Page 154 of Conveniently Wed
“These should help you get around some. Just don’t put any weight on your broken leg.”
“Thank you.” It sounded like a paltry response when he’d just given her freedom, but she didn’t know what else to say. Hopefully he could read the rest in her smile.
Gideon held the colt firmly between his left arm and right leg, using his free hand to stroke the little guy’s chestnut shoulder. This foal was close to two months now and showed definite signs of maturing into a high quality stud. He had the lineage to do it, and his confirmation was looking to be just what Gideon had carefully selected in his breeding stock—square stocky hindquarters, wide chest, broad forehead, and good height. Now, if he could just get the temperament right. That was the part that usually took time, but he was laying the foundation.
Would Leah like to see the foals?Thoughts of their female houseguest had been slipping in a lot lately. He wasn’t sure how she felt about horses, but she seemed to like dogs. She would likely fall in love with these guys, too.
He released the colt and stepped back to rub its mama. Rosie was a good broodmare and had thrown two fine fillies in past years. Now she’d more than outdone herself with this leggy, chestnut colt.
“How about it, Rosie girl?” He scratched the mare’s jaw as she leaned into his hand. “Would you like to take a visit to the barn tonight? There’s someone special I want you to meet, and she’ll probably give you some of Miri’s carrots if I let her.”
The mare reached up to blow into Gideon’s hair. Her agreement on the scheme, no doubt. He couldn’t help but imagine the light in Leah’s eyes when she saw the colt for the first time. When she got excited, her pale green eyes shimmered like early morning dew on spring grass.
He reminded himself again he only felt sorry for her. The broken leg was his fault completely. Yet the image of her sparkling eyes stayed with him as he mounted his own horse and led Rosie back toward the cabin. Drifter and the colt scampered behind, playing the animal version of a game of tag between the trees.
When they entered the yard, Gideon tied off his mount at the hitching rail in front of the barn, then led Rosie to the house. The colt stopped to sniff out a patch of dandelions, but at Gideon’s whistle he gave a mighty leap sideways. Landing on all fours, he stood snorting at the fire-breathing dragon that was surely hiding inside the yellow flowers.
“You are a rascal.” Gideon chuckled, as the colt scampered to the safety of his mama. Now to get the girls outside.
“Miriam!” he called loud enough for his voice to carry through the wooden door.
His answer came shortly in the form of his sister’s cheerful smile in the doorway, framed by blonde wisps. Her apron was splattered with red spots and charcoal smudges.
“Oh, you brought up Rosie!” She turned back into the house. “Leah, you have to come see this.”
While Miriam disappeared inside the cabin, he stroked the broodmare’s velvety muzzle as he listened to the sounds of shuffling and women’s voices drifting through the open door, then a slow thump of wood upon wood. It sounded like Leah was moving slowly on the crutches, but that was probably a good thing. She needed to take it easy and not push herself yet.
When Leah appeared in the doorway with Miriam hovering beside her, Gideon’s stomach did a little flip. There was no denying their guest was beautiful. Her honey brown hair was pulled back in several twists, revealing streaks of caramel here and there that drew out the light green of her eyes. Her skin was paler than it had been when she’d first arrived at the ranch. Was that from staying inside the cabin for so many days? Or from the pain that surely still radiated in her leg? Not once had he heard a complaint, though. For a city girl, she was pretty tough.
“Ohh…” Leah breathed as she stepped out onto the porch. “It’s so little.”
The colt stood on the near side of his mama, alert and watching these new two-legged creatures curiously.
“Look at how long his legs are.” Miriam’s voice held a giggle.
Leah kept hobbling on her crutches toward the stairs, and Gideon finally realized her intent. He dropped the mare’s rope and strode forward to grip her elbow while she tried to descend the first step. “Careful there.”
She turned sideways to maneuver the three steps. No matter how she turned, though, she couldn’t find a way to lower herself without bending or putting weight on her right leg. She finally let out a frustrated little huff.
She was so blasted cute, he hated to deny her. But still… “It’s probably better you stay on the porch anyway.”
He was about to turn back to Rosie, when Leah looked up at him with the saddest puppy eyes he’d ever seen. Drifter at his hungriest moment had nothing on her beseeching expression.
Something fractured in his chest, breaking the ties that held him in place. He wrapped his hands around Leah’s so-tiny waist, lifted her from the stairs, and eased her to the ground.
He had the insane urge to pull her close and wrap his arms around her. He caught himself just in time, jerked his hands away, and turned back to face the horses. He took in deep breaths as he fought to bring himself under control. What was wrong with him?
He stepped around to the other side of Rosie where the colt peeked under the mare’s neck. Maybe the little guy had the right idea to watch from a safe position. Still, he’d brought the colt up for the ladies to see. Gideon wrapped both arms around the little body and half-led, half-pushed him out of hiding and toward Leah and Miriam.
Leah held out a hand, palm up, as they approached. The colt sniffed, ready to dart back at any moment. But he seemed to approve of her, for he took another step forward, this time close enough for Leah to reach out and scratch the base of his neck. “There’s a boy. You’re a cute fella, you know that?” The colt sidled closer, pushing into her hand as she scratched.
As the foal moved, Gideon released him and eased back. Leah’s nearness radiated like heat from a roaring fire. He had to admit, though, the way she handled herself well around the horse. She didn’t try to pet the colt’s sensitive head, but started with a favorite itchy spot on the shoulder.
Miriam spoke up. “He’s adorable, but I’d better get back inside or the meat will be tough as boot leather. I’m glad you brought him, big brother.” She caught his gaze and approvalshone in her eyes. But when she threw a glance toward Leah, then winked at him, heat climbed up his neck.
“What’s his name?” Leah raised her gaze from the foal to meet his eyes, causing that now-familiar flip in his stomach.
He swallowed, trying to bring some moisture back to his mouth. “Doesn’t have one yet. Any ideas?”
