Page 50 of Wounded Cowboy
“You could post educational signage and visitor guidelines on the fence,” Kelsey continued.“That way, guests will know how to interact with the goats and understand the importance of keeping the gates closed.”
Spring set Abby back on her feet and nodded thoughtfully.“That sounds like a good plan. I’ll get some signs printed up and post them around the goat pen.”
Kelsey was thrilled that he liked her suggestions.“You could also include a brief orientation for guests when they check in or leave informational brochures in the guest cabins. That way, they’ll know all about respecting boundaries on the ranch.”
“Another great idea,” Spring agreed, his expression softening.“I like that none of the things you’ve proposed are going to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money.”
He smiled at her, and Kelsey’s face grew hot.
“Since I’m on a roll, I’d like to address the root cause of Daisy’s constant escape attempts.” She wasn’t sure that Spring was going to agree with her next suggestion.
“Tell me more,” Spring said, bending to give April a hug.
“I’ve been thinking for a while now that maybe Daisy is so determined to escape because she’s intelligent and finds life in the goat pen boring. What if we treated your goats like toddlers and put some enrichment items in the pen, like climbing structures, toys, or puzzle feeders? If you switched them out every so often, they could keep Daisy and the other goats entertained and occupied within the safety of their enclosure.”
Spring chuckled, rubbing his forehead.“I never thought I’d be taking childcare advice for my goats, but it makes sense.” He looked around and inhaled deeply.“Dinner smells great, as always. Let me go wash up before dinner.”
∞∞∞
After grace was said and the roasted chicken was carved and served up with crisp oven fries and buttered peas flecked with chopped fresh mint leaves, Kelsey watched Spring dig in with gratifying appetite.
All conversation ceased for the next few minutes as they ate.
She enjoyed cooking so much more when she had appreciative people to feed. The girls liked the food, too, and it was gratifying to watch the peas vanish from their plates.
Spring was serving himself a second helping when he said,“You know, Kelsey, the more I think about it, the more I think you’re right about giving the goats some toys to keep them busy. They really are like children in a lot of ways.” He slanted a teasing look at his daughters.“Especially these two, who are also easily bored.”
“Hey, Dad,” a wide-eyed April piped up.“Are youreallycomparing Abby and me to the goats?”
Spring grinned at her.“Well, when I think about all the mischief you two have gotten into over the years… yes.”
Neither of the girls smiled back at him. Abby looked bewildered, and April looked hurt.
“It was just a joke,” Spring said quickly.“I’m sorry. I didn’t really mean it.”
Kelsey stepped in to defuse the situation.“I was thinking that adding enrichment items to the goat pen might also provide better photo opportunities for capturing the goats doing something cute or funny. What do you think, girls? Do you think that will make your aunt Autumn happy?”
April and Abby’s unhappy expressions vanished. They nodded.
“She’s always saying she needs fresh content,” April ventured.
∞∞∞
After the apple pie had been served with ice cream for dessert, Kelsey found herself alone in the kitchen with Spring. Together, they cleaned up while April and Abby started a movie in the living room.
Spring took a deep breath and turned to face Kelsey. Her breath caught.Is he going to kiss me again?
Anticipation made her heart pound and her chest feel tight.
“Thanks for all the suggestions regarding Daisy and goats,” he said, with disappointingly platonic sincerity.“I really enjoy being able to bounce ideas off you because you’re so good at coming up with solutions on the fly.”
“You’re very welcome,” Kelsey said, battling her disappointment.“I know how much the goats mean to this ranch. And they really are darned cute.”
Spring nodded. He hesitated for a moment before continuing.“Actually, there was something else I wanted to ask you.”
The anticipation returned.“Oh?” she asked breathlessly.
The kitchen seemed to shrink around them, the hum and gurgle of the dishwasher fading into the background.
