Page 7 of The Cattleman’s Unforgettable Love: Ford and Amelia (MacFarland Ranch #11)

Amelia took her headphones off and set them down on the desk when Cash poked his head around the door.

“You doing okay, Amelia, honey? Can I get you anything?”

“I’m good, thanks. What time is it?”

“It’s almost five. Do you want to call it a day?”

“We can if you want.” Her fingers were already flying across the keyboard. “I just want to finish this up. What’s up with you wanting to finish early?”

“You know me, honey, I don’t keep a schedule. I’ve had enough for today. Thought you might have, too. But if you want to keep at it, you’re welcome to stay.”

“Are you going out?”

“Yeah. I’m going over to Trav’s place. I want to check in with Eli and see how Zeke’s doing while I’m there.”

She hit enter before looking up at him again. “You know, for the amount of time you spend over at Travis’s place, hanging out with the guys, I don’t get why you didn’t just take one of the cabins like he offered.”

“Because then every fucker would know where I was every minute of the day, wouldn’t they? This way, you’re the only one who knows how to find me.”

She shook her head with a smile. “Do you really think they’d be beating down your door every five minutes?” she asked. “Or is it just that you like to maintain this air of mystery?”

Cash threw back his head and laughed. “I’ll let you be the judge of that.”

“And how come I’m the only one allowed to know where you are? I would have thought you’d rather trust one of your old buddies.”

“I trust all of them, darlin’. But that doesn’t mean I want them in my space when I’m working. As for you, I know damn well you can keep a secret. And you need to know where I am because of work.” His smile faded. “I’m not putting you in a difficult position, am I?”

“Not at all. Why would it be difficult for me?”

“I didn’t know if you’d have let on that you know where I am. Didn’t know what Ford would make of that.”

She gave him a puzzled look. “Two questions.”

“Fire away.”

“One, what’s Ford got to do with anything? And two, why would he have a problem with me knowing where you’re staying? He knows we work together.”

Cash leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms across his chest. “He hasn’t told you anything about our history, then?”

“He hasn’t said a word. I get the impression that you two aren’t the closest of all the MacFarland siblings, but he’s never said a word against you. And he certainly hasn’t shared anything about whatever history the two of you have.”

Cash nodded slowly. “Good to know. I just don’t want to be the source of any friction between the two of you.”

Amelia got up from her chair and stretched before turning around to lean back against the desk. “Do me a favor, Cash.”

“Anything, honey.”

“Just come out and tell me what the problem is – and what you’re getting at.

You know I do better with a direct approach.

And I’d say that’s normally why we get along so well.

I know there’s some kind of friction between you and Ford, but I don’t know what it is.

And the last thing I want to do is exacerbate it. ”

“You won’t. We’re doing better these days. It’s just sibling stuff – every family has their share of it. I won’t bore you with the details. But as you already gathered, he and I aren’t the closest.” His eyes twinkled as he added, “But if I’m not wrong, you and he might end up being the closest.”

She lifted a shoulder. “If I tell you something, can it stay between you and me?”

“You know you don’t even need to ask that question, honey.”

“I do when it comes to work. But this is personal.” She cocked her head at him. “And I don’t exactly have a personal life most of the time, so we don’t have a frame of reference for how this works – especially when my personal life crosses over with your family life.”

Cash grinned. “Are you telling me there’s something going on between you and Ford?”

“I’m not telling you anything until you give me your word that whatever I say will stay between the two of us.”

“You have my word.”

“You already know I like him.”

Cash nodded.

“And…”

“And I’ll say it for you if you won’t say it yourself. I know he likes you, too.”

“I know. You’ve said that before. And I might not be the best at relationships, but even I knew it was mutual that first time I was here.”

Cash’s expression turned grim. And she was glad that from the moment she’d met him, he’d looked out for her. She’d hate to ever end up on his bad side. He was a wonderful friend to have – and there was no question that he would make a formidable foe.

“Don’t look like that,” she said. “I know you get mad whenever anyone mentions it, but Sierra and I survived. That’s all that matters.

And what I was about to say was…” She let out a breath.

“Screw it. I’m just going to tell you. He asked me out – and we’re going to spend the day together on Saturday. ”

She had to laugh at the way he grinned.

