Page 67 of Headed for Home

Kenzie’s laughter increases in volume. “Mac and Cheese says stand on the saddle!”

My butt stays rooted to the seat. “I think we’ve lost sight of my skill level.”

“Chicken,” the little girl teases.

“Cluck, bawk, cluck,” I squawk.

“You’re sooooo funny.” Charlie squints while contemplating the next directive. “Mac and Cheese says pretend to a lasso a cow.”

I spin my wrist overhead before launching a fake loop. “Got ‘em!”

“Look at you go,” Cassidy shouts. “You’ll be running barrel patterns in no time.”

Which is what she’s doing. My focus tracks her loping Leita in the cloverleaf formation. Their speed isn’t extreme, just an effortless stroll to showcase their joined talent. It looks like they’re flying across the dirt to the next obstacle. How Cassidy claims they’re not meant to be a forever team is unbelievable. The proof is on display in front of me.

I get lost watching them. It’s a mesmerizing performance. A connection I can see bonded between them. If I’m only certain of one thing, it’s that Leita is meant for Cassidy.She can’t sell that horse.

“You loooooove my mommy,” Kenzie suddenly coos.

I smile at the observation, but don’t shift my attention from the destined pair. “Is it that obvious?”

Her head snaps up and down. “There are hearts in your eyeballs.”

“That’s a cool trick.” I widen my peepers for everyone to see.

Charlie slams on the brakes and Fire takes the cue to stop as well. “Mac and Cheese says to go on a date with Mommy.”

“Only if you two join us,” I amend.

Kenzie wrinkles her nose. “But that’s not romantical.”

A chuckle shakes my upper half. “What do you know about romance?”

“It’s for grownups. They hold hands and get married and live happily ever after.” She exhales, a dreamy glint in her eyes. “I’m too young to have a boyfriend.”

“Girls are yucky,” Charlie adds.

“Romance is for adults,” I agree. “You can be our chaperones to make sure we don’t get into trouble.”

They nod in unison, liking the idea. Kenzie says, “Mommy shouldn’t get home too late. She hasta tuck us into bed ‘fore it’s dark.”

“Early dinner. We can eat at my restaurant.” Calling Roosters a bar in this situation doesn’t feel right.

“You’ve gotsa restaurant? Coooooool.” Charlie gazes at me like I ordered him an unlimited supply of chicken nuggets.

“I’ll give you the VIP treatment.”

“What’s a VIP?”

“Very important person,” I inform. “You’re my VIPs. Your mom too.”

“VIP, VIP, VIP,” they chant.

“What are you three plotting over there?” Cassidy’s lyrical voice reaches us on the breeze.

“Nothing,” we respond in harmony.

I wink at my fellow schemers. “It’s a date, Mac and Cheese.”

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