Rode Hard

“How does she look?”

“She’s a beauty. Good muscle formation, backline, and height. She’ll throw some good foals, I hope.”

“Who are you thinking of putting her to?”

“Sultan. He’s feisty but she’s a quiet gal and I think we’ll get a nice foal.”

“I agree.” I turned and wrapped both of my arms around him. “So, last day as a cop tomorrow.”

“Yep. I can’t wait to work the horses full time. You gave me my dream, and so much more, Kyle.”

“Maybe, but I was being selfish. I want you here where I can see you’re safe and where I can come and see you whenever the urge strikes.”

Luke laughed and hugged me. “I have a feeling the urge will strike often.”

“You objecting?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Come on, lunch. Maybe we’ll make it a long one.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“I know.” I gave him a quick peck on the cheek, we both mounted up, and headed back to the house where we knew the girls would be getting lunch ready. They’d insisted on taking care of the meals until Wendy was well enough to work. Unlike our foreperson, Serina was an excellent cook, and she was patiently teaching our girl.

We unsaddled, left our horses grazing in a paddock out the back, and headed for the back door which led into the kitchen. I threw open the door in time to catch Wendy and Serina locked together in what looked like a sensuous kiss. On hearing us enter, they jumped apart. Both flushed bright red while Luke and I glanced at each other and smiled. We’d discussed our suspicions a few days earlier and it looked like we’d been right.

I crossed the floor, pulled both girls into my arms and kissed their cheeks. “Welcome to our family, Serina. I’m so happy for you Wendy.”

I couldn’t have been happier for the girls. Luke and I stood with our arms around each other while the girls did the same. They explained how their attraction to each other dated back to their days at school, but neither one had worked up the courage to act on it before now.

It was a familiar story, and one Luke and I could well relate to. It was hard to believe, only a few weeks earlier, I’d been lonely and dreaming of a man I thought would never be mine. Now I was part of, and surrounded by a new, loving family.

The past had almost been dealt with and we’d all vowed, we would never again keep secrets from each other.

THE END