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“Not too bad. None of the hands have been seriously hurt, and some of the ponies seem to be settling in.”
“How many did you bring in?”
“Eight. Three have already been claimed. You can go over the orders and the books later this evening if you want.”
“I do. Now, where’s the mare you wanted my help with?”
“Far pen.”
In addition to the large pasture where Cheyenne was lording over, there were three small corrals for unbroken newcomers.
“Anyone express an interest in her?”
“Yes, Randolph Nelson’s daughter, Cass.”
Spring showed her surprise. “Really?” Cassandra was sixteen.
“Yes, he came by earlier to look over the new stock and she was with him. Soon as she saw the mare, she asked him to buy her.”
Spring had met her a few times in the past, but only to say hello. Cass was his only child, and Nelson set so much stock in her abilities he’d been training her since she was a little girl to take over the reins of the ranch one day. Spring found that admirable. Others did not. “Is she still here?”
He nodded. “Over by the fence. She hasn’t moved since they arrived.”
Spring and Garrett walked with Ed to the corral. Spring nodded at the small group of people watching the pacing, restless mustang inside. The mare was a beauty with a dark chestnut coat, a jet-black mane, and a white tail that matched the blaze between her eyes and the stockings on her legs. Spring was a tad jealous that Cass Nelson had already laid claim. Foals sired by Spring’s stallion Cheyenne would fetch a pretty penny. Setting that aside,she focused on the mare now racing and rearing in the pen.
“When was the last time someone tried to ride her?”
“About three hours ago. She took a plug out of Elwood’s leg and did her best to stomp him to death but he got the hell out of her way.”
“That angry, huh?” Spring said, taking in the animal’s deep chest and well-formed frame.
“Quite.”
“Let me go get Lady and see if she can calm her down.”
“Miss Spring?”
Spring turned at the sound of her name and met the shy brown eyes of Cass Nelson.
“I’m Cass Nelson. We met a couple of times when you did some work for my father.”
“I remember. I’m hearing you want your pa to buy you that mare.”
“I do.” Viewing the mare with adoring eyes, she added, “I’m naming her Princess.”
Something must have shown on Spring’s face because the young woman asked, “You don’t like the name?”
“I think she’s more a queen than a princess, but you can name her what you want.”
Cass studied the mare. “You’re right, Queen is better. She’s very regal, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she is. Is your father here?”
“He left a few hours ago to fetch my mother. He should be on his way back by now.”
“Okay. I want to talk to them when he returns. I’ll need their permission for you to help me with her.”
Her face brightened. “Me?”
