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Monica stands next to the tallest creature. “Molly told me eight were needed, but I had to bring out Romeo, too. Mostly because he has a real bond with Buttercup, and if he doesn’t go with you, I can’t keep him anyway. He doesn’t have a herd anymore. He’s retired…” She throws her hands in the air.
It’s the name of the game here on the Danes’ Ranch, and for most farming and ranching folk in the community. When the animals don’t do their jobs… well… it’s a sad fact, but the sadness doesn’t make the practical decisions go away. She’ll have to sell Romeo on to a solo owner. Nobody likes to break up a herd of horses and definitely not a pairing. Not people who have seen first-hand that animals can be heartbroken, too.
Even though my own heart broke a long time ago, a few shards still poke around in my chest, and horses always seem to steal a piece.
I wander over to Romeo’s side. His withers are my height. I’m six-one, so his head has to be reaching seven foot. He’s enormous, glorious. I go to inspect his eyes but struggle to do it in a way that’s comfortable for him. Not without a stepladder. His ears prick in my direction, and his lids rise, opening his giant eyes with curiosity.
I’m so not leaving this guy behind.
I pat his neck. “Molly told me you had a fire sale price going for our sleigh project. You aren’t showing these horses anymore?”
“It’s just getting to be a lot, Dash. You know how it is.” She gestures toward Ashton a few horses down the line chatting to Jojo and Logan.
Jolie is still acting funny with Ashton. But my attention is drawn back to Monica.
“My kids are all off doing their thing in the world, dancing on ice, serving the country. I don’t have time for it all anymore. I’ll still have my ponies, though. Love doing the lessons for the children.”
I nod and rack my brain for the numbers Molly ran in her proposal, but part of me doesn’t care. The Danes never screw the Hunters and vice versa. We practically gave them most of our cattle when we opened the resort.
Monica hands me a piece of paper with a number because she hates negotiating out loud. Fifty grand. Given the price of a hotel room at the resort, the horses will more than pay for themselves this season if we can draw in the winter tourists.
Jolie is now on the far end already inspecting the first of them. I suppose I am predictable. She knew I wouldn’t say no.
I lift the paper, roll my lips into a thin line, and nod. “This is for the eight. What do you want for Romeo?” He’d be more of a pet than anything, but I don’t want him living without Buttercup. I can’t handle thinking about a forlorn horse.
Monica lets out a sigh. “So there’s one thing with Romeo, and maybe Jolie will pick up something today. He hasn’t seemed quite right for a couple days. Muck is inconsistent… I’m pretty sure he needs a feed change or is getting some sort of gastrointestinal problem. I’ll give him to you free, provided you understand he might not be in great health and that you promise not to separate him from Buttercup. He’s an old boy, and I’ll hardly get anything for him anyway.”
I run my hand along his flank. Retirement horses are my vice. I hate how they’re often left to rot. Owners give up their stables to the newer, shinier model, meanwhile, these veterans deserve to be revered for a lifetime of service. They can still enjoy a nice easy trail ride out if you let them. “We’ll keep him and Buttercup together.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, ma’am. You know my word is good.” I tip my hat.
“I know, Dash. It doesn’t even pain me to say goodbye knowing he’s with you. And Molly. She’s very caring. I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your butt and hired someone.”
I step toward the next horse in line so she doesn’t see the grumble in my eyes.Ididn’t hire her.
I make my way down the line, checking out the stock, and something like enthusiasm grows warm inside. I try to push it down, not get too excited. We have no clue if this will lure in winter business. But the hell ifIdon’t want to try a sleigh ride.
When all is said and done, Monica and I agree the Danes will bring the horses over tomorrow.
I drop Molly a text so she can prepare for the extra work involved and hopefully get some weekend help in on a weekday. And get the contractors out to prepare field shelters.
Me
NINE HORSES INCOMING. EIGHT FOR THE SLEIGH OPERATION AND A BONUS FELLA.
Molly Russo
OMG! I’M SO EXCITED TO MEET THEM ALL. I BOOKED HANK AND SOME EXTRA HANDS FOR THE FIELD SHELTERS THIS AFTERNOON. THEY’LL HAVE A HOME BEFORE IT’S TOO COLD.
There’s a fine line between being presumptuous and prepared. Job done, I slip my cell back in my pocket, but it bleeps again, so I slide it back out.
Molly Russo
DASH, THANKS SO MUCH FOR BELIEVING I CAN DO THIS.
I stare at the emojis she sent. Prayer hands, a celebration, a pony head, and heart eyes. I almost smile. One of those sharp shards in my chest catches on her light and flickers.
