5. Huckleberry
Huckleberry
Willa
I knew I should have locked that damn rooster up yesterday. “It is only 5:30 in the morning” I yell out, startling Tilly awake. She goes from sitting straight up, groaning to falling back on the bed. I go ahead and get up, heading to the kitchen to make some strong coffee. We are all going to need it today.
A knock at the door, has me wondering who in the hell is knocking at my door this early? And it better not be my brother. I have until at least seven to get my ass out there. Wrapping my robe tightly around me, I open the door to be greeted with an older man in a black suit. Looking behind him sits a black Cadillac SUV.
“Miss Willa Crenshaw?”
“Yes, can I help you?”
“Yes, this is for you.” He hands me two large bottles of some green substance. “This is from Mister Ho…I mean Mister Nash sent this over for you and your friends. A cup of this, and you will be hangover free. It is a concoction the brothers swear by.”
“Oh, well, thank you! I will let him know I received it. Hey…how did you know what cabin I was in?”
“Your mother sent me over here. It seems they were already tending to the cattle and horses this morning.”
“Gotcha. Well thank you, kind Sir. This will be put to good use. Please let Nash know I appreciate it.”
“I will, Miss, and have a good day.”
I nod and again in shock. Who sends over hangover juice this early in the morning? This unknown last name, Nash guy, that's who.
I wake the girls up, and we head to the counter while I pour glasses for each of us. It smells awful, but I am willing to try anything to not feel this shaky and miserable all day. Count of three, we all throw back and swallow. Followed by explicit gagging and making of disgust faces.
“This better work, or I will kill him,” Amity spits out, causing the rest of us to laugh as we head to get ready for the day.
Lana has more wedding planning to do, but Amity and Tilly are staying to help check-in the newcomers today. Amity gives the horseback tours on the weekend because it is the only time she has to ride these days. Let alone, she has too much fun playing jokes on guests with her reining horse, Nevada, she boards here. Tilly will typically help me give riding lessons to the kids, and right now, she is my star of the show since I have yet to jump back on that horse.
Heading out the door, I pull my phone out to text Nash.
Me: Thank you for the hangover elixir. So far it has worked wonders.
Nash: You are welcome. It is a secret recipe, but let me know when you need more. I will have it delivered.
Me: You are too kind, Sir. How did you know I would be up that early?
Nash: Took a wild guess. I told Grant if you did not answer to just leave it on your porch with a note. Glad you were up.
Me: I take it you are traveling?
Nash: Yes, Blake is driving. We are still an hour away.
Me: Okay. Well enjoy your work day. I am going to try and wrangle some horses.
Nash: This I would like to see.
Me: Anytime, cowboy.
Oh, no…wrong emoji...unsend, unsend…
Nash: …
Those damn three dots keep popping up and then going away, then popping up… I throw my phone across my truck and start it up as Amity and Tilly jump in.
DING ! Tilly snatches my phone from the seat and reads it out loud.
Nash: You have no idea how much I want to taste you and feel your lips on me.
“Holy horses…where was this last night? He seemed so quiet.”
“Maybe he is one of those quiet CEO types that is dominant in the bedroom. He definitely put off some type of vibe,” Amity says, raising her eyebrows up and down, causing me to blush, thinking of the comments he made when I referred to him as ‘Sir’ last night.
“You read too much about Alpha males.” I feel my inner workings yearn for something I have not had in a long time.
“Calling the kettle black this morning?” We all just laugh because it is so the truth.
“What do I say back?”
“You don’t. At least not right away,” Tilly says.
Amity speaks up, “I got a better idea, let's go see some horses. Especially Doc.”
As soon as we drive up to the pasture, and I holler for Doc Holiday, he comes not at his usual canter, he comes as fast as he can. Luckily followed by the three other horses that we need for this morning's lessons.
“Hey there, my prince charming,” I coo as I rub his face down before placing the halter on him. “You want to come help some today?” Doc answers with a nudge in the face.
We get the other three haltered up, and Tilly and I sit on the tailgate, holding on to their ropes as Amity drives slowly to the stables. Sunrise is gorgeous this morning, and there is still a nice morning dew fog that hasn’t completely blown away yet. Once at the stables, we tack the three horses, and I leave Doc in his halter. I have no plans on putting him to work today, but I know he enjoys the change of scenery and extra attention he can get from visitors.
Amity comes up to us, holding out her hand. “Give me your phone.” I hand it over with a raised brow. “Okay, lay a kiss on your Huckleberry over there, and we'll send a pic to Mister dominant.”
“I like where you are going.” Smiling, I lean over and onto Doc. “Say cheese, Doc!” And he does as I place a kiss on his left cheek.
“Perfect,” I giggle as Amity shows me the picture. It really is too. Doc's smile is the best, but he really does it up for this picture with me kissing him.”
Me: Get in line behind my Huckleberry, cowboy. (picture attached)
I am getting the disappearing three dots again...
Nash: I have never been jealous of a horse before. Thank you for the first.
Me: This is Doc Holiday. The current love of my life. And you are very welcome.
Nash: Another note I am jotting down. Tombstone fan?
Nash: Does Doc Holiday know you have a hot date coming up that you will be leaving him for?
Me: Ssshhhh, we do not speak of such things around him. He can get very jealous. And yes on Tombstone.
Nash: Guess I better give him several reasons to be jealous then. It would only be fair.
Me: (video attached)
Nash: Did your horse really flare his nostrils at me?
Me: He is trained well.
Nash. Unbelievable.
Me: (picture attached)
Nash: Stop making me jealous. He gets your kisses and your hugs? I think you have no room in your life for another.
Me: There is plenty of room…
Me: For the right person.
Nash: Sounds like a challenge, and it has been accepted.
Me:
Nash: Would you think less of me if I told you I wish next Saturday was here already because I am really looking forward to our date and seeing you?
Me: No, I would think less of you if you didn’t.
Nash: (picture attached)
Me: Damn…Do you just wake up looking that HOT? Sorry, you just got the braid and no makeup look today. I see you traded in your swanky cowboy get-up for casual. I am diggin’ it.
Nash: I do, completely effortless, a complete gift.
Nash: Trust me, I feel the same way looking at you. I appreciate that you don’t feel the need to doll up or use a filter. Your beauty is undemanding.
Me: That's me! I am sure I play in the dirt more than most girls you have dated. Or ever dated. One thing you will learn about me real quick, I am tough, dirty, and unapologetic.
Me: Just thought I would throw that out there, in case you want to run. Now is your chance.
Nash: Only running to you, Willa.
Gushing…blushing…is this man real?
Nash: Hate to cut this chat, but we just arrived and have to go schmooze some clients on the golf course. Feel free to text me if you want. I will answer when I can.
Me: (picture attached)
Nash: (hearted image)
I finally look up to see Amity and Tilly gawking at me. “Did you just send him a selfie from atop of Doc?”
I look down and realize I am sitting on Doc, bareback. Taking a deep breath in, I calm my nerves. “I am on top of my horse!” I whisper-yell as tears roll down my cheeks.
I jumped on up here without thinking twice, just because I wanted to get this picture for Nash. This is huge as I look at my ladies. They get it and are crying with me. Six months, six fucking months, I have tortured myself about getting on a horse, let alone my Huckleberry–post the accident.
“Wil, you did it. Look at you!” Tilly exclaims. I lay down and wrap my arms around my big boy, and Amity snaps a picture on her phone. “This is a moment worth remembering.”
“Yes, yes it is!” I exclaim as I slide down off of Doc. My phone dings with the picture Amity just sent me. I immediately save it as my wallpaper. I can do this. It is time I do this. With the horses ready, we head out to the arena.