“Joe, I want you to meet Sabrina Burke, the reason we have a group of kids creating that commotion at the coral.”
Joe shook her hand warmly, smiling then said. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard some good things about you. Anyone who can pull one over on Garrett and get away with it, is okay with me.”
Sabrina shrugged her shoulders and said. “He didn’t ask.”
Joe burst out laughing, “Good answer. Now let’s go find you a horse, apparently you needed a bit more power than we could find in the trail barn.”
Sabrina followed him out of the barn, Garrett trailing behind, scowling. Sabrina waiting for him to catch up, took his hand in hers, then stretched up on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. He grunted, but she could feel him relax.
They watched the horses in the pasture for a while, they’d been well fed in anticipation of the roundup and they all looked sleek and fat. She listened as they discussed several horses that might be a good fit, but as she watched, one horse seemed to be calling to her. She was a beautiful brown roan, clearly of good breeding.
“Are any of these horses already spoken for?” She asked, dying to get her hands on that horse.
“Nope, you get first pick. See something you like?” Joe said, handing her a halter.
“Yes, that brown roan over there.” She said, pointing to the horse she wanted.
Joe looked at Garrett, who gave him a skeptical look. “Well, I don’t know. Stormy Skies is a bit of a handful.”
“She doesn’t like to be caught, I wasn’t even going to take her with us because it takes so long to get her saddled.” Garrett said.
“If I can catch her, can I ride her?”
“You’re welcome to try.” Joe said.
Sabrina knew she could catch Stormy Skies, she’d had plenty of experience with fussy horses. She’d also come prepared with several lumps of sugar, carrot pieces, and apple pieces. Horses loved sweets and she was willing to use whatever means necessary to catch that horse, once she had her, then she’d decide.
It took patience and a great deal of coaxing, but she had the bridal on Stormy in ten minutes. Joe and Garrett were both shocked, but knew that the battle had just begun. Stormy was famous for making the saddling process as difficult as she could. Holding her breath or stomping her feet. Many a man had suffered from a smashed foot, thanks to Stormy.
By the time Sabrina and Stormy came through the gate from the pasture, they had formed a bond that occasionally happens between a human and a horse. The men watched amazed as Sabrina saddled Stormy with no problems, swung onto her back, and galloped off down the trail.
The men had barely stopped laughing when she returned to the barn, both horse and rider breathing heavily. “I don’t know what you think is wrong with this horse, but she’s a sweetheart.” She said, leaning over to stroke her face.
“She’s all yours. Evidently, she’s been waiting for you.” Garrett said, shaking his head. “Stay where you are. Galahad is just around the corner, let’s ride over to the coral, I want to give the kids a little demonstration when we give them their color bands.”
“Galahad?” She asked, laughing.
“Yeah, well, I let Scott name him and he was into knights and all that then. I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was a bad name for a horse. He was so proud of it.”
“Nothing like being a parent.” She said, watching as he expertly swung up into the saddle. “So what is this little demonstration?”
“I want you to show the kids just how dangerous a horse can be. Some of them are going to be upset because their riding time will be limited due to their experience, it always seems to help if they truly understand the danger.”
“Okay, I can do that. We’ll just pretend yesterday was a warm up.”
“Very funny. You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?” He asked, liking the sound of that. It sounded like permanence with Sabrina and he found he like the idea of that.
“Since I have a feeling that you don’t make mistakes very often, I’ll have to use that one for a while.” She said, giving Stormy a kick to get her moving.
Chapter 5
They approached the coral from the pasture behind it, which was empty since all the trail horses were in the barn. It looked like they were on their last group of riders, which was good because it was almost dinner time and the kids were beginning to look tired. As the last one took their turn, Garrett dismounted and walked toward the group.
“Did everyone have fun?” he asked, getting their attention. “Okay, you all, settle down. So here’s how this is going to work, you’re all going to get a chance to ride on the roundup, but some will be more restricted than others.” There were groans from the kids.
Garrett ignored them and continued. “Each of you is going to get an arm band, the color on the band represents you’re ability level. You will be allowed to ride based on these bands, Daphne and Kendra will be making those decisions.”
“But what if we get better?” One of the students asked.
“We’ll be taking bands along with us, if you listen well and work at it, by the end of the two weeks, there is no reason you won’t be able to move up a color.”
There was a brief discussion among the kids before they were quiet again, Garrett waited them out, then said. “But, riding is not only a big responsibility it’s a privilege. If you break any rule, and I know there are a lot of them, one of the first things you will lose is your riding privileges. Don’t make me do that, it will be a long trip if you have to spend it in the back of the wagon.”
There were quiet mummers of accent from the group. When they’d all gotten their arm band, he waited for them to get quiet again. “I want you all to understand that these are big powerful animals, they don’t want to hurt you, but it can happen all too easily. I want you to always pay attention to your horse, read their mood, and always be prepared.”
The kids were beginning to get restless, Garrett cleared his throat. “In case you need a visual, watch Ms. Burke.” He said, giving her a signal.
