Page 83 of Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
“Hi, Hail,” Max said.
That got the faintest smile out of my brother as he settled at the table, his gaze tracking every move Holly made at the stove.
“He’s never had pancakes,” I said under my breath as I brought over a plate stacked high and steaming.
I grabbed the syrup, butter, and perfectly macerated strawberries, adding them to the table, while she dished pancakes onto the rest of the plates. We joined them, eager to taste.
Hail stared at his stack like it might require disarming.
“You put butter on first,” Max said, already slathering his. “Then you pour on syrup, though not too much, or it soaks in too fast. I like to make a puddle beside mine for dipping.”
Hail looked to me for confirmation, and I nodded. He picked up the butter knife and poked the stick of butter.
Holly and I also prepared our meal, her taking some of my macerated strawberries, skipping the syrup. See? It was perfect. I didn’t chide her about it, though I would later when we were alone, and I could claim a kiss as penance for doubting my exceptional cooking skills.
We ate. It was quiet for a moment, broken only by the clink of our forks on the plates and the occasional satisfied sound from Max. Hail’s brow furrowed as he chewed his first bite, like the pancake was a puzzle he was determined to solve. After swallowing, he made a surprised grunt and stabbed another bite.
Holly grinned across the table. “Grunting is the universal orc sign for approval, right?”
“From Hail?” I said. “For sure.”
Max grinned.
Hail grunted. “Good.”
“Next time I’ll add cinnamon,” Holly said. “There’s a version with brown butter, too.”
Hail paused mid-bite and nodded.
We kept eating. Max asked Hail whether they’d finish painting the north side of the barn today.
“Should,” Hail said. “You… you’ll help with the trim.”
Max beamed like he’d been promoted to supervisor. “Yessss.”
Hail glanced at me. “Mishka…takes the saddle now. Very well.”
“Glad to hear that,” I said. “You’re working her with the harness still?”
“Each day. She’s calmer with Max near.” He glanced at the youngling male. “You’re trustworthy. She can tell.”
Max ducked his head but couldn’t hide his smile. “She let me trim her hooves yesterday.”
“That’s wonderful,” I told him. “This shows she not only trusts but cares about you.”
Hail nodded. “He’ll ride soon. Short distances. Not far.”
She was too young for more, but before we knew it, she’d be grown enough to incorporate into the trail rides.
“Tomorrow?” Max asked.
“Maybe.” Hail’s pointed ears twitched. “If you… if you take it slow. Remain patient.”
“I will. You can count on me.”
I caught the way Hail looked at Max. The boy mattered to him, and I was glad. My brother needed more friends, and so did Max.
Holly’s glanced my way. She was watching them, too, her expression unreadable. Her eyes softened, and she reached for my hand beneath the table and gave it a squeeze.
