Page 33 of Beehives and Broken Heroes

She’d take Honey with her. He’d love to get back out to the old property for a while and run around. At that thought, she drifted into a near-restful sleep.

* * *

The sun was out, and despite the frost from two nights ago, it was shaping up to be a pleasant spring day.

Brandon stood out in his corral with Tom Westbrook and Tom’s soon-to-be son-in-law, Lucky Preston, watching Titan out in the field. They’d spent a good hour that morning working with the horse. Brandon had even managed to get in the saddle for a few minutes, until Titan made it clear in no uncertain terms that he wanted Brandon off. Brandon had managed to dismount during Titan’s first crow hop.

Now the horse was unsaddled, the saddle sat on the fence, and Titan tromped around with Clover, Flower, and Scout, happy as could be. Tom and Lucky had seen Titan over at the Westbrook farm in the indoor arena throughout the winter and had both taken an interest in the horse.

“I can’t believe the progress he’s made,” Tom said, and he clapped a hand down on Brandon’s shoulder. “I think you’re a better trainer than you’ve let on.”

Brandon didn’t respond.

“After David died,” Tom said, “I thought that’d be the end of Titan. That horse sure did love David. To see him like this is beyond what I would’ve expected.”

Lucky leaned against the fence. “Did he ever compete?”

“Don’t know,” Brandon said.

Tom shook his head. “Not professionally, but sometimes David would come over and rope during our weekly ropings for the fun of it. It wasn’t his calling.” Tom glanced at Lucky. “David apprenticed Anders, my nephew, under him. Did you know that? Taught him all about making furniture and turning wood.”

Lucky shook his head.

“Finest wood workman this side of the Mississippi,” Tom said. “Shame he died so young. Titan will be glad to be riding again at some point, I expect. He’s a riding horse, for sure.”

“How was Titan on the barrier?” Lucky asked.

“Despite his owner?” Tom laughed. “One of the best I’ve seen. And fast. Boy, can this horse move.” He let out a low whistle.

Brandon and Lucky chuckled.

Tom fiddled with a tall piece of grass. “Titan may not be ready for a rider again yet, but this is the best he’s been since David died.”

Brandon grinned. He’d been working hard with the horse and was pleased with the compliment.

“He’s a beaut,” Lucky said. “I’d love to ride him one day myself.”

“Thanks for helping me with him,” Brandon said.

Tom nodded Lucky toward his truck, a big old thing with Lucky’s face all over it, and placed a hand on Brandon’s shoulder. “This has all been you. Let us know if you need anything. And just because you don’t need our indoor arena anymore doesn’t mean you can’t clean out the stalls if the urge takes you.” Tom winked.

Brandon shook his head. “I’ll keep that in mind. Could you tell Hunter my horses are ready for new shoes?”

“Sure thing,” Tom said.

Lucky shook his hand. “By the way, thanks for inviting us to the twins’ party the other night. Swayzie and I had a real good time. And Steph and Wyatt had a great time too.”

“Good,” Brandon said.

“That girl of yours is a real hoot,” Lucky said.

Brandon was about to tell Lucky she wasn’t his girl, but he stopped. “She is.”

The men said their goodbyes and headed off.

Brandon pulled the saddle from the fence, lugged it into the barn, and put it away.

His phone buzzed. It was his brother.

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