She dug her heels into Stormy’s side, sending her galloping at top speed across the pasture. Sabrina managed to hold on, impressed by Stormy’s speed, barely managing to rein her in and turn her before they went careening off into the woods.
The kids were staring open mouthed at her when she rode up to the coral, Stormy blowing foam. “That’s what it looks like when a horse take off with you in the saddle. If that happens bend over their neck like I did and hold on.” She said, as seriously as she could, after the exhilaration of that wild ride.
“Now, off to dinner with you all. Don’t forget two groups have KP duty, might as well get started now.” Garrett said, helping Sabrina down from Stormy.
“You just scared the crap out of me. Don’t ever do that again. That was not what I was thinking you would do.” He said, pulling her into the barn.
“Honestly, I didn’t know she had that kind of power, it was a little scary for a minute there. Sorry.” She said, still pumped up from the ride.
“You don’t look very sorry. I never imagined you as a dare devil.”
Just one more thing you don’t know about me, Mr. Terrell.” She said, slapping him on the arm with her glove and leaving the barn. She was mounted on Stormy again when he came out behind her, shaking his head wondering where the school teacher he’d known was gone.
This was a different Sabrina, a playful, daring one. He’d been attracted to her before, but now he had no idea how he was going to keep his hands off her. He mounted Hercules and followed her back to the working barn.
By lights out that night at eight, the kids were well fed, exhausted and asleep. Marie had asked again to spend the night at Daphne’s and Sabrina let her go, but only after she was sure that Daphne wouldn’t mind.
“Are you sure, she was there last night.” Sabrina said, as they were coming back from checking on the chaperones.
“It’s really not a problem, they’re so tired they�
�ll be asleep immediately. They were last night. You just enjoy another night of freedom.” She said, with a knowing look on her face. Daphne had been watching Garrett and Sabrina all day, but hadn’t been sure until she got an email from Scott’s school confirming his change to another classroom.
She’d considered asking Garrett about it but, when they came in together for dinner, heads close together, all her questions had been answered. It was all quite exciting, love was happening right in front of her eyes and she couldn’t think of two better people for it to happen to.
She’d already grown close to Sabrina in the short time they’d known each other. It had been an easy friendship to fall into, each feeling comfortable sharing with the other. Daphne was looking forward to getting to know her better, especially since it looked like she might be around for a while.
Sabrina knew all too well what that look meant, “How did you know? Is it that obvious?” She said, blushing.
“No, only to me.” She said, giving Sabrina a big hug. “I’m happy for you. He really is a good man, but he’s been hurt, so give him time.”
“I can understand that, I’ve been there. But that’s a conversation for another time.”
“You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.” Daphne said.
“No I want to. It helps a little more every time I tell it.” Sabrina said.
“Well, for tonight, live in the present.” Daphne said, patting her on the back and leaving.
Sabrina, headed upstairs not sure what to do now. Should she go find Garrett, it seemed a little strange for her to go looking for him, she didn’t even know where his room was. The house was full of people, she didn’t want to embarrass herself by going to the wrong room.
It had gotten very quiet, everyone must be in bed, a place it would be wise for her to be. But, she couldn’t get Garrett out of her mind, no way was she going to be able to sleep any time soon. She took a shower and put on another one of her silky nighties, which just reminded her of last night.
She was instantly aroused at just the thought of Garrett’s wonderful body. Shaking her head, she put her robe on and headed to the porch, she’d found him there the last two nights, he might be there tonight. Her intuition had been right, he was waiting for her on the porch.
“I hoped you might come down.” He said, pulling her into his arms before she could protest. “Everyone’s asleep. Come to my room.”
She started to protest but his mouth found hers and she was lost, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her inside. His room was at the end of the hall and when he reached the bed, he set her gently down then stripped off his pajama bottoms, clearly aroused.
She opened her arms to him, an invitation he wouldn’t turn down.
*****
The next morning was organized chaos as everything was readied for the roundup. They would be heading straight to the top, hopefully in three days, then spend a few nights at an upper camp while the cattle were gathered from the valleys. Then the long trip down the mountain, pushing thousands of cattle in front of them.
It would be a much slower trip down that up, but that would be when the real work would be done. Even the kids would play a role in keeping the cattle moving and on the right path. They would function as look outs, spotting any cattle that might stray from the herd. It would keep them occupied, as well as give them some responsibility.
Miraculously, they were loaded and ready to go on time. The wranglers would go first, the kids in the middle, and the supplies and cook wagon at the end. This way there would be plenty of eyes on the kids and the wranglers would spot any trouble ahead.
Sabrina was riding next to the kids wagon, listening to Daphne explain that this would have been the way a wagon train would have traveled. She had the kids fully engaged, and Sabrina had to admit that Garrett had been right, the kids were learning something already.
She hadn’t seen Garrett for a while, but she’d known that he’d be busy, they would be able to steal a few minutes alone tonight. But when she looked ahead, he was headed back towards them. When he got to the wagon, he talked to the kids for a few minutes about what they could expect for the rest of the day.
