Page 12 of Rediscovering Rubi

“This is a nice setup,” he commented.

“Isn’t it? My rescue animals and I are so lucky to live here.”

“I envy you,” Rubi said quietly. “It seems so peaceful.”

“Oh, it is,” Reese replied, “until things get rowdy, which happens fairly often, given how many Littles there are here at any given moment. Shenanigans abound! Oh… but, of course we won’t allow anyone to disturb you during your visit.”

“We weren’t worried about that,” Logan interjected. “Wow, who are these two gorgeous Clydesdales?” he asked, approaching the enormous pair of dapple-gray draft horses.

“This is Atlas and Hercules. They’re rescues. Both super sweet and calm. They got too old to really be working horses, but they love to pull sleighs in the winter to take guests for rides in the snow, and they pull the wagon for hay rides in the fall. You should see them prance in their harnessing! I swear they’re proud of themselves, and love to show off how pretty they are, especially when we braid ribbons and bells into their manes to pull the sleigh at Christmas.”

Logan held a hand out to one of them, and the big horse nuzzled his open palm.

“Come here, baby,” he said to Rubi. “This guy’s really sweet.”

She stepped forward, and he could tell from the set of her shoulders and a little wariness in her eyes that the pure size of the pair was making her a little nervous.

“It’s okay,” he assured her, taking her hand and using his to guide her as together they stroked the horse’s cheek, then his muzzle. “See?”

He turned to find Rubi smiling.

“He’s so huge… but so gentle.”

The other Clydesdale stepped over and nosed his way in, demanding pets, and Rubi laughed as she reached out to stroke the soft hair of his forelock. Logan loved seeing her happy and more relaxed.

“Big boy Hercules is jealous,” Reese said from behind them with a giggle. “Oh, hi, Master Derek.”

They turned to find a man with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes, a cowboy hat worn at a tilt, and a friendly smile on his face.

“Derek Hawkins?” Logan asked, extending a hand. “Rubi, honey, this is the man who owns the Ranch.”

Derek took his hand, giving him a firm handshake. “And you must be Colonel and Mrs. Shaw. Erika mentioned you’d come down to the barn. Welcome.”

“Ah, Logan and Rubi, please. I’m retired now.”

“Still an Air Force Colonel, though, Logan. Thank you for your service.”

Logan nodded. “Happy to serve.”

“You two settling in alright?” Derek asked.

Logan gave him a nod. “Our room is perfect, the food is excellent, and your staff are about the nicest people I’ve ever come across.”

“Good to hear. And how about you, Rubi?”

“The place is just beautiful. I think we’re really going to enjoy it here,” his wife answered.

“Good, good. So, Logan, I got your email saying you might want a tour of our Dungeon. Is this a good time? I have the next hour or so free.”

“That would be great. Rubi, baby? You okay out here with Reese for a little bit? I’d rather you not see the Dungeon until it’s time for us to use it.”

“Yes, of course, babe. I really want to see the petting zoo, anyway.” She turned to Reese. “If that’s okay with you?”

“Oh, definitely! The petting zoo is my favorite thing.”

“Reese will take good care of your wife, Logan,” Derek assured him.

“I’m sure she will. And I can’t wait to see your facilities.”

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