Page 23 of Falling For Her Cowboy
“I better go and check in on Daisy,” she whispered. She hated to move. The feeling of him next to her was divine, but she had her horse who needed her. What kind of mom would she be if she didn’t go and give Daisy her treat and change her dressing?
“Let’s go see about Daisy.” He stepped back from her and snagged her purse and the bag with the donut in it. He handed them to her before shutting the door to the truck.
He held out his hand to her. She glanced down at it, and the butterflies in her stomach kicked in. She took his hand and allowed him to lead the way into the barn. A few curious horses peeked their heads out of their stalls at the sounds of their footsteps. They arrived at Daisy’s and found her sitting on the floor.
“Hey there, Daisy,” Melah called out in a sing-song voice.
Daisy turned her head to them. Her dressing was barely hanging on to her leg. She stood and walkedover to them. Her limp wasn’t as pronounced, which made Melah feel better.
Melah reached up and rubbed Daisy’s head. “Are you feeling better?”
Daisy blew out a deep breath and tried to go after the bag in Melah’s hand.
“Smart horse. She knows you brought her something.” Ridge chuckled.
“Spoiled horse.” In all honesty, she was happy to see that Daisy was acting like herself. The items that Ridge had left were tucked away in the bag that Melah had hanging outside her stall. She hung her purse up on an empty hook and grabbed the bag. She tapped Daisy on the nose. “Move back, girl. We are coming in.”
Ridge opened the door and ushered her in. It was evident that he went into doctor mode the second they were standing next to Daisy with the way his gaze swept over the horse.
“Did you miss me?” Melah reached inside the bag and brought out the donut.
Daisy neighed softly. Melah giggled at the way Daisy was careful to take the donut into her mouth. She was such a precious horse. She deserved all of the sweet treats—within reason.
Melah rubbed her hands on the back of her jeansand blew out a nervous breath. She’d never had to do a wound dressing on a horse before, but she was anxious to try it. At least Ridge was there to guide her.
“You sure you don’t want me to do it?” Ridge stood next to Daisy. He slowly stroked the horse’s neck.
Daisy, the little hussy, was loving the attention. She blew out a shaky breath and leaned into Ridge.
“Nope. She’s my responsibility, and I need to take care of her.” Melah bent down and removed the barely hanging on material that was on Daisy’s leg.
Her horse automatically lifted it for Melah. With Ridge patiently guiding her, she was able to ensure Daisy’s wound was still clean and redressed it. Daisy was the best horse a girl could ask for and had held still while Melah worked.
“I should have brought you two donuts!” Melah stood and rubbed Daisy’s nose.
Daisy shook her head and gave her a little sassy neigh in response. Ridge and Melah shared a laugh at the horse who took a few steps away as if to test out the dressing on her hoof.
“Yeah, she will be just fine. You did well in catching the issue early.” Ridge stood back and folded his arms.
Melah tried to not grin too wide as she gathered the supplies and tossed them back in the bag.
“Well, I had this amazing doctor stop in to check on her. He apparently knows a little something about horses,” Melah teased.
Ridge snorted and opened the door to the stall. They stepped outside of it and shut the door. Melah hung the bag back up on the hook and paused in front of Daisy’s stall one last time. Her heart was so full of love for her horse. She couldn’t wait to get her back out on the ranch.
“How much longer should I keep her from working?”
“Give her another day or two. I’ll look at it to make sure it’s healed. I didn’t have to cut her too deep, so it should be fine.”
Melah nodded and stepped back, satisfied with his response. Daisy loved being out in the open and working. She made Melah’s job so much easier. She was an experienced ranch horse who enjoyed working.
“Good.” Melah grabbed her purse and swung it up on her shoulder.
They walked in silence through the barn. They arrived outside with Melah stopping to turn to Ridge. She didn’t know what to say at this point. Ithad been so long since she’d kissed a man, much less got involved with one.
“Thanks for letting me treat you for dinner.”
“It was my pleasure.” His eyes crinkled in the corner as he smiled.
