Page 27 of Steadfast

A cloud of dust kicked up in the corral as the mare yanked violently at the end of its halter. Its flowing dark black mane whipped through the air as the horse bucked and kicked.

The end of the rope was taut in Abel’s firm grasp as the horse continued to push its boundaries, testing the strength of its binds. Maeve observed Abel’s command, handling the aggressive animal with the prowess of a seasoned rancher.

She knew Abel had set his aspirations aside to help his family. They had many conversations together on the tailgate of the blue truck, where Abel would share what was weighing heavily on his mind. She loved to quietly listen, shouldering his burden when she could. Before returning to the ranch, he had lofty dreams of making a name for himself in rodeo. Abel wanted to win big gold championship belt buckles riding bulls and broncs for roaring crowds cheering his name—just like his best friend, Dallas.

Abel never complained, and Maeve admired the selflessness that came so naturallyto him.

She observed the intensity of his green eyes as he studied every move of the unpredictable mare. He guided the end of the rope, allowing the untamed horse to gallop around him in the corral. Abel’s muscular biceps flexed against his t-shirt that was tucked into his fitted Wrangler jeans that tapered perfectly over his weathered brown boots.

Maeve bit her lip hard.

Stop it, Maeve. He’s not for you.

Despite feeling herself drowning, she was determined to press herself to find peace and relish their close bond of friendship.

Abel slowed the mare to a gentle trot, reeling in the rope until the animal came obediently to his side. He patted her nose gently and spoke sweetly to her with words of encouragement.

“There, there now.” His deep, calm voice cut through the air like butter. “I know all this training isn’t fun, but you’re coming along, girl,” he said, giving her nose a gentle scratch.

He handed the rope to his ranch hand and pulled his gloves from his fingertips.

“I think I’m going to try to ride,” he said definitively as he nodded with his usual air of confidence. When he went to fetch his saddle which lay across the iron fence, he finally caught a glimpse of Maeve there on the sidelines. A captivating grin crept across his face, marking the deep dimples peeking just above his five o’clock shadow.

“Shouldn’t you be making coffee somewhere?” he asked, propping his foot next to hers and crossing his arms on the fence.

Maeve’s stomach fluttered, and she was powerless to subdue the smile she wore whenever he was nearby.

“I was walking past,” she forced a straightforward explanation, “and I got distracted by a cowboy who looks like he’s about to eat some dirt.”

“Oh, you think so?” He quipped back, “Well, Miss Maeve, your confidence is inspiring. If you wouldn’t mind holding on to this,” he pulled his tan cowboy hat off his head and presented it to her. “And we’ll see about how much dirt this cowboy is about toeat.”

Maeve feigned a tinge of inconvenience, even though she didn’t feel annoyed in the slightest.

“And why would I want that sweaty old thing?”

He playfully placed his hat firmly on her head. “Thank you for your sacrifice.” He paused, softly sweeping a wild strand of Maeve’s chestnut brown hair behind her ear. His gentle touch sent heat from the top of her head to the ends of her toes. She couldn’t bear to meet his gaze, feeling as though she would melt into a puddle in the soft, powdery dirt of the horse corral.

Abel hadn’t seemed to notice her reaction at all and went straight to work lifting the saddle off the fence. The wild mare was already showing her temper, impatiently pawing at the dirt with her heavy gray hooves that were unaccustomed to its shiny new horseshoes. When he hoisted the saddle over thehorse’s back, it reacted immediately. Ferociously kicking and twisting violently, the animal attempted to free herself from its binds.

Abel held the reins tightly in his fist until she simmered once again.

“You’re okay, girl,” he whispered.

The ranch hand went to work pulling the straps tightly around the horse’s middle. Abel pulled a sugar cube out of his pocket, giving the mare a sweet treat in hopes of calming her unsettled spirit.

When he gave Maeve a swift thumbs up, she couldn’t help but notice the overconfident gleam in Abel’s eye.

She smiled weakly, attempting to hide her real concern.

Giving his ranch hand a nod to signal he was ready, Abel lifted his boot and firmly placed it in the stirrup.

When he threw his leg over and settled into the saddle, it became abundantly clear that the horse had no intention of being ridden that day.

The mare snorted aggressively as its hooves left the ground and its body twisted.

“Woah, now!” Abel yelled, holding the reins with white knuckles.

Despite his best efforts, the mare wrenched its neck and bucked hard, sending Abel airborne.

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