“Dinner will be late tonight, so make sure you eat a big lunch, we left late, so we need to make up some time. It’s a long way to the top, but half the fun is getting there.” He said.
Sabrina had ridden a little ahead of the wagon, giving Garrett and Hercules some room. Once he finished with the kids, he rode up next to her. “You’re with me.” He said.
“What?”
“You’re riding point with me.”
“I can’t go off and leave the kids.” She said, looking back over her shoulder.
“They’ll be fine. This isn’t the first time we’ve done this. Besides, you’ll be much more useful up front. Better get used to the terrain because you’re herding on the way back.” He said, turning back to the wagon. “I’m stealing Ms. Burke you guys. We’ll see you at lunch.”
“Okay, you’re the boss.” She said, wondering what he was up to. “I may know a lot about horses, but I don’t know anything about cattle.” She said, as they headed up to the front of the line.
“Well, we have three days to teach you everything you need to know. We’ll have to spend most of that time together, I don’t see anything other way.” He said, shrugging his shoulders, trying to look innocent, but there was a wicked glint in his eyes.
“Are you testing me, Mr. Terrell?”
“Hmm, that didn’t work out so well the last time, I’ve learned my lesson. No, I just want to see what you can do on horseback, besides scaring the crap out of me.” He said, digging his heals in and urging his horse into a gallop.
Sabrina needed no other encouragement, she dug in her heels and Stormy took off like a shot. She was prepared this time so as she shot past Garrett, she pulled off her hat and waved it in the air. Easing off Stormy, she slowed her and waited for Garrett to catch up. The terrain wasn’t suited to galloping, but it had been fun.
The wrangles were well ahead of the rest of the group since they could move faster, they would scout a location to set up camp, then be responsible for starting a central campfire as well as a cook fire. The rest of the group would set up camp and help prepare the evening meal when they arrived. This would change once they set up cow camp in the upper meadow, but for now Daphne had divided what work there was, equally.
Once they caught up with the rest of the cow hands, Garrett introduced Sabrina to everyone. They all greeted her warmly, Joe having already spread the story of her first ride. They were all happy to give her advice about how best to run cows and she listened to each one, putting the knowledge away for later use.
By the time they set up camp that night, her head was spinning with everything she had learned that day.
This might be harder than she thought it was going to be, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her. She couldn’t think of a better way to spend two weeks, well that wasn’t quite true, but this would be fun. Definitely the trip of a lifetime, and she had every intention of enjoying every minute of it.
After she’d helped set up the tent and bedroll, with her group of kids, she pulled her parent volunteer aside. “Denise, are you okay with me being gone all day? I can stay back here with you all if you want.” She asked, not wanting any bad feelings floating around.
“No, it’s fine. As long as you’re here to help me with the girls at night I don’t see any problem. I know it’s none of my business, but Mr. Terrell seems to like you.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Yeah, I think I like him too. It’s highly inappropriate, but I can’t seem to help myself. Do you think I’m terrible?” She asked, this was a parent after all.
“Honey, if that man was sweet on me, I wouldn’t be able to resist either. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Honestly, I don’t think anyone else has even missed you. There’s so much to see and learn about, they’re all too busy. If you’re here at
night, I’m good to go.”
“Thank you, it’s crazy, but....” She trailed off.
“Sabrina, there aren’t that many good men out there, when we get to be our age, if you’ve found one, hold on to him.”
“You know Denise, I had absolutely no plans to get involved in a romance, especially not one this complicated. I thought I was done with men for a while.”
“That’s exactly when it happens.” Denise said, with a smug smile.
There was no chance for further conversation since they’d finished the tent and called the kids over to get their sleeping bags and duffles moved in. As they were finishing, the dinner bell rang and there was a stampede for the food. Daphne had put a plan in place to avoid this, but the kids were hungry and temporarily forgot the rules. It only took a few raised voices from the adults to get them in line properly, once that was accomplished everything went according to plan. Once dinner was finished, they had each of the groups pick a group name, since Daphne had only given them numbers.
They had a naming ceremony around the fire, then it was bedtime. There were a few feeble grumbles from the kids, but most were too tired to fight it. After each had made a trip to the improvised outhouse and scrubbed off the worst of the dirt, they all went to bed. It wasn’t long before they were all asleep and the adults could have some down time around the fire.
The adults were as tired as the kids, but still not ready for bed, so they gathered around the fire and listened to the cow hands tell stories from their experiences. It was a beautiful night, the sky full of stars, it was cold but not terribly so.
Sabrina was standing by the fire, when Garrett joined the group. He came up and stood next to her. “I can get you a chair, there are still a few left.”
“No thanks, I’m okay. My rear end is a little sore.” She said, shrugging her shoulders. “I haven’t ridden in a while, and those two wild rides plus today have taken their toll. I’ll just stand for a while.”
You Complete Me: A BWWM Single Parent Older Couple Romance (Brothers From Money Book 1) Page 5