Page 23 of Healing Her Cowboys
“Then I’ve done my duty.”
“You would make an amazing father, Atlas,” she said and snuggled into him.
For a moment, they stood there in silence, his warm embrace reassuring her, as they watched Lori and her new baby. It was as if the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in the quiet, simple beauty of the stable.
“That reminds me,” Reese said. “What are you going to name her?’
Atlas smiled. “I asked Brik about that, and we both agreed. Since you helped bring her into this world, we thought it only fitting that you name her.”
“Me?” she asked, taken aback. “I don’t know about naming horses.”
“Consider it naming your first animal. It’s just like naming anything precious to you. Think about it. There’s no rush.”
The filly let out a small whinny, breaking the moment, and they both laughed, a bit flustered, but still sharing a warm smile.
***
“You want me to what?” There was no way Reese had heard them right. “I don’t know how to ride a horse.”
“You had no problem riding us,” Brik said with a smirk. “Just consider it the same thing, only slightly bigger.”
“That’s not funny, Brik,” she said. “What if I fall off?”
“One of us is going to ride it with you until you feel comfortable riding alone,” Atlas said. “Don’t worry. We would never make you do anything dangerous.”
That made her relax some, but it didn’t completely erase her nerves. “When exactly do you want me to do this?”
“No time like the present,” Brik said.
He and Atlas led her out to the area where they exercised the horses in the corral.
Harry was there, leading a horse by a bridle. Reese was at least learning her ranch terminology by being with them.
He had a saddled brown mare all ready to go, just waiting for her. They weren’t kidding when they said they wanted her to ride right away.
Nervousness came back in full force. Of course, she knew Brik and Atlas wouldn’t let anything happen to her. That didn’t mean she was going to ride with full confidence.
Brik took the reins and led the horse out of the corral. “Are you ready, baby?”
Hell, no. She wasn’t ready, but she wasn’t about to let fear stop her, either.
Brik hoisted himself up with ease. Even with his prosthetic leg, he looked like a natural on a horse. Reese doubted she would look that good at riding.
Atlas was behind her, hoisting her up towards Brik before other doubts could appear.
Brik pulled her close so that her butt pushed right against the front of him.
“First thing to remember, always hold the pommel here in front when you mount. It’ll give you support as you pull yourself up in case the saddle slides.” Brik handed her the reins.
“What am I supposed to do with those?” Reese asked.
“It’s your job to lead it. I’ll be with you every step of the way. This is the best way to learn, so don’t get scared.” Brik covered her hands so they both held onto the reins. “When you’re ready, gently squeeze your legs together to let him know you’re ready to go.”
She followed his instructions, and before she knew it, they were moving. Brik told her how to hold the reins properly, and she was surprised at how comfortable it felt to ride the horse with him behind her.
“I’m doing it!” she exclaimed. “I’m riding a horse!”
“Damn straight you are,” Brik said. “Look at you go.”
