Page 27 of Colorado Christmas Carol
“But she’s not a guest!” Mellie protested, pointing at Essa. “She’s like, well, like . . . family, sort of.”
Essa melted inside at the compliment. But before she could open her mouth to speak, Duke did.
“She’s company,” he replied tersely.
“Oh.” Mellie sighed and didn’t speak anymore.
Essa was confused and felt shut out, all at once. Well, at least Mellie liked her, she thought. And then she wondered why it should bother her that Duke didn’t.
* * *
They rode around the property until the heat and thirst got the better of them. They went back to the corral, left the horses with one of the cowboys, and stopped at the front porch to pay the bill.
“Your horses are in great shape,” Duke said. “It’s obvious that you love them.”
The old man smiled. “Always have.”
“Do they have names?” Mellie asked.
“Yes, all six,” he said, smiling.
“What are they?” she asked. “Please?”
He chuckled. “You ever seeSnow White, that old cartoon movie?”
“Yes,” Mellie replied.
“There used to be seven of them, but I lost Dopey last year.” He chuckled. “You can probably figure out the rest of their names from that.”
“Wow,” Essa said. “That’s just way cool!”
He grinned. “I loved that movie. The cartoon girl looked like my Velza. She was beautiful, too.” His smile was wistful. “Lost her four years ago. But I’ll see her again before too long.”
“Can I speak to you for a minute?” Duke asked the man.
“Sure. Come inside.”
“No, out here’s fine. Essa, can you walk Mellie around the yard?”
“Sure,” she said, confused.
Mellie laughed. “I’m a horse. You need a bridle for me,” she teased.
“No, I don’t. I can catch you!” Essa said, making a feint at her.
“Want to bet?” Mellie took off at a dead run, with Essa right behind her.
* * *
By the time they got back, Duke and the man had finished their conversation apparently. They were both smiling.
Duke watched Essa, not running so fast now, still trying to catch the young girl, who ran like quicksilver.
“I yield!” Essa called out in a breathless whisper. “I just hope my life never depends on having to catch you!”
“You’re old!” Mellie teased.
“Am not,” Essa protested, leaning over to catch her breath, hands propped on her thighs. “Gosh, you can run!”
