Page 47 of The Cowboy's Promise

When Henry was at the show he’d been nervous and spooky. Though buying him had been impetuous she’d felt compelled to do it. At the time she’d been surprised how quickly Blake had supported her. Now standing outside the round pen and watching him she was almost in tears. Happy tears.

He had put Henry on a lunge line and moved him from side to side, walk in a circle, then trot. In a short amount of time Henry was following the cues flawlessly, and stayed at Blake’s side when he began walking beside him.

“There’s nothin’ wrong with this horse,” Blake declared, striding up to the gate. “His brain isn’t fried. He started listenin’ right away, and he’s smart.”

“I knew it!” she exclaimed. “Don’t ask me how, I just did.”

“Yep, you did. When I caught him after he bolted away from Courtney in the warm up ring, I did too.”

“Wow. I’m so excited.”

“I have a lesson, but put his lead rope on and walk him around the barn and past the house. I’ll bet he’ll take it all in stride. He needs to understand you’re his special human.”

“No, you and I both are,” she said emphatically, then lowering her voice she asked, “Blake, how can I ever thank you?”

“For what?”

“Supporting me when I told Courtney I wanted to buy him. I’m sure many people would have told me spending money on a horse I knew nothing about with no vet check was crazy. I was even saying it to myself.”

“The vet check thing, that was a risk, but the situation was urgent and my instinct told me to move forward. And, Heather, I always trust my instinct. I’ll call Doc Clayton today and ask himto swing by to give him the once over,” he declared, but suddenly taking a breath, he lowered his voice and added, “Heather, no matter what, I’ll always be here for you, and that’s a promise.”

“Blake…”

“Now I’d better get into that ring.”

Unexpectedly leaning down he softly kissed her, and though he’d just lightly brushed his lips against hers it took her breath away. Moments later, watching him head to the arena she felt lighter than air, but finally giving Henry a treat, she led him through the gate. Apollo was in his paddock, and as they walked past he trotted to the fence.

“Hey, handsome. I’ll be back to ride you after work,” she called as Henry nickered. “I’m so glad you two have become friends.”

She continued on, but when they walked past the house Henry paused his step to stare at the porch swing.

“Yes, it’s an odd looking thing,” she said calmly. “Let’s take a closer look.”

Though he initially backed away, when she moved slowly forward he followed, then snorted and began looking around. It was a sign he was no longer worried.

“You’re such a brave boy,” she murmured, stroking his neck “Let’s keep going.”

The walk was going so well she lost track of time. Almost forty-five minutes passed before she glanced at her watch and returned to the barn. As she led him up to the paddock gate, Apollo whinnied and ambled over to greet them.

“Okay, you two, play nice and I’ll see you later.”

“You were gone so long,” Blake remarked, appearing behind her with Butch at his side.

“Blake, it was wonderful. He took everything in stride,” she replied happily. “But now I have to run. I didn’t realize how late it was, and I still need to stop by my place and change for work.”

“Barn time,” he remarked knowingly. “I regularly think fifteen minutes is only five.”

“Yeah, me too, constantly,” she agreed with a grin. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Yes you will, gorgeous,” he murmured, abruptly wrapping her into a bear hug.

“Aren’t you worried someone will see?”

“Like who? The horses don’t care, and Doug thinks this is great.”

“He does? How does he know? Did you tell him?”

“I didn’t say anything. He drew his own conclusions. But we can’t stand here yappin’. Come on, I’ll walk you to your truck.”

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