Chapter 21
Chapter twenty-one
Dakota
“So, this is my baby.” I slide open the latch to Rebel’s stall.
He snorts, swishing his tail as I step inside.
This was the first horse I ever purchased on my own.
I purchased him from Emmett, but I made him promise not to skim on the price.
I wanted to pay top dollar. What he would sell him for to anyone on the market.
The Mayson’s had done so much for me, and even though Emmett tried to gift me the black beauty now prancing around his stall, I refused.
“Baby.” Arizona peeks her head between the rails. “He’s huge.”
I chuckle, running my hand over his nose, before I lean in to kiss his neck. “Don’t let his size fool you. He’s a sweetheart.”
My back muscles twitch as I maneuver myself next to him.
We introduced Arizona to The Sandlot last night, and fortunately I fell asleep on the couch instead of in Cooper’s bed.
Which was probably for the best because after the day I’d had I would have most likely cried or climbed on top of him and let him hold me.
I glance back at her. “Want to give him some love?”
She steps back. “Hard pass.”
“He won’t hurt you.”
“Not really my thing.” She crosses her arms. “How did this become your thing?”
I run my hand along Rebel’s back. “I've been around horses since I was little. Billy had a gambling problem and was always at the track. I think I became intrigued then. The speed. The power behind their bodies. The way they took care of their riders.” I keep my hand placed on his hip, moving slowly around his back end before traveling up his other side. “Never ridden one until I came here for the first time for Cooper’s twelfth birthday party.”
“And you just hopped on?” She asks.
“Pretty much.”
I remember than instant feeling of peace when I came to the barn.
“Horses have this emotional…” I pause, trying to figure out the best way to put it. “Intellect. They read body language. They read behavior.”
“You’re telling me that thing is an emotional genius?” She lifts a brow.
My laughter echoes through the stall. “In a way, yes.”
Horses became my therapy. It was the only time I wasn’t thinking about home. About when I would eat next. If we had electricity when I got back. I could just be a girl on a horse. And it was magical.
I’m lucky enough to have a full time job here at the ranch, that not only allows me to help train the colts, but I still have time to manage my personal sessions outside of the Mayson Ranch.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” she mumbles.
Pressing a quick kiss to Rebel’s jaw, I slide out of the stall and lock the latch. “Alright, let’s go check on the boys.”
“The boys?” She questions, falling in step beside me.
“I’ve been training three colts the last few months. They’re being picked up by their new owners tomorrow morning,” I tell her as we exit the barn and head toward the arena. “It’s kind of bittersweet,” I admit. “I’m proud of their growth but through the hard work, I tend to get attached.”
A brief wave of panic hits me as we walk down to the pens. Will that happen with Arizona? I get attached just for her to be sent to a new home? A better place?
I spot Cooper first. He’s leaned against the fence, his head tilted back in laughter as Clyde and Maddox join in.
A smile pulls at my lips as we approach. “Morning.”
“Well, who do we have here?” Clyde tips his hat. “Looks like a mini Dakota if I ever saw one.”
I smile and nudge her arm. “Clyde, this is Arizona. My sister.”
He grins. “Nice to meet you young lady. You can call me Clyde.”
“Clyde.” She lets a smile form as she peers up at the old man. “Nice to meet you.”
“He’s like a surrogate grandpa.” I shoot Clyde a wink.
“I’m here to serve.”
I feel Cooper’s hand slide around my waist. “Morning, wife.”
Tingles skate along my skin, but I school my reaction. “Husband. You taking care of my boys?”
“Always.” He juts his chin toward the next pen. “Got em’ saddled for you.”
My eyes scan over the pen, a sense of pride filling my chest.
“You did good, Birdie.” The simple praise is whispered in my ear.
Like he knew I needed it.
My eyes connect with his before he slaps a palm to my ass. “Now get out there and show Ari what a badass her sister is.”