Page 6 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

And he knew his best friend well enough to know exactly what he was thinking. Because he, himself, was thinking the exact same thing.

Mina Parker sure was a cutie. An absolute doll.

CHAPTERTHREE

“So why did you jump on the horse?” Mina asked. “Couldn’t you have just let it run until it was tired and then collect it? That way you wouldn’t have risked hurting yourself.”

She watched as the two cowboys looked at each other and then back at her.

“Good question,” Jackson said. “But I’m afraid it’s not that easy when it comes to horses.”

“It’s not?”

“Nope. You see, without anyone on him, Rampage could have run a lot longer and farther. And he can go fast! Might have gotten so far we couldn’t find him for a while. He’d probably eventually wander back to his home. Horses often go back to where they’re familiar. But he might have been hurt between now and then. Or gotten lost, I suppose.” He flicked his nose toward Slater. “Just his weight was enough to add enough burden to Rampage to wear him out a little quicker.”

“That’s right,” Slater interjected. “And I didn’t hurt him, but I was able to use my knees to squeeze just a little bit of pressure on him. Helped him simmer down a mite.”

“Wow! That’s fascinating,” Mina said. She looked around at the group and then back to the two cowboys, a thought hitting her. “But since we all saw it—and we’re hearing you explain it now—no one will want to read my story.”

“Are you kidding?” one of the other Littles said. “I can’t wait!”

The others cheered and Mina couldn’t help but smile. This seemed to be the perfect story to kick off the town’s new paper with. How lucky was she that she’d arrived in Big Cedar right as it was happening?

“Thanks everyone,” she said bashfully.

“Maybe you can interview the guys later,” Sheriff Quinn suggested. “Right now, I best show you to your new office and apartment. Let you get settled in. You got some luggage in your car, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll help you with it.”

“So will I!” his wife said. “I’m Alyssa, by the way. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Thank you. It’s nice meeting you. And all of you,” Mina said, looking beyond Alyssa to the rest of the Littles.

“We’ll all help!” one of the women said.

Mina blushed. She had to admit it felt nice to have a welcoming committee gathering around to see her. That had certainly never happened before.

It also felt wonderful to be around other Littles. She couldn’t wait until she was settled in, writing her stories,andhaving some fun around that town.

What if she found a Daddy?

OrDaddies?

She nearly giggled at the thought, her eyes darting to the two, sexy cowboys. Mmm. They were positively yummy. If she had to pick between them, she wasn’t sure she could.

But that was just fantasy. There’s no way even one smoking-hot guy like them would ever want her, let alone two!

She’d sure dream about them, though. That was for sure.

“You going to be in your office tomorrow? Say around eleven?” Jackson asked.

“Yes, sir. I’ll make it a point to be.”

“Then we’ll drop by and answer whatever questions you have for your big story,” he told her with a smile. “Between now and then, you have time to get settled in.”

“She’ll be in the old newspaper office,” the sheriff said.

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