Page 20 of The Cowboy's Promise

The drive back was also uneventful, but when Blake unloaded Henry from the trailer the big grey snorted loudly and started prancing. As they walked the short distance to the pastures, he continued to dance and toss his head, and once again Heather was amazed by Blake’s skill. He barely reacted, except to occasionally stop and back the horse up, or turn him in a circle.

They finally reached the paddocks, and after releasing Apollo she hurried to close the gate behind Blake and Henry. Standing outside, she watched Blake slowly remove Henry’s halter. To her surprise the horse didn’t race away, and Blake stayed beside him, stroking his neck and talking to him. When Blake turned and started towards the gate, Henry hesitated, then followed him.

“You never cease to amaze me,” Heather said, gazing up at Blake as he joined her. “You really are a horse whisperer.”

“I just speak their language, and you do too.”

“Not like that.”

“You will. It’s just experience, and like I said yesterday, he’s a smart horse. He’s already figured out he can trust me. He’ll start looking to me for leadership now, and to you as well. But for the moment I just want that brain of his to chill.”

“Blake, look,” she exclaimed, glancing past him and breaking into a smile. “He’s rolling.”

“Odds are he’ll get up and take off. Yep, there he goes.”

The moment Henry was on his feet he began galloping around the paddock, then bucked several times before stopping and letting out a loud whinny.

“He’s having a wonderful time,” Heather murmured. “I wonder how long it’s been since he was in an open space like this.”

“Hard to say, but he sure is one happy horse now.. I’m glad you saved him, darlin’,” Blake added, placing his arm around her shoulders. “If you hadn’t I probably would have.”

“Really?”

“Yep. That’s one of the many things we have in common. We care.”

As he finished speaking they heard the sound of an approaching vehicle. Turning around they saw it was Becky Turner, the first of his morning clients.

“I guess you’re off to work,” Heather remarked.

“Yep, what about you?”

“I’m doing lunch and service all week, but I don’t have to get there until eleven. Could you help me unload my trunk? It’s still in the back of my truck. I’ll get all my stuff sorted out before I leave.”

“Sure, but I’ll grab Doug. It’s heavy.”

“He’s one helluva mover! Where did you find him?” Becky asked as she joined them.

“I found him at the show,” Heather exclaimed, seeing the envy in the woman’s eyes. “He’s mine now.”

“Damn, he must have cost a penny or two.”

“It was kind of a fire sale. I just got lucky.”

“Did you ride him?”

“Not yet.”

“Good luck with that,” Becky remarked with a grin. “I’ll see you in the arena, Blake.”

“Yep, see you there.”

“Why did she have to say that?” Heather whispered as the woman strode off.

“She’s jealous.”

“But that doesn’t make it any less true. She’s right. Look at him.”

“This is a discussion for another time. I’m off to fetch Doug and move your trunk. Why don’t you visit with Apollo? Once Henry starts to settle down he’ll probably go to the fence to be with his new buddy. The three of you will have a chance to interact for a while.”

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