“Has anyone ever told you that you can cover the whole spectrum of human emotions in a split second? You looked ready to kill when I mentioned the first time I came here – and now you look as happy as if someone just handed you an 18-year-old bottle of Macallan and said it’s on the house.”

“Because I am that happy, darlin’ – in fact happier; I can buy my own damn whiskey, but there’s no way I can interfere with you and Ford. I’ve been keeping my fingers crossed for you but now that you’re here, my hands are tied.”

“Why?” She shifted against the desk, pushing to her feet before sitting back down again.

“Don’t look at me like that, darlin’. You shouldn’t need to ask why; you should know that you’re two of my favorite people.

I think you’d make a good match. It’s been killing me to stay out of it and not meddle in your business.

You know damn well that I’ve meddled in everyone else’s lives around here lately. ”

“I do. And you know, that begs the question – why aren’t you meddling now? You say you like the idea, but you’re not doing anything to help it along. Do you have some hesitation? Something I should know about? Some reason that we shouldn’t…”

Cash shook his head rapidly. “Hell no. I’m trying to keep myself out of it because I reckon the only thing that might put Ford off is if he thinks I’m meddling.”

“I wish you’d tell me what the deal is between the two of you.”

He pushed away from the doorframe. “Nah. If you want to know the history, ask Ford. There’s two sides to every story – and his is the only side you need to know. Come on, grab your gear. Let’s get out of here for the day.”

~ ~ ~

Ford leaned on the top rail of the fence, watching Tanner put the Morgan through his paces. He liked what he saw; Tanner hadn’t been kidding when he said the gelding was flashy looking.

It wasn’t just his color and conformation that Ford liked. He could also see what Tanner had meant about the horse being kind and smart. He pushed the brim of his hat up and nodded to himself. If Amelia wanted to learn to ride, this guy would be a good match for her.

Tanner rode over to him with a grin. “Didn’t I tell you?”

“You did. Sorry I didn’t make it over here with Boone this morning. I got caught up in the office.”

“Not a problem. He had his pick of the geldings – and I think he was disappointed when I told him he couldn’t have this fella.” He patted the horse’s neck before dismounting and offering Ford the reins. “You want to get to know him?”

Ford hesitated. “Doesn’t seem fair, he’s only a little guy.”

Tanner laughed. “He’s not that small, and you’re not that big. I’m not talking about you packing him into the mountains. Just a quick turn around the pen so you can get to know him. You’re a sweetheart, aren’t you, bud?” Tanner asked the horse as he rubbed his nose.

The horse turned and gently butted Tanner’s shoulder.

Ford took the reins and mounted. Fifteen hands wasn’t exactly small, and as Tanner had said, he wasn’t a huge guy, but he was conscious that he was heavier than most of his brothers – and than most of the hands. He was a different build.

He ran his hand up the horse’s neck and then walked him out around the pen.

He had a smooth gait and responded well to everything Ford asked of him. When Ford finally brought him to a halt after putting him through his paces, Tanner jumped down from the fence and came toward him with a grin on his face.

“Isn’t he awesome?”

“He is,” Ford agreed. “How does he handle on the ground?”

“Watch this,” said Tanner, as he removed first the saddle and then the bridle. “He’s like a big puppy dog.”

Ford smiled as he watched Tanner walk away, and the horse followed him. When Tanner stopped, the horse did, too. He laughed when Tanner broke into a run, and the horse trotted after him.

When they came back to join him, Ford patted the horse’s neck again.

“Maybe you should keep him – I think he’s attached already.”

“Nope. It’s not me – it’s him. He’s that kind of guy. He seems picky about his people, but once he’s chosen you, you’re good.”

“I think he’s chosen you,” said Ford, surprised by how disappointed he felt.

“You try it, you’ll see what I mean.”

Ford didn’t want to – Tanner was the horse whisperer; they all loved him. And of course, women did, too. Ford had never been that kind of magnetic – to woman or beast. He didn’t need to prove it.

To his surprise, the horse took a step toward him. Tanner nodded encouragingly.

Ford rubbed the horse’s ears and murmured, “You want to come for a walk then?”

