Page 40 of More Than a Fling

He shoved it toward her, and she traded the kitten for the small wooden horse. “Is everything alright Slim?”

His eyes were faded and weary as he looked up at Pepper. “I reckin.”

“You reckin?”

He smiled slightly, then said, “I’m gittin a little tired of being blamed for things I hain’t done,” he said.

“I’m sure nobody is blaming you for anything Slim—you’re the best thing that ever happened to this ranch,” Pepper said.

“Either I’ve done gone and lost it or someone else has, cuz there is a whole lotta of things going wrong around these parts.”

“You can’t take all the mistakes onto your own shoulders. Things seem to go wrong in streaks. Don’t take it personal. I for one can’t imagine how this place could go on without you.”

“I always did like ya,” Slim said.

“Thanks, Slim, it’s mutual. Hang in there, tomorrow is a new day.”

“It’s a purty day fer a ride.”

“That it is.” Standing, Pepper said, “Thanks for the sculpture,” and left to bring in Kizzy.

* * *

Gabe stroked Midnight’s neck as he murmured soothing words to her, “How’s my favorite filly? Hmm? You are doing great girl, you’re so brave. Today we’re going to go for a little ride in the outdoor arena. What do ya think of that?”

He placed the saddle pad on her back, and she turned to see what was there. So far so good. Then he placed the saddle on top which made her tense up. She blew out of her nostrils and her ears pricked up. “Easy now.” She relaxed to Gabe’s familiar voice.

“I’m going to put this here cinch around your belly. Real loose like,” he talked to her as he reached under her belly to fasten the belt.

“That’s good then…” He took his time tightening the cinch, a little at a time, until finally he felt it was secure enough for him to hop on. Gabe hadn’t ridden her outside, nor had he had a saddle on her back until today. She seemed to be accepting of it so far. He would use the lunge line to warm her up before attempting to get on and ride.

After lunging Midnight for twenty minutes, Gabe was satisfied that she was in a relaxed frame of mind and decided it was time to get on. As he mounted her, she took a few quick steps then bolted at a full gallop, before he could even swing his leg all the way over, “Whoa!” Gabe quickly found his balance and brought her back to a walk, in short order. Her ears were pricked forward and her body was as tense as a guitar string strung too tight.

All of Gabe’s focus was in that moment, at one with Midnight. He could feel every breath she took; he could feel her tight muscles bunched up beneath him, and knew he needed to distract her from the imaginary lions, tigers and bears. He used his legs and seat to get her attention. When her ears started to move forward and back, he knew she was finally with him.

“Good girl!”

At that moment Gabe looked up and finally noticed that a small group had gathered at the fence line to watch. He nodded to them then returned all his attention back to the ride.

* * *

“That was so impressive!” Annie exclaimed. Reaching her hand towards Midnight, the horse blew into her palm his warm breath tickling her as he took the treat from Annie’s hand. “You’re a real beauty, aren’t you girl? She’s so soft.” Turning to Gabe as she stroked Midnights neck, she said, “I don’t think I have ever seen a more magnificent creature! I want her.”

“Yeah, I’m fallin’ for her, hook line and sinker myself,” Gabe said. “I don’t think she is in either of our budgets though.”

“Wait, not only do I have to compete with groupies… now a horse too?” Annie said.

“Hain’t all about you,” Slim said. “You did good Gabe,” Slim added.

“Thanks guys, but Midnight did all of the work,” Gabe responded.

“She is something special that’s for sure,” Sam said.

Annie, still stinging from Slim’s snarky comment, decided to pretend it didn’t bother her. “Slim, Pepper showed me the wooden horse you made for her. You are so talented. Would you make one for me?”

“I reckin’ I’m too busy fer that.”

Gabe who had been unsaddling Midnight said, “Now Slim, the lady just paid you a compliment, is that any way to respond?”

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