Page 62 of Headed for Home

“Maybe short a few more brain cells,” I tease.

“Can’t risk that.” Cassidy rolls her lips together to trap a cackle. “Hey, moo-boo?”

“Mommmmmmy,” Charlie wails. “That’s for babies.”

“Ah, right.” She winces and begins to count on her fingers. “I forget how old you are.”

“So big!” He spreads his arms wide.

“Is monkey moo still okay?”

Charlie nods. “Yep.”

Cassidy slides her focus to Kenzie. “And bunny boo?”

The little girl hops dutifully like the nickname. “I’ll always be your bunny.”

“Thank goodness.” She wipes fake sweat from her forehead. “How about you brush Fire while Drake helps me with Leita.”

The twins trot off to follow directions. They retrieve a wooden box from the tack room that appears to be overflowing. I’m still picking hay out of my shirt when Charlie hands me two different brushes. One is round and the other has long bristles. The little boy disappears before providing instructions. Logic dictates and I begin sweeping the clingy bits from my body.

Cassidy doesn’t stifle her giggle. “You’re adorable.”

“Thanks, beauty. You’re not too bad yourself.”

“Those are actually for the horses.” She points at the brushes.

“Obviously,” I snort.

“Mhmm, right.” Amusement embellishes her tone. “We use the curry comb first to loosen the dirt.”

I study her circular motions with the rubber disc on Leita’s hide. “Do they like this?”

She nods. “Especially under their belly and withers.”

Confusion puckers my brow until she points to the slight bump between the mare’s neck and back. “Gotcha.”

“Go ahead.”

I accept the curry comb from her and copy the technique. Leita begins rubbing her nose against the stall. “What’s she doing?”

“Giving back.” Cassidy grins at my dumbfounded expression. “That’s her way of saying it feels good and she’s trying to return the favor.”

“How sweet,” I croon. My focus centers on that area and the horse’s nose moves faster against the wood.

Cassidy uses the bristled brush, following behind my strokes to remove the dirt. “She’s such a good girl.”

“Don’t think I missed the fact that you chose to ride her first.”

“She’s somewhat of a favorite. Not that I’m getting attached,” she rushes to add.

“But you could get attached.”

“I already have trouble chasing me around.” She nudges me.

“That’s fair.” I laugh, but don’t believe the excuse. “When are you planning to sell her?”

“September at the latest. Otherwise people go on a buying freeze for winter when it’s expensive to feed them.”

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