Page 59 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Walt shook his head. “Traditionally, we cater a meal for the ranch hands and join them. We give out Christmas bonuses and a little wrapped gift for each. Since most don’t have families, or at least not families they are close to, we make the effort because it means a lot to them. I hoped you could join us.”
I thought for a moment. I dreamed of Wyl spending Christmas with me in Kerrville, but given the tradition Walt mentioned, Wyl needed to be on the ranch. “Sure, Walt. I’d love to be included in the Sterling Ranch Christmas tradition.”
“Great!” Walt grabbed me around the shoulders in a sideways hug. “Now, you two skedaddle. You’ll enjoy seeing the ranch on horseback, Rod. And be sure Wyl introduces you to the new horse…the one I bought in Oklahoma City. She’s a beauty. We hope she’ll give us a few colts at some point.”
“Speaking of horses, you ready?” Wyl added our coffee mugs to the sink.
“Do I need to saddle Blanket?”
Walt chuckled. “Have you ever saddled a horse?”
Heat rushed to my face. “No.” I glanced at Wyl. “But I hoped a big, strong rancher might help me.”
“Not necessary.” Walt shook his head. “While you guys were in the shower, I saddled Blanket and Sarge. Your horses are ready and waiting.”
Although riding a horse was on my bucket list, my stomach trembled as we approached the barn.Beingon a horse was a lot different thanhopingto ride a horse in the future. The future was here.
* * *
Sarge and Blanket stood saddled and ready to go. Each horse had gear already strapped on. Wyl showed me the saddlebags. I stowed my stuff and buckled the saddlebags closed.
“C’mere.” Wyl tugged my vest, and our lips brushed together. “All week, I anticipated this moment. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”
I blinked away the sting of happy tears. “Being with you is all I think about. It’s hard to believe we met three short months ago.”
“I think we weathered a couple of storms and came to a point where being together made us both stronger.” Wyl pulled me in for another quick kiss. “And since you start your cowboy journey today, I have something for you.” He pulled a box from an empty stall and offered it to me.Stetsonlabeled the outside.
I reached to take it.
“No. Remove the lid while I hold the box.”
I pulled the lid up and off and set it on Blanket’s saddle. Inside lay a beautiful light gray western hat. I ran my fingers over the soft crown.
“A cowboy hat for me?” I gazed at Wyl, a broad smile on my face.
“I told you I’d make a cowboy out of you,” Wyl said.
Reaching in, I lifted the hat by the brim. The label inside readEl Presidente.
“This is the hat presidents wear,” Wyl said. “Well…okay…LBJ wore. The softness is from fur felt, and what’s good enough for a president is perfect for my special cowboy. Go ahead. Try it on.”
I slipped the hat onto my head. I had worn regular hats on occasion, but never a cowboy hat. To my amazement, it was a perfect fit. “How did you guess my size?”
“Honey, your head and my hands are no strangers,” Wyl said. “And I’m not talking about your other head. The Stetson looks good on you.”
I took off the hat and attacked Wyl with a passionate kiss. This man was more than a blessing; he was a treasure. “Thank you, babe. I’ll keep this hat forever.” I put it back on.
“You’re welcome, cowboy. Oh…and come to meet Walt’s new horse.” Wyl had led me to an empty stall in early September when he brought me to meet the horses. Now, a beautiful white American Quarter Horse poked her head out to greet us. “Meet Princess.”
“She’s beautiful.” I reached and stroked her muzzle. Princess lifted her head into my hand.
“She likes you,” Wyl said.
“How can you tell?”
“Horses have a sense about people. She lifted into your touch. After you learn to ride, we’ll check with Walt about you riding her. She’s gentle, well trained, and responsive…as a fine horse should be.” Wyl patted her neck. “I’m glad Walt got her. He likes to take her on early morning rides. After our parents died in the plane crash in the New Mexico mountains, Walt ran this ranch until I retired from the Marines. The ranch is all he has besides me, so I encourage him to enjoy himself.” Devotion for his only brother shone through Wyl’s words. The connection was evident between Wyl and Walt, especially in terms of physical appearance and mannerisms. And they were close. Walt's encouragement for Wyl to come after me was a testament to the closeness. I looked forward to many years with both of them.
I stroked Princess one more time before following Wyl to the saddled-up horses. I stroked Blanket’s muzzle. “Do you think Blanket likes me?”
