Courage (Heroes of Big Sky 1)

“My butt hurts,” Kevin says.

“Yeah,” Tash replies. “That happens when you’re learning to ride. But your uncle is exactly right. You have to get back on after you fall off.”

“Have you ever fallen off a horse?” Kevin asks her.

“Lots of times,” she says with a smile. “But getting back on means you’re not afraid of it.”

“I want to see you ride,” Kevin says.

The kid is damn smart.

“Okay, I will. But not until you get back on.” Tash leans over to pet Suzie on the neck. “Hello, old friend. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I was here to see you.”

“You ready to get back on?” Seth asks Kevin.

“Okay. I guess.”

Seth helps Kevin into the saddle and murmurs to the boy, helping him regain his confidence. Gage and Kelsey are playing in the grass nearby.

“You’re pretty amazing,” I say as I wrap my arm around Tash’s shoulders.

“Yeah. I know.”

Chapter 9

~Natasha~

That might have been the best shower I’ve ever had. It’s been so long since I last rode a horse, I know I’m going to be ridiculously sore tomorrow.

Hell, I’m sore now.

But the hot water on my already weary muscles felt like heaven. Thankfully, the kids went to bed without a fight tonight, and I’m ready to plow through my nightly chores and then relax for a while in the quiet.

I shake out my wet hair and then twirl it into a soppy knot on the top of my head. I’ll sleep like this, and when I wake in the morning, I’ll have damp curls.

I check in on the kids, and see that the afternoon in the fresh air wiped them out, too. They’re sleeping peacefully.

Tomorrow’s Monday. That means I still have to make their lunches, ensure their clothes are clean and ready, and I have to clean the kitchen from dinner.

I’m already exhausted. Adding these nightly chores to my already busy schedule has been taxing. I knew that Monica had a lot on her plate, but now that I know the intimate ins and outs of what it takes to be a mother of two small children, my respect for my best friend has only grown.

If I were on speaking terms with my mother, I would call and apologize to her in case I was ever difficult as a kid.

I sigh as I walk into the kitchen and then stop in my tracks. I can only stare in amazement.

Sam is just zipping up the second lunch box and then sets them both on the edge of the island for the kids to grab in the morning. The kitchen is clean.

Like, spotlessly clean. He even thought to turn on the flameless candle I have sitting on the stovetop, giving the kitchen a warm glow.

In addition, the twins’ school clothes are folded neatly on one of the stools.

As Sam reaches for a damp rag and wipes down the countertops again, I realize in my heart of hearts that I’m totally in love with this man. Yes, I’ve had a crush on him my entire life, but being with him, living with him has only shown me what an incredible person Sam is. He’s kind and sexy. Supportive.

And I am head over heels in love with him. My heart stutters. My cheeks flush. And I would go take a moment to catch my breath but I can’t stop looking at him.

I watch in fascination as he pulls a wine glass down from the cabinet and pours some of my favorite wine.

He turns and smiles at me. “Here. You’ve earned it.”

“Are you trying to butter me up for something?”

He takes my hand and leads me into the living room, where we sit on the couch. He’s on one end, and I’m on the other, but my couch isn’t that big, so we’re not too far from each other.

“What do you mean?”

“You did all of my chores for me.”

“I didn’t realize they were your chores,” he says as I watch him over the rim of my wine glass. “They’re just things that needed to be done, so I did them.”

I could cry. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed, and having him here to help with these things, without even being asked, is a huge deal.

He did all my work for me, so now all I have to do is relax.

I feel like I won the lottery.

“Thanks.” I lean back and rest my head on a pillow. “I appreciate it.”

Sam reaches for one of my feet and starts rubbing the arch with his thumb.

“You’ll put me to sleep.”

“How do you feel after your day in the saddle?” he asks.

“God, I’m tired.” I laugh a little. “Riding is hard on the body.”

“You looked damn sexy on that horse. I knew that Seth taught you and Monica to ride, but I didn’t know you were so good at it.”

“There’s nothing like being on horseback,” I say with a sigh. “Even when it’s cold outside. And did you notice that by the time I got on, the clouds decided to settle in? It was damn chilly.”