Page 48 of Stirring Up Trouble
I loved my friends at the Coleman Ranch. I loved my job and my partnership with Griffin.
But there was more to life than being an observer to other people’s joy.
“Which horses did you go with?” Blaze asked when I didn’t immediately speak up.
“Majesty and Poison, though I imagine we’ll change their names. I can’t see those sticking around on the ranch. Elton is thinking up new ideas now.”
“Daddy Maddy, do you think this nice gentleman here who knows future-cousin-to-be Robin might let me ride one of his horses?” Jake said, voice slow and clear. He obviously didn’t want there to be any confusion about what he was suggesting.
Bobby Allen frowned as Maddox shook his head and pinched his nose. Blaze cleared up the confusion.
“Sorry about him, Bobby Allen. Let me do introductions. This is my cousin Maddox. Next to him are his partners Leon andJake. They surprised me with a visit today. Jake wants to ride a horse, which is why we were headed this way to find a suitable mount for him.”
“Oh, I see. Nice to meet you all.” Bobby Allen tipped his cowboy hat in greeting. “As for the horses, I’d say Majesty is probably the best bet. Poison might not be as gentle at first.”
“Would it make me royalty to ride a horse named Majesty, Daddy Lee? I think it does! Then you two can be my jesters. Or my concubines! That would be fun.”
Bobby Allen smiled at Jake’s ridiculous words. He turned to me. “He reminds me of Beau.”
“Holy cow, you’re right! I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection before.”
“Who is Beau? Are you saying he’s as handsome and funny as me?” Jake pressed.
“He has no filter like you do. And he is pretty hilarious to be around. I can’t say there's ever a boring moment when he’s around. Robin has seen enough of his antics to know what I mean.”
“Bobby Allen is right. I really should have realized it when you first started talking.” I smacked my forehead.
Blaze immediately pushed my hand away as he smoothed a thumb over where I’d hit myself. “No hurting yourself, baby. Gotta be gentle.”
His words nearly distracted me from everything. If Jake hadn’t started doing cartwheels, then I might have stayed locked in the pull of Daddy’s gaze. Instead, I turned to see what my new friend was going on about now.
“I’d apologize for him, but that would imply I don’t love his chaos,” Maddox said.
“Same. He has a lot of energy and is worth it all. Thanks for allowing him to ride one of your new horses, Bobby Allen.Anytime you happen to be in Bellport, we’ll get you tickets to a game.”
“To a game?”
“A hockey game. We play for the Bellport Bears.”
At the blank stare his words brought, Leon laughed. It was quite clear the other man had no interest in sports.
“Then we can just take you to dinner or something. Our small city boasts a lot of fun things to do. And we’ve got a great group of friends who would welcome you right along.”
“I’d have to make sure my boy was good with it first,” Bobby Allen replied. “If Elton is interested, then I’ll reach out through Blaze or Robin. One of them can help set it up.”
“Fair enough.”
Jake finally ran out of steam, which was perfect timing. Bobby Allen led our group down to his newly acquired beauties. I looked over the animals just to make sure there wasn’t anything that would prevent a safe ride.
“She’s good to go. Let’s get her saddled up for Jake,” I told the men.
I was crushed in a hug by Jake, then just as quickly pulled back to Daddy’s chest. We stood to the side watching the four men discuss how to properly place everything. It was a serene moment where the different pieces of me overlapped in real time.
By the end of the rodeo, I’d have to decide which path to follow: Returning to the clinic and working with Griffin or leaving the life I knew behind to be with Blaze.
Eighteen
Blaze
