Page 7 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

She slowed the car as she watched Ford bend down. The boy climbed up onto his shoulders in a way that looked well-practiced. He scrambled up and grabbed Ford’s hat so he wouldn’t knock it off, then placed it on top of his own and flapped his legs like he was riding a horse.

Ford apparently read the move the same way she had and broke into a jog toward the barn.

She slowed to a crawl.

As much as she loved witnessing the moment between man and boy, she had the impression that Ford might be uncomfortable if he knew she – or anyone – had seen it.

Chapter Two

After he’d said goodnight to Ashton and Everly, Tanner walked back outside with Ford.

“Did you guys have a good time tonight?"

Ford nodded happily. “We did; we always do – you know that.”

Tanner grinned. “I do know it – it doesn’t even surprise me anymore.”

“I guess we’re even then.”

Tanner knew exactly what he meant. “I know, right? Not so long ago no one would have believed that I’d be a happily married man and a dad, would they? But now, I can hardly remember what life was like before I met them.”

“I would have laughed if anyone had even suggested you might find yourself a steady girlfriend a year ago. But yeah, I can’t imagine you not being with them now.”

Tanner shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about it. I love our little family.”

“And they love you – as they should.” Ford grasped his brother’s shoulder. “You’re a good husband and a good dad.”

Tanner smiled. “Thanks, that means the world coming from you.”

“Yeah, well. Just calling it as I see it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yep. Can you tell Boone he can come out to the barn at about eleven? I want him to have his pick of the geldings I bought at auction. Some of them will make good ranch horses. I’m going to work with the rest, make sure they’re bombproof before I give Wade his pick for the lodge guests. The ones that are left I’ll sell to the resort.”

“Sure, I’ll tell him. Is there …” He stopped short when he noticed that Amelia’s car was back.

“Is there what?” Tanner asked.

Ford wasn’t sure that he should ask, but the idea had been rattling around in his head for a few days, and… “I was thinking about something for Amelia. Looks like she’s going to be staying a while. She might move down to Mav’s place when all the guys come home. So, it seems pointless for her to look for a place of her own in the meantime.”

Tanner cocked an eyebrow. “Does she ride? Are you asking if one of the geldings might be a good match for her?”

“I dunno. I just thought… She’s mentioned a few times that she loves horses. Said that she’d like to learn.” He shrugged. “Probably a dumb idea on my part, but… yeah.”

“It’s not a dumb idea. If she’s going to stick around – either here or at Mav’s place – it’d be a good idea for her to learn. And as it happens, there’s a sweet Morgan – flashy-looking buckskin he is. Stands just under fifteen hands. I was hoping I might find an excuse to keep him around. If you want him for Amelia, I’ll start work with him in the morning – see what he’s got. There was a kid riding him at the auction. Horse knew what he was doing, even though the kid didn’t – he looked to be sweet-natured and intelligent.”

Ford pursed his lips. “It was just an idea. If you want him for something else – or if you can sell him at a profit…”

“I told you. I like having an excuse to keep him around. Maybe Amelia will take to him, take to riding. If not, I can always find a job or a home for him.”

“Okay. I’ll swing by the barn with Boone in the morning then.”

“You do that.” Tanner glanced at the window above their heads. “I’d better go say goodnight to the little guy.”

“Okay.”

“Before I do, I’ve gotta ask – are you and Amelia…?”

“No.”

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