He started walking and didn’t dare look back. He didn’t want to see the horse sticking with Tanner as they watched him make a fool of himself.

He didn’t need to look. A smile spread across his face at the sound of the horse following him. He stopped when he reached the center of the pen, and a rush of warmth filled his chest when the horse rested its chin on his shoulder.

He reached up to rub its cheek. “Thanks, buddy.”

“Told ya,” called Tanner. “And now that you know, see if you can get away from him.”

Ford turned around and looked up into big, deep brown eyes. “I’m not going to run away from you, but do you want to come for a jog?”

The horse lowered its head and butted his chest.

“See? He’s telling you to get going,” said Tanner.

Ford turned and jogged away, and this time, rather than following, the horse trotted by his side.

When they got back to Tanner, the horse rested his chin on Ford’s shoulder again.

“Looks to me like you’re the one he’s attached to,” Tanner told him with a grin.

Ford turned away, not wanting his face to give away how much he liked that idea. He ran his hand over the horse’s shoulder and down his leg. He lifted his hoof – and the horse turned to nuzzle at Ford’s ass as he bent to inspect it.

Tanner laughed out loud. “Yep. That seals it. The only concern I had about him was that he wouldn’t let anyone lift his feet. Thought maybe he had issues. But you can give them a look over while you’re here – and if we’re keeping him, I’ll want you on stand-by on farrier days.”

Ford nodded but didn’t comment as he inspected the horse’s feet. They were in good condition. “Could maybe use a trim, but other than that…” he told Tanner as he straightened up.

“Farrier’s due next week to see to all of them,” said Tanner. “So, what do you think – do you still want him for Amelia, or you want to keep him for yourself?”

Ford looked up into those big brown eyes again. “I’m too heavy for him.”

“Nah.” Tanner pushed at his shoulder. “You don’t need to keep reminding me that you’re the muscular one. I already know. And this guy’s strong as an ox. You should keep him as yours and let Amelia learn on him. But whether you ride him or not, this guy’s your horse.”

Ford smiled. “Maybe I should, huh? He got a name?”

“There were no papers with him. You can call him whatever you like.”

Ford looked the horse over. “You know I’ve never been any good at that.”

Tanner laughed. “Well, you can’t give him a number, I can tell you that much.”

Ford pursed his lips – when they were kids, he’d thought that numbering the horses would be an efficient naming system, but his siblings had teased him mercilessly – and it had taken years before he fully understood why.

“Maybe I’ll ask Amelia to name him – if she shows any interest.”

“Hurry up about it, can you? If one of you doesn’t give him a name, Ashton will want to do it, and we all know what he’s like.”

“Okay, I’m on it.” The latest litter of barn kittens were apparently Snowy, Blizzard, Flurry, Storm, and Avalanche – reflecting the kid’s excitement about his first winter in Montana.

Tanner looked up at the sound of a vehicle approaching. “You want to take your new friend back to the barn?” he asked.

Ford followed his gaze and smiled when he saw Everly’s car. “Sure, you go see your family. I can take care of this guy. And I might bring Amelia out to meet him later, see if she can come up with a name for him. So don’t worry if you see us prowling around.”

Tanner grinned. “You mean don’t come out and intrude – or worse, let Ash out to spoil the moment for you.”

“No! I…”

Tanner punched his shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m only messing around. It’s all good.”

Ford watched him jog over to greet Everly and Ashton when they got out of the car. The sight of the three of them together always made him smile.

Ashton looked over and waved. Ford waved back. Normally, he would have gone over to say hi, but Everly said something to Ashton and his shoulders slumped. Ford guessed that he was either in trouble, or his mom had said he had to come inside.

He turned away and eyed the bridle that Tanner had left hanging on the fence post. “Do we need that?” he asked the horse.

He chuckled when the animal shook his head, looking for all the world as if he’d understood every word.

“Don’t make a fool of me then, would ya? The last thing I need is having to get the hands to help me round up a runaway who should never have been allowed to free walk.”

The horse blew out a sigh and stepped toward him. When he rested his chin on Ford’s shoulder and blew out another, longer sigh, Ford knew without a shadow of a doubt that he’d be able to trust him.