One to Take (One to Hold 8)

“Will Bill keep her?”

“He hasn’t decided yet. Either way, she needs to be broken before he can sell her.”

She watches him approach, feet planted. Stuart’s faded jeans are slung low on his hips, and I lean my head to the side, resting my cheek against my hand as I watch my sexy cowboy work.

“You can do it,” I say as he gently touches her head. “She already trusts you.”

The small horse’s muscles tense as his hand moves to her neck, but she allows him to stroke the fur under her mane. As he gets closer to her body, though, her front hooves do a skippy-dance, and she darts away.

“Bill’s been working with her some,” he says, walking back to where I stand. He glances at the little filly trotting around the yard, find

ing her way back to her mother.

“I wish I could work with her.”

For a few moments, he doesn’t answer me. His lips twitch, and he studies me briefly before nodding. “I could teach you. While we’re here at least.”

“Stuart! Would you? I would love that so much!” I’m squealing as I bounce on my toes, trying not to spill my coffee.

“Let me talk to Bill, make sure he doesn’t have other plans for her. If he says it’s okay, I’ll get you started.”

“Oh my god! It’s going to be so much fun!”

“It’s serious business.” His expression grows stern. “You have to be calm. The way we handle her sets her up for future interactions with riders, and Bill’s already worried she’ll be flighty.”

“Like Freckles.” I stop bouncing immediately and force my cheeks to stop smiling. “I’ll be very calm. No emotion.”

He swings a leg over the fence and drops down beside me. “Emotions are okay, just remember you’re the boss.”

I level my gaze at the horse, doing my best to imitate his expression. “Right. I’m the boss.” My eyes slide to him. “Does this boss thing also work on you?”

That makes him grin, and he puts his arm across my shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get some breakfast.”

Walking away, the bounce is back in my step. “I’ve never had a horse before. Can I name her?”

“She’s not really yours.”

“I know, but it’s like she’s mine… if I’m training her.”

“Not really.”

“Stop being a party pooper!” Another gust of wind sends my hair flying around us.

Stuart glances down at me, and the green in his hazel eyes twinkles through the brown. “What would you name her?”

“Jessie.”

“Is that significant somehow?”

“My mother’s name was Jacinda.” My heart warms as I think of another possible use for her name.

He nods, “Then Jessie it is.”

* * *

Stuart

Ron has arrived when I return to the barn after breakfast. He’s my uncle’s only ranch hand, and like Winona, he came with the place. As such, I’ve known him since I was a kid.