Page 64 of Stormy Ride

Tammy smiled. “A horse for Harlan. This is going to be so much fun.”

Harlan rolled his eyes.

“I’ll get the tack and settle up with the driver,” I said. “Billy, go back in the house. You’re getting wet.”

“Come on, Harlan,” said Tammy. “The horses are a bit antsy after such a long trip. It would be best to let them run off energy in the corral, but it’s too wet for them to stay outside.”

“I don’t know nothing about horses. Never had me one ever in my life.”

It took a couple of hours to get the horses squared away, feed them, and brush them. Tammy wanted to put Bonnie Grace’s blanket on her for the damp weather and she blanketed Outlaw and Buckshot as well. There was no extra blanket for Windrider.

“Windrider needs a blanket, and you need a saddle, Harlan. We’ll get you set up tomorrow.”

“I don’t know what the fuck I need. Not sure I’m ready to have a horse and look after the fucker.”

Tammy stroked his arm. “Don’t be upset, sugar. Travis is just trying to be nice. He don’t want to upset you in any way.”

Harlan gave into a sudden urge and pushed Tammy up against the side of the stall and kissed her. Then he walked out of the barn into the rain.

I was having a beer with Billy in the kitchen when Tammy ran into the house to make dinner. “Where’s Harlan?”

“He’s out there worrying hisself sick about having a horse and not knowing how to take care of it,” said Tammy.

“Okay, I’ll go.” I went back to the barn and Harlan was sitting on a bale of straw staring at Windrider. I left him there while I put the tack away and tried to organize the barn. My barn had never been home to four horses before. It smelled great and felt warm and cozy.

“You need a saddle, Harlan. We’ll get you one tomorrow at Savanna’s store. If it ever stops raining, we’ll all go for a ride. My ranch has a thousand acres and way at the back is the spot where the wild mustangs run through.”

“Don’t know how to ride a horse,” said Harlan. “I’m worrying about it some.”

“Neither did Tammy when she got her horse. She had to learn, and she’s only been riding since her birthday last November when I got Bonnie Grace for her.”

“I’m not sure I can do it.”

“I’m not a great rider myself so don’t worry about it. Everybody has to learn. If you want to know the truth, I’m way better on my Harley.”

Harlan’s eyes widened. “Can I see it?”

“Help yourself. It’s in the garage under a tarp. Check out the new paint job.”

“Thanks”

After dinner, Billy was restless, and he wanted to go to the roadhouse for a pitcher of beer. He hadn’t seen his cousin, Jack, for a few days, and he just needed get out of the house.

“Are you sure you want to try it? It’s rainy and nasty out there. The crutches might be difficult in mud.”

“I’m going nuts,” said Billy, “and Brenda keeps texting me about getting back together. Just give me an hour at the Dry Run to drink a pitcher and feel normal, and I’ll get my sanity back.”

“Okay, I’ll stoke up the stove before we leave, and we’ll take a drive down there. Are you coming, Tammy?”

“Sure, I’ll come. I haven’t seen Jack or Savanna since I came home.”

“Savanna broke up with Jack,” I said, “and he isn’t over it yet.”

“Aw, I’ll be sympathetic,” said Tammy.

Harlan hung back until Tammy took his hand. “Come on, Harlan. Let’s go have some fun.”

Dry Run Roadhouse.

---