Page 105 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

“Yes, I did. We’re supposed to approach with calmness and voices that are happy and not aggravated.” She gives me, Brook and Gabe a look in turn. “They pick up on emotions, like Brook said, and arguing isn’t good for him.”

Gray chuckles. “Jesus, George. We’re gonna be here all day with bull psychoanalysis.”

She holds her head high and I’ve never wanted her more, even in her wrangling gear. She has on thick, knee-high boots that are covered in mud, much like the rest of us.

“He’s got a fully enclosed stable all to himself,” Beau remarks. “I think he’s gonna be pretty good once he gets over his little stage fright here.”

“Calm,” Georgia says. “That’s all we need to be, isn’t it, you big ol’ softie?”

Bucko snorts, then tips his head toward her, letting her scratch under his chin. Okay, I don’t like how close he’s getting, especially with those horns, but she’s behind a steel gate. He won’t be able to do anything.

“He’s not exactly the most agreeable creature, is he?” Gabe shakes his head.

“He’ll move when he’s ready,” I say. Nobody in this family would prod him to get him to move, and it’s important to me that he knows despite our history, I’d never do that.

“He hates me,” I mutter.

Georgia plays with his ears. “He doesn’t hate you, he’s just misunderstood. He doesn’t like being called a beast. He has feelings.”

“Not you too,” Gabe groans.

“Don’t look at me.” Brook holds up his hands, reigns still laced through his fingers. “Though I’m glad to see another member of this family taking it seriously.”

“What should we call him then?” Gray laughs. “Buttercup?”

Georgia elbows Gray in the ribs. “He has a perfectly good name, don’t you, beautiful boy? Don’t you?”

All of a sudden, he lurches forward and we let go. He runs down and off the truck ramp and into the pen. We follow after him, securing the gate behind as he jumps around wildly for a few moments, then stomps and kicks the dirt.

“See, woman’s touch,” Beau laughs. “Georgia has a point.”

“Or she might just be as nuts as Brook.” Gray dodges another elbow.

We’ll still need to release his reins, but for now, he seems happy enough. He wanders off and we all watch as he smells the grass and moves around the field.

“You know, he’s going to need some friends,” Georgia sighs. “He might get lonely.”

Brook pats me on the back. “I hear bulls and donkeys get along.”

I shove him off. “I don’t think so, maybe a lady friend is more up his alley.”

“But then you’ll have lots of bulls.” Georgia giggles. “Keep those pretty girls away, they’re trouble.”

My eyes meet hers and she rolls her lips.

No truer words spoken. The pretty ones are always trouble, especially her.

“So I’ve heard,” I mutter.

I watch him and that feeling inside me grows. He’s here. He’s safe. We may not be the best of friends, but he doesn’t have to worry anymore. I’m not going anywhere.

And more animals would be good. I plan on getting horses soon, and Brooklyn is always hitting me up with suggestionsfrom rescues. I want to ride again. For the first time in years, I want to really live.

And it’s thanks to the woman in front of me that I can’t keep my eyes off.

I’ve just gotta find a way to tell them, and soon.

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