Page 80 of Knot Her Cowboys
“You’re an angel. I’m getting all squirmy with him being far away.”
I kissed her again, savoring the warmth of her lips and the gentle way her hands moved to cup my cheeks. “I’ll skip the shower then and send him right over.”
“You don’t have t?—”
“Iwantto. Pack takes care of one another.”
Her smile just for me almost knocked me onto my ass with how radiant it was. “I really feel like I need to write Cash and Cooper some thank-you cards for having such great taste in packmates. It’s kind of ridiculous.”
I laughed, reluctantly taking my leave of her to drop Sky off at the stables, where one of the hands would take care of her.
Cash perked up the moment he saw me. “Any luck?”
“Some.”
“I’ll take it.” Cash laughed.
“Go on and see your bondmate. I’ll take over here.”
“You’re a damn godsend. I was starting to lose it.”
I tilted my head toward the door and he raced right past me, sprinting toward the kitchen. I laughed as I took my place behind the reception desk.
We were all fucking goners.
“Ithink Ranger is brushed enough for the day,” I said to Cooper when I peeked into the stables for a quick evening check of the horses. “He’s going to develop a bald spot if you groom that area any longer.”
“Lost in my own head.” Cooper set the brush aside. “And maybe nervous about going to the campfire, knowing Riley is there.”
“I’m about to steal her away to spend time with Buttons, so you’re free and clear there.”
He frowned. “Iwilltalk to her. Am I terrible if I put it off until tomorrow?”
“Not in my personal opinion,” I assured him. “Take the night to think and tackle the conversation when you’re rested.”
Cooper huffed a breath. “Okay. I’ll hide out here until you get her to the small barn so I don’t make things weird and interrupt your time with her. And don’t say I wouldn’t. We both know I’d be a distraction, and you need to focus on a horse in labor.”
“I’ll get her now so you don’t have to hide for long. Give me five minutes.”
Riley was at the campfire next to Cash and Dakota when I arrived. Buttons had been showing signs of labor for the past three hours and since her foal hadn’t made an appearance yet, she was definitely getting close.
Cash tapped Riley’s shoulder and pointed toward me, getting her attention on my behalf. Her face lit up when she saw me. “Baby time?”
“Soon. If you’re interested, I’m sure Buttons would love some attention.”
“On it.” Riley beamed and hopped out of her chair to follow me back to the barn after giving Cash and Dakota each a kiss on the cheek, adding one for me when she got within reach. I offered her my arm and she looped hers through it, forcing my pace to slow to accommodate for her shorter legs.
“She’s been pretty chill. Some horses get really restless, but Buttons was only like that for a bit.”
“Does she like to be touched right now?”
“Hasn’t tried to bite me yet,” I said with a laugh. “She’s affectionate anyway. You can settle around her head and I’ll handle the actual foaling portion of things.”
“I’m so fucking excited. I haven’t gotten to love on a baby horse in yeeears.”
Buttons was sprawled in the straw when we arrived, lifting her head to examine us before laying down again.
“Hello there, my sweet girl,” Riley cooed. “Having your baby today?”
