Page 58 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

She had to smile at the way he understood her. "Okay, you're right that it came out of nowhere, but it makes all the sense in the world when you understand."

He quirked an eyebrow.

"In my world, delta represents change," she explained. "When you're analyzing data or code, the delta shows you what's different from one point to another. Seemed fitting for a horse who's had so much change in his life recently. It was when you said that things will be different for him here – that all that has changed – that's when it hit me." She chuckled. "And honestly, I'm relieved that it's something from the phonetic alphabet – even Cash can't give me a hard time about it."

She stopped short when she saw his smile vanish. "Not that he'd give me a hard time. I just mean, he'd tease me," she added.

"Right." Ford smiled, but it seemed forced.

She decided it was probably safer to change the subject than end up digging a hole by asking him what exactly the problem was between him and Cash.

"So, Delta," she addressed the horse. "The most important consideration is whether you like your new name."

He nodded his head a couple of times before turning to nudge Ford's shoulder. He did it with such force that Ford took a step forward. Amelia laughed when he almost stumbled into her and wrapped his arms around her.

He looked back over his shoulder. "Are you trying to tell me you'll be my wingman?"

They both laughed when Delta nodded his head again.

Chapter Thirteen

Ford was sitting in his office on Tuesday afternoon, scowling at the spreadsheet on the screen before him. Not that there was anything wrong with the numbers; the ranch did well – he made sure of it. He was scowling because this was his least favorite part of his job. He blew out a sigh, but someone had to do it, and he wouldn't complain that it fell to him. It wasn't as though none of his siblings would have stepped up if he'd let them. It had been his choice – it still was. The rest of them all had passions that it made sense for them to pursue.

He smiled grudgingly as he turned to look out the window at the mountains. They all thought that running the ranch was his passion – and they weren't entirely wrong. He did love running the place. He loved both the responsibility and the sense of pride that came from knowing that he was the one that held the place together.

He spun his chair back to face the desk again at the sound of a knock on the door. "Come in," he called, hoping that whoever his visitor was wouldn't need too much of his time.

The door opened and Wade stuck his head around it. "You busy, bro? Can you spare a minute?" he asked.

"Sure. Come on in. What's up?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to check in with you. Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor," he added with a smile.

Ford smiled back. "That's more like it. What can I do you for?"

"I was talking to Tanner yesterday about the geldings he brought from auction. Looks like I'll be able to use a few of them for the guests at the lodge, and..." Wade smiled. "I was hoping that you might let me have one more."

"You'd have to talk to Boone about that. We gave him his pick of them for ranch horses."

"I know," said Wade, "but it's not any of them I'm after."

Ford's heart started to pound. He had a feeling that he knew what was coming, but he didn't know what he was going to say.

"I saw Tanner working that flashy little buckskin in the round pen. He's a looker, isn't he?"

Ford nodded.

"And not just that – he's well mannered, too. I figured he'd be ideal for the guests." Wade gave him a puzzled smile. "But Tanner wouldn't let me have him. He said I have to talk to you."

Ford pursed his lips. "He didn't say why?"

"No," said Wade. "Just that I have to ask you. So, what's the deal? Is he just messing me around? Can I have him? He's a Morgan, isn't he?"

Ford shook his head slowly.

"Are you sure?" Wade asked. "He looks..."

"Yeah, he's a Morgan," Ford interrupted, "but you can't have him."

---