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“What about Boyd?” I mention the mini cow Ryder surprised her with when she moved in.
“He’s with the other minis all the time, but I visit him daily and shower him with love. The rest of them know me as the treat lady. I like to bring them the scraps from when I cut up vegetables.”
We step inside the well-lit barn, and I’m amazed by its sheer size. Stalls line both sides, and the central area is clear of obstructions. I follow Calista to the first stall and peer inside, where two mini ponies stand side by side. “Oh my God. How freaking cute are they?”
“Right? This is Daisy and Ginger.” She clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth, and they approach us. Mimicking Calista, I hold my hand out and let them sniff my palm.
“I can’t deal with how adorable they are,” I say. Daisy’s thick tongue licks me, making me giggle. “Hey, I’m not food.”
“They like the salt we have on our skin,” she tells me.
I think about how I dumped my drink on Niall.I must taste extra salty.
Leading me down the right side of the barn, we stop at each stall so Calista can introduce me to the remainder of the ponies. Then we move across to the other side to see the mini cows.
She opens the first stall. “This little guy is Boyd.”
Big brown eyes stare up at me from under long lashes. I place my hand flat on my chest. “I think I’m in love.”
She laughs. “I had the same reaction the first time I saw him. He’s a lady killer, for sure.”
“Can I pet him?”
“Sure.”
Bending over, I hold my hand out. Boyd’s warm breath fans over my skin before the softness of his muzzle tickles my palm. Like the ponies, he licks me. I comb the fingers of my other hand through the thick blond hair on top of his head. “He’s so precious. How do you leave him out here? I’d want him living inside with me.”
“Believe me, it’s not easy, but minis are social animals. They like to be together. If he were the only one we had, he’d live in the house with us.”
“I’m picturing you letting him sleep in the bed with you and Ryder,” I say, laughing.
She nods. “Exactly. I’d spoil him rotten. He’d be eating treats around the clock too. It’s better for him and us if he’s with his brothers. Want to see something hilarious?” she asks.
Canting my head, I look at her. “Like you need to ask.”
She steps from the stall, returning almost instantly. She slips something on Boyd’s head before I see what she’s holding. When she moves to the side, I notice a green headband with reindeer ears, and I snort.
“Hilarious, right?” she asks.
I bob my head as Boyd unblinkingly stares up at me. “Adorable too.”
“He likes wearing it,” she says.
Leaning over, I wrap my arms around his neck and press my cheek to the side of his face. “He’s so cuddly.”
“I know. He’s like a giant teddy bear.”
“When you and Ryder have kids, they’ll be spoiled rotten with this menagerie of animals.”
Calista smiles. “I suppose they will, but that won’t happen for a while. I just moved in, and we’re not even married yet. I don't need to be married to have a baby, but it’s how I always envisioned my life.”
“Plus, your business is growing,” I point out.
She scratches the back of Boyd’s neck. “That too. Besides, I’m waiting for you to find Mr. Right so we can do the kid thing simultaneously.”
“Ha. If you wait for me, you’ll be too old to have kids.”
“Don’t say that.” Her tone is scolding.
