Page 14 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

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.”