Page 11 of Reaching Little Robyn

“In answer to your question, you can always stay at the resort,” Derek said. “There is also a hotel in Porter’s Corner, or…”

When he didn’t complete the sentence, Winston nudged him by asking, “Or?”

A smile turned Derek’s lips up and Winston couldn’t help but feel like he was witness to something he’d never experienced before.

“Well, the hotel is a good ten miles from here which makes it more like twenty or thirty for you. That’s a lot of driving. And while the suites here are better than any you’d find in a five-star resort, you did mention you don’t particularly like crowds. Which leaves a room at the B&B. Of course, it’s not officially opening until this weekend, so it might not be right for you.”

Jagger made a sound that could have been a laugh or an attempt to ease the burn of the whiskey he’d just thrown back. Giving the two men a look, Winston considered his options.

“B&B, that includes breakfast with that bed, right?” he asked.

“It does,” Derek confirmed. “Any other meals can be taken here until your place is ready.”

“And this place is close?”

“It is. It’s not on Ranch property, but it’s up on Rawhide Ridge,” Derek said.

“Not too far from my place,” Jagger offered. “That will make it easier for us to meet about the horses.”

“That’ll work,” Winston said as Jagger’s words nudged a thought to the surface. “In fact, I think I might have a place for a few of them. I’ve got a friend in New York who might love to take some off your hands.”

“There are horse ranches in New York?” Jagger asked, his expression showing his disbelief.

Winston nodded. “Granted, the horses in the Big Apple are mostly pulling buggies in Central Park and not wandering freeamong the skyscrapers, but upstate, there are quite a few. Mac and his wife, Athena, are friends of mine and are good people. Serenity Stables is a well-run place. Mac won’t try to cheat you either and he’ll pay a fair price.”

“I’m not in this to make a profit,” Jagger said.

“Sure you are,” Winston countered, lifting his hand to stop Jagger from speaking again. “If you don’t want a huge profit, that’s your business. But you’ve already spent a lot of money on feed alone. Not to mention the work it’s going to take to get them ready to transport.”

Jagger took a moment, before shrugging. “We’ll see,” he said, not committing to anything.

Winston understood as he’d seen Jagger work with the wild mustangs. It seemed Derek wasn’t the only man capable of magic. Every time Jagger stepped into the corral, the horses had stiffened, some bolting instantly to follow the brown mare. However, Jagger had never once shown any sign of irritation. He’d simply walked slowly around the animals, muttering softly as if expecting the mustangs to not only hear him but understand whatever he was saying.

At least Winston felt he’d achieved one item on his list. Even if he hadn’t found the Little he was seeking, he’d found a place to hang his hat. Draining his glass, he stood. “Thank you both. I’ll see you at the Meet and Greet.” Winston held out his hand to shake Derek’s before turning to Jagger. “And, whenever you’re ready, let me know and I’ll give Mac a call.”

“Sounds good,” Jagger said, also rising.

Derek walked the men to the door. “Have a good night.”

Winston took an involuntary step back when he opened the door and a small woman bounced into view.

“Now, Daddy?” Sadie asked.

“Manners?” Derek softly chided.

“Oh, sorry. Hi, Master Jagger and Master Rooster.” She giggled as she said his name, but Winston was accustomed to that reaction.

“Hello and goodbye, Sadie,” Winston said, causing the Little to laugh again. God, he would have sworn he didn’t have a jealous bone in his body, but when he heard Sadie repeating her question of, “Now, Daddy?” he definitely wouldn’t have been surprised to see his skin turning a little green.

“Keep the faith,” Jagger said as he slapped Winston on the back. “Sometimes magic just takes a bit of time.”

“I will,” Winston assured him. The two parted outside Derek’s office. Jagger had ridden his horse over to the resort while Winston had driven his truck. He took a look around the lobby, noticing a few people sitting before the huge fireplace in the middle of the room and watched a couple of women who, while grown, were dressed casually in brightly colored leggings and sweaters. One sweater had a rainbow arching across the front, the other sparkled with sequins that formed the horn of a unicorn. He smiled as they clasped hands and disappeared down a white-marbled hallway.

“Cute as buttons,” he said even as he turned toward the door leading outside. But not as cute as his Robyn.

She’s not yours, buddy.

Winston pulled the door open and stepped out onto the porch and did something he hadn’t done since childhood. He raised his face to the sky and focused on a bright star. “But I sure wish she was.” He found his truck and navigated his way out of the gates and over roads that wound through trees that rose toward the sky until his house was in sight. With his wish uttered to the universe, he climbed out of his truck.

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