Page 34 of No Bones About It

Kimi’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea.”

Garrett pointed at Nina. “You’re with me.”

As they climbed over the fence to his property, he questioned Ninato find out how much she knew about horses. She’d learned a lot. Apparently, the girl had soaked up everything she’d been told.

Inside the tack room, he had her go through the equipment and identify all the pieces. Then he asked her to pick out a halter that would be suitable for Kitty.

Without hesitation, she chose the one he’d been using. “If she’s comfortable with me, can I put it on her?”

“Good job putting the horse’s needs before your own. Once I’m sure the horses are comfortable with you, you can help groom them if you want.”

“I’d love that.”

He’d let the geldings out when he’d checked on them with Kimi earlier, so they were in the paddock as well. They were showing more personality every day, and he didn’t think there would be an issue with Nina in the paddock as well.

They took it slowly, with Garrett moving in first and talking to all three of them. As usual, Kitty kept to her own side. He moved to her side and stroked her neck. When he motioned, Nina climbed over the fence. She moved to where Kitty could see her and approached slowly, hands out to the side, while she smiled and talked to the horse.

“Hey there, Kitty. I found out you’re not named after a kitten but after a TV show. I still think it’s a cool name. Did you know Garrett likes Kimi?” She grinned at Garrett and then turned her attention back to the mare. “And did you know Kimi likes Garrett right back?”

Garrett resisted rolling his eyes and kept his face bland. When Nina reached the horse’s head, she moved slightly to the side and kept talking. Then she stroked the mare’s neck, and Kitty nickered happily.

“She likes me.”

He figured pretty much everyone liked this kid. She was irresistible. Once again, that small tug of envy for his buddy snaked through him. While Heath and Addy had a rocky past with all kinds of wild complications, they’d figured it out and were now a family with this teen who would keep them on their toes.

Shoving his emotions down, he stroked Kitty’s head and neck while Nina put on the halter. Kitty loved her new friend and behaved perfectly.

There wasn’t a gate between the two properties, so they walked Kitty up the driveway and checked for vehicles. Garrett had brought blinders and a hood with him just in case Kitty panicked but the road remained empty and it wasn’t long before they were in Kimi’s yard.

The goats bounced over and butted at Nina, waiting for pats, just like a pack of dogs. Kitty stood stock still while they bounced around her and Garrett as well.

Eventually, the goofy trio moved back to the paddock and bleated at Onigis, who stared at the new arrival. Kimi stroked her neck and murmured to the chestnut mare.

After a few minutes, Kitty walked forward to the fence and nickered. Onigis whinnied back.

It didn’t take long for Kitty to move toward the other mare, and they touched noses over the fence. He and Kimi shared a smile as she explained to Nina that it was a good sign.

Getting Kitty into the paddock was easy, and she moved directly to her new friend. When he was satisfied it was safe, Garrett removed her halter and moved to lean against the fence beside Kimi and Nina.

Contentment filled him. This wasn’t something he’d ever thought he wanted, but he did. Unable to resist, he lifted Kimi’s hand and kissed her fingers.

Nina’s dramatic gasp made him chuckle. The news of him and Kimi being a couple would spread like the wind, but he didn’t care. Kimi’s smile told him she didn’t either.

When Nina headed home a while later, he figured he’d be getting a visit from Heath sooner rather than later to check the news out for himself.

Kimi bumped his shoulder with his. “And so the grapevine begins.”

He laughed as he tucked his arm around her shoulder. “Do you mind?”

“Nope.”

Her instant response made him grin. He turned and caged her against the fence. “Good.” He was reaching to take off his Stetson to kiss her properly when the unmistakable sound of a dog yelping in pain shattered the air.

Kimi wasn’t sure what hurt more, hearing the dog in pain or watching the sound reach right into Garrett’s heart and twist. She squeezed his hand and slipped through the fence, unsurprised when he followed immediately. This was a man who would push past his personal pain and memories to help others.

Her own heart tipped a little more as they raced across the yard toward the yelp as Snoops joined in the noise. The donkey brayed and kicked his back legs out, but she couldn’t see a foe. Garrett’s long legs had him taking the lead as Kimi realized Olaf was in the paddock with Snoops. Had the ornery old donkey attacked the dog?

Olaf lay on the ground near the fence. Snoops faced him and kicked at the woods on the far side, meaning he didn’t see the dog as a threat. A donkey’s rear legs were his biggest weapon.

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