AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cal nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Brody watched the boy, proud of how carefully he listened to what he and Click and his father said. He was sharp as a tack. Tommy was a perfect fit, responsive to Cal without being jumpy or excitable. All in all, the boy’s first lesson went far better than Brody could have hoped for.
“He’s a natural,” Mr. Wallace said as Cal and Tommy trotted past.
“Just look at that smile,” India said, smiling herself.
“Cal ride?” Amberleigh asked, having joined them not too long ago.
“He is,” India agreed, picking up his daughter. “Like a real cowboy. Just like your daddy and your grandpa.”
Amberleigh nodded.
Brody did his best to hide the surge of love that swept over him. Here he was, his daughter, her son and the woman he loved most in the world. Cal’s pride made him proud, too. India’s sweet laugh, Amberleigh’s giggle—hell, even his father’s nod of approval at Cal’s accomplishments—told him this was what he wanted. This was the life he was mean
t to have. The life Cal and his girls deserved.
“What’s going on in that brain of yours?” his father whispered. “You’ve got that look on your face.”
“What look?” he asked.
“That look you get when you’re cooking something up.” His father sighed. “Always thinking. Always wanting more. Life will be easier when you stop wanting, Brody.”
He studied his father, pondering his words. He was right. Between the girls, being elected mayor and running all the family businesses, he should be happy. But now that he knew what could be, what should be, there was only one way he’d be truly happy.
Cal wanted to learn everything he could about taking care of Tommy. From brushing him down to cleaning his hooves to what he ate and why, the boy kept firing questions. Eventually India and Tandy rounded up the kids for some cookies and lemonade while he and his father went to look at horses again.
His father took his time, giving each animal a thorough once-over before nodding or shaking his head. Brody watched, making notes. His father had been running their ranch for a hell of a long time. One thing he’d learned from watching Cal today—take every opportunity to learn something new. When the horses were picked, they all headed inside for a snack.
“Lemonade?” Tandy asked. “Oatmeal raisin cookies?”
“Go get Tanner,” Amberleigh said as soon as she’d taken a cookie.
“You’re going to get Tanner?” Brody asked India.
“Just as soon as Cal’s finished,” India agreed.
“I wanted to thank you, Cal,” his father spoke up, letting Amberleigh climb into his lap. “I hear your dog kept the girls from getting snake bit. I’m only sorry he wasn’t as lucky.”
Cal nodded. “He’s a good dog, Mr. Wallace.”
“Then you’re a lucky boy,” his father said.
Cal nodded again. “I think so.”
“I had a dog when I was your age. She was big and mean to everyone but me and my mother. But she was like your Tanner, protecting me and going with me all over the place. She even chased off a black bear once—there were more of ’em around when I was a boy.” His father sipped his lemonade, lost in the memories of his childhood.
“What was her name?” Cal asked, stretching his legs out in front of his chair like the rest of the men.
“Sally.” His father nodded, taking a bite of the cookie. “Damn good dog.”
Brody had grown up on stories about Sally. He’d never gotten a dog for fear it would never be able to match Sally. Then, somehow, he’d ended up with a lapdog.
“Sounds like it,” Cal agreed.
“Tanner go?” Amberleigh asked.
“No, sugar, Tanner needs to go home with Cal and India. He’s their dog. Like Lollipop is yours.” Brody shook his head, watching his daughter rubbing her eyes. She was worn out. Which meant she might just take a nap on the ride home.
