Page 9 of Falling For Her Cowboy
Melah blinked. She had to focus on what he was saying so she’d be able to remember come morning.
Dressing needed to be changed. Hoof needed to stay dry and clean. Medicated ointment.
Got it.
“Thank you so much.” Melah moved over to Daisy and rubbed her shoulder and neck. Daisy blew out a breath and butted Melah’s hand with her head. Melah grinned at the move. She knew what that meant. She raced over to where she’d left the carrot and came back. She offered it to Daisy who promptly ate it intwo bites.
“It was my pleasure.” Ridge bent down and threw the items on the floor back in his bag. He zipped it shut and picked it up.
“That’s my girl.” Melah breathed a sigh of relief. She turned back to him and offered a smile. “I really appreciate you coming this late.”
“I’ve been out practically all day. This is actually my first time getting back to the ranch since I left this morning.” He combed his fingers through his hair then motioned to the door. “I can walk you out.”
Any other day Melah would have insisted she could take care of herself. Which she could, but she figured he was just being nice. She gave a nod and wrapped her arms around Daisy one last time.
“I’ll see you in the morning before I go to work. Get some rest.” She took a step back and gave Daisy another smile before she spun on her heels.
They exited the stall and closed it. Melah paused by the door and sighed.
“She’ll be fine. I promise,” Ridge said.
“She just means so much to me. It’s like having a kid.” Melah smiled bashfully and pushed away from the door.
They strolled through the large barn toward the exit. It was dark and quiet outside. A pickup truck was parked near the barn doors.
“I get it, and that’s what makes you a good mom to Daisy. You care.”
It felt good to have someone realize how much she loved Daisy and not make fun of her for it. Pierce had never understood why she’d gone out and gotten a horse.
Why didn’t you adopt a dog or a cat?His voice echoed in her head. She had spoken of her dream of owning a horse plenty of times. That had just showed her that he either didn’t really listen to her or he hadn’t thought she’d be capable of taking care of an animal like Daisy.
“It’s just her and me. I was happy the ranch allowed me to bring my own horse. This was definitely a good move for me.” She stared out at the open lands. The moon was high in the dark sky that was littered with twinkling stars. The ranch was stunning at night. She had spent plenty of time walking out here when the nightmares started. It wasn’t often she could escape them, so she’d just walk or go for a run on the ranch. The fresh air helped her think.
“I’m glad you are here,” he said.
She turned to him and found him watching her. “Oh?” She arched an eyebrow at him.
“This place is good for people like us. My fatherhad a dream of wanting to help soldiers, and this place does that. Whatever you need, they have it here.”
“I’m learning that.” She relaxed slightly. He was speaking in general about her being a soldier and coming to the ranch. Not him being happy that she was here. She doubted she’d see much of him after tonight. She’d been on the ranch for a couple of weeks now, and this was the first time she’d seen him. “Well, I’m thankful for your father and everything he has here. It’s already helping.”
“Good.”
They fell into a comfortable silence as they both admired nature. Melah inhaled the fresh South Dakota air again and realized this was the most relaxed she had felt in a while.
“What do I owe you?” she asked. The thought just came to her. He was still the vet who had come to treat Daisy. There had to be a fee for it.
“No charge.” He shook his head.
“Oh, no. I will pay you for your time. You are working.” She folded her arms.
He may not know her, but he was going to learn really quick she didn’t take handouts. She was going to reimburse him. He had just admitted he’d been working all day, and it was aftermidnight and he was just getting back on the ranch.
“I’m serious. No charge for Daisy. I just want to see her better.” He hefted the bag up on his shoulder and motioned to his truck. “Are you staying in the bunkhouse? I can give you a ride.”
“I am, but I prefer to walk. I do most nights, and don’t try to change the subject. I will pay you for treating her.”
“How about dinner?”
