Riding Hard

“I would’ve.”

“And that’s one of the reasons I didn’t want to ask you. I knew you wouldn’t take any money for it, and Tracy will.” Regan studied him. “You do realize that I’m not mad at you anymore, right?”

“Yeah, I do.” His chuckle sounded hollow. “Sadly, I’m still riddled with guilt.”

“Well, hell, dude. Get over it.” Regan tossed a peanut in his mouth.

“Believe me, I’m trying. Taking care of your place for free while y’all are gone would’ve helped, but I get why you asked Tracy. I wouldn’t want to deprive her of a chance to earn extra money.”

“And I hoped you’d be her backup if she has any issues. Legally I can’t pay you since you’re not licensed in Wyoming, but I know you don’t care about the money.”

“Nope. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll keep an eye on the medical side of things, but you do realize Tracy hates the thought of having to call on me.”

“She won’t hate it if one of the horses gets sick. Everything went fine last time, but we were only a couple of hours away if she’d needed us. Frankly, I wouldn’t have agreed to a cross-country trip if I couldn’t count on you in the event of a problem.”

“I’ll surely do that. But now I wish I hadn’t told you that I think she’s hot.”

“Why?”

Drake looked away. “Because I don’t want you to think I’ll take this as a golden opportunity.”

“Good God. You are not only riddled with guilt, you’re drowning in it. You and Tracy are consenting adults. I like you both. What happens between you has nothing to do with me unless you scare the horses.”

Drake glanced over to find Regan grinning. “I promise not to do that.”

“Then everything else is up for grabs.”

Drake didn’t think so. Tracy had a poor opinion of him, and it would take a miracle to change her mind.

2

AS THE NOONDAY sun beat down on her, Tracy stared at the pregnant Appaloosa that the sad-looking cowboy had insisted on unloading despite Tracy’s protests. She was a striking mare with a Dalmatian-like coat. Her mane and tail mixed strands of black and white into a soft gray. Tracy instantly wanted to take in this lovely creature.

But her instructions from Regan and Lily had been crystal clear. Just like the first time she house-sat for them, she wasn’t supposed to accept any animals while they were gone. “I’m sorry.” She kept her tone friendly but firm. “I’m not authorized to admit any animals this week. Perhaps you’d like to come back at the end of the month when the owners are here.”

“Can’t wait that long, ma’am. I can’t feed her no more. I’ve run through the money I got from selling my stud and I can’t find work.” The man could have been anywhere from thirty to fifty years old, but he’d obviously lived a hard life judging from his weathered skin and resigned expression.

“I wish I could help, but—”

“I came this close to selling Dottie to a guy in Jackson, but he wouldn’t have treated her right. I’m beggin’ you to take her.”

“If she’s valuable, and I can see that she probably is, surely you can find someone you trust who would buy her.”

“No time. Got an eviction notice for the place I rent yesterday. I’m out of feed for Dottie and out of options. I heard about this rescue operation and figured it was my last hope to put her somewheres she’d be looked after.”

Tracy heard the desperation in his voice. This wasn’t some jerk who’d grown tired of his responsibility. The man genuinely loved his mare and was terrified something bad would happen to her because he’d lost the ability to provide for her.

Last time Tracy had taken care of Peaceful Kingdom, all twelve of the barn’s stalls had been occupied. But Regan and Lily had worked hard to adopt out the young and healthy horses. Six of the residents were so old and feeble they’d live at Peaceful Kingdom forever. Two others needed to learn some manners before they’d be ready to go. Four stalls stood empty.

It wasn’t her place to fill even one of them. She’d be acting against orders if she did. But this situation tugged at her heart. She met the cowboy’s gaze and made her decision. “I’ll take her.”

His shoulders dropped and his eyes grew suspiciously moist. “Thank you, ma’am. Thank you.”

His gruff tone choked her up a little, too. “Let me get the form for you to fill out.” She hurried back to the house and returned in a flash with a clipboard, an intake form and a pen before doubts could change her mind. She held them out to him. “We need some information for our records.” Regan and Lily would understand. They had to.

If possible, he looked even more miserable. “Sorry, ma’am. I can’t.”

For a split second she thought he was refusing to fill out the form, but then she realized he was illiterate on top of his other problems. “No worries. I’ll do it. Just tell me what to write.”

The man’s name was Jerry Rankin. He’d bought Dottie as a foal ten years ago, when times were good for him. Once Tracy started asking questions, Jerry offered all sorts of details that weren’t on the form.

When he’d been blessed with steady work, he’d bought an Appaloosa stallion with plans to start a breeding operation. His wife had handled the paperwork, and all had gone well. They’d bred the horses and sold three foals. But then his wife had died after an illness that ate up their savings, and he’d lost his job.

When Tracy finished filling out the form, she glanced up. “Can you sign your name?”

“My wife taught me that much.” He took the clipboard and pen and painstakingly wrote his name in awkward block letters.

“Thank you, Mr. Rankin.”

“Jerry’s good enough.”

“Jerry, then.”

“I surely do appreciate this.” He handed over the lead rope, but the mare stayed right by his side. Then he dug in the pocket of his worn jeans. “I ain’t got nothin’ but change, but I’ll give you what I—”

“No, no. That’s okay. You keep it.” She felt like offering him money, instead. “I don’t know if you’ve checked into this, but the county has programs if you find yourself...a little short.”

He nodded. “I know. I might consider that.” He returned the coins to his pocket. “Much obliged to you for taking Dottie. That’s a load off my mind.”

“You’re welcome.”

“She’s a good horse.”

“I’m sure she is.”

He stroked the Appaloosa’s nose. “You be a good girl for the lady, you hear?”

The mare turned her head and nudged his chest.

“I know. I’ll miss you, too. It’s for the best.”

Tracy swallowed a lump in her throat. “Mr. Rankin...Jerry, she’ll be right here. If things should start looking up for you, you can come and get her.”

He touched the brim of his battered cowboy hat. “That’s right nice of you, ma’am.” His voice grew husky. “I’ll...I’ll keep it in mind.” He stroked Dottie’s nose once more and started for his truck.

“We’ll take good care of her,” Tracy called after him.

He didn’t respond other than to give a brief nod.