  His heart shattered at the mere thought. Meredith had only been here for a couple of weeks before he realized he’d fallen in love with her.

  Daniel knew if she wanted to leave it would break his heart, but he had no right to make her stay.

  Chapter Six

  Christmas was creeping up, and Meredith still wasn’t certain what she would make for their Christmas dinner. With only the three of them, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but if she made an effort, Daniel would be pleased.

  They’d not long finished breakfast, and she’d sent Billy to feed the horses. For once she’d reneged and helped Daniel with the dishes.

  “I have to go into town shortly,” he told her. “Not sure how long I’ll be.”

  She glanced at him curiously. It hadn’t been that long since he’d been to town – a little over two weeks ago, she was sure. What was he up to? More importantly, was everything alright? Was he ill? She desperately wanted to ask, but held her tongue. He’d tell her if he wanted.

  He dried the last plate, and turned to place them all in the cupboard. As he turned back, she swallowed down her emotions. He looked fine, seemed like everything was normal, so why was he going to town so often? If he wasn’t attending the doctor’s office, and they didn’t need supplies, where was he going?

  To the bank perhaps? Surely he didn’t need a loan – with the number of sales they made, he should be reasonably well off. Now they’d removed the dead weight, meaning Angus and Colt, they’d be even better off.

  “I’ve been thinking,” she said cautiously. “I know it’s almost Christmas, but we need to replace Angus and Colt.”

  She stared at Daniel as he appeared to be fighting back a grin. What was he up to? It seemed like it was no good at all. His blank expression didn’t fool her one bit. She’d learned to read him after all this time. He was hiding something, and she was determined to find out what it was.

  As he stood in front of her, a plan rolled through her mind. Meredith didn’t use her feminine wiles often, in fact, rarely at all. This situation demanded she use them to get the information out of him. “Daniel,” she said, running her arms up his chest and around his neck, trying to get his attention.

  He glanced at her, and a smile formed on his face. She got up on her toes, but she was still too short to reach him, so he leaned down. “What are you up to,” he whispered, then his lips covered hers.

  He tasted of bacon and eggs, and warm coffee. His lips were soft, and she savored them. What began as a way to get information, quickly turned to passion. She had fallen in love with this man, and although he might be far different to Meredith, she had real feelings for him. It was a pity he lusted for her, rather than loved her.

  His hands slid underneath her and he picked her up. Her arms slid around his neck, and she rested her head against his chest. His heart beat was rapid, just like hers.

  “Horses are fed, Miz Mered…” Billy stopped dead in the doorway, and the door slammed behind him. “Sorry,” he said, then fled the room.

  Daniel grinned. Meredith pouted. “Now look what you’ve done,” she said fiercely. “I’ll never be able to look that boy in the eye again.” She felt the heat crawl up her face.

  “I have to go anyway,” he said, regret written all over his face. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Do you need any supplies while I’m in town?”

  She thought for a moment. “Maybe you could pick up a recipe for plum pudding? Oh, and the ingredients to make it.”

  He studied her curiously.

  “What?” she said. “I’ve never done one before.”

  He chuckled. “I guess you haven’t. I appreciate you’re willing to make the effort.”

  Daniel leaned in and kissed her again. She only wished it were for real. “You can put me down now,” she said, not really wanting to be put back on the floor. She felt more comfortable in his arms.

  She watched with regret as Daniel went outside. Meredith admonished herself. She had work to do, this ranch didn’t run itself. They had horses to train, and the army didn’t wait for no one. They too had a deadline, and unless Daniel managed to rustle up some decent
workers, they would be hard-pressed to meet their target.

  Meredith went to the bathroom and straightened herself out. She checked her hair in the mirror – it was already a mess. She quickly fixed it and went outside – where she would have to face Billy. She sighed. Sometimes Daniel could be more than a little annoying. But mostly he was endearing.

  Reaching the bottom step, she spotted Billy waiting at the fence to the training paddock. “I thought you’d want to start with Casey,” he said as she got closer.

  “Thank you,” she said. She’d been working in the order she’d begun training each horse, rotating through them so as not to cause confusion. That’s what she did on pa’s ranch, and she’d stuck to that routine as it worked so well.

  “I’ll need the halter today,” she told Billy, then was thoughtful. “Bring me a blanket as well.”

  He stared at her curiously. “Yes, Miz Meredith. You’re the boss.”

  “I think she’s ready,” Meredith said, as though she needed to justify her decision.

  He frowned. “I wasn’t questioning…” He trailed off and looked upset.

  “It’s alright, Billy. We’ll see how she goes. Better to have it there if it’s needed. If she takes to the blanket now, we’ll try the saddle later today.”

  He grinned then disappeared. There were no shortcuts in this business, but Casey seemed ready, otherwise Meredith wouldn’t even contemplate it.

  She was waiting when the horse arrived. Casey strolled over to her and sniffed her pocket. Meredith wasn’t surprised. “Not yet,” she said gently. “You have to earn it first.” She lifted her hand and began to massage the horse all over. She ruffled her mane, then lifted the halter. Casey moved toward it and sniffed. She didn’t pull back.

  The entire time, Meredith spoke gently to the horse. In one swift move, she put the halter over the horse’s head seemingly without her even realizing it. “Good girl,” Meredith said soothingly. “Now you can have that piece of carrot. She reached into her pocket and offered it to the horse. It was quickly gone. “Now we go for a bit of a stroll.”