Page 112 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

Janey smiled at her. “Is there anything we can teach you about life around here?”

Retta bit down on her bottom lip.

“There is!” said Laney. “What is it?”

She looked down at the cast on her leg. “I’ve always wanted to learn to ride a horse. Obviously, it hasn’t been an option since I arrived, and it won’t be for a while yet – I’ll need to rehab my leg first but …”

“Just as soon as you’re ready, you let us know,” said Laney.

Janey looked more thoughtful. “You should get Trip to say that it’s okay first, though and … I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but are you sure that it’s a good idea?”

Frankie scowled at her. “She’s notthatold!”

Retta had to laugh. “Thanks, I think.”

“That’s not what I meant,” said Janey. “I was talking about … Callie mentioned once that you have osteoporosis.”

“So?” asked Laney.

“So that means her bones break more easily,” said Frankie.

“I know!” Laney grinned at Retta. “That just means you’ll have to learn not to fall off, right?”

They all looked up when a shadow fell across Retta. She knew it was Travis before he spoke.

“What are you thinking about falling off of, darlin’?”

She shrugged as she looked up at him.

“She’s not,” said Laney. “We’re going to teach her to ride – she won’t be falling off.”

Travis scowled. “It’s going to be a while before you can even think about that. You have a lot of physical therapy ahead of you when the cast comes off.”

“I know, I’m not talking about starting next week or anything, but I’ve always wanted to learn.”

He squatted down next to her. “You have? I thought it was just these girls talking you into it.”

“I was the one who brought it up.”

“You’ve never mentioned it before.”

She shrugged. “It didn’t seem like there was much of a point – like you said, it’s going to be a while before it’s a possibility.”

“But it’s something that you really want to do?”

“Yes, why?” She hated feeling so defensive, but if he was going to put up any arguments, she was going to have to set him straight. She loved him, she loved all the ways he looked out for her, but she couldn’t let his concerns hold her back.

He smiled. “Because if it’s important to you, I’m going to have to see what I can figure out.” He leaned in closer and kissed the tip of her nose to a chorus ofawwsfrom the girls.

He sat back on his heels and smiled at them. “Will you guys keep your eyes and ears open for a bomb-proof trail horse for me? And something I can ride, too.”

Laney grinned. “You got it, Trav. I’ll give you a call tomorrow and we can talk about it, but I can think of a couple of options you might be able to get your hands on.”

“You’re welcome to ride Bonnie or Clyde any time you want to,” offered Janey.

Retta laughed. “Do you think I should be starting off with outlaws?”

Janey smiled. “They got their names because they’re Clydesdales – and they’re two of the gentlest giants you’ll ever meet. I meant for Travis though – he’ll need a horse that kind of size to carry him.”

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