Page 76 of Rough Stock

‘I am?’ Craig poked up the brim of his hat.

Bree widened her eyes at him.

‘I am,’ he said to escape the wrath of Bree. Izzy had never been interested in horses, not the way he liked them.

Tilting his head, and with his picky stock inspector’s eye, Craig looked over the mare as she stood with an elegant calmness. Her deep, auburn coat gleamed in the sunlight. ‘Are you sure this is the one for Izzy?’ Izzy would need a horse that was patient and steady. One that would have an even temperament so as not to scare Izzy.

‘Absolutely.’ Bree took Izzy’s hand, guiding it along the horse’s strong shoulder and neck region. ‘Einstein, meet Peppercorn. She has the most patient temperament I’ve ever seen in a horse. She’ll be perfect for you.’

‘But…’ Izzy seemed stunned, while holding the lead rein of a horse.

Craig could only shrug at Izzy, while Ryder dropped a large water bucket beside the truck.

‘The truck is yours, too,’ explained Bree as she tapped the side of the truck. ‘I’ve also put in my old saddle for Izzy to use until you find a saddle she likes. Ryder put some feed inside, and some other random stuff like old brushes, buckets, and bridles.’

‘This is too much.’ Craig’s brow ruffled, peering back at the old truck.

Ryder hooked his thumbs through the belt loops of his jeans. ‘We’ve just upgraded our stables on the station. And we owed you for signing off on that first load of cattle we found.’

‘I did that for Bree and Charlie.’ So they wouldn’t get into trouble for technically stashing a herd of cattle. How the law-breaking redhead was ever been married to Finn the cop was impossible to picture. ‘I owed you, Bree.’ Who had been a big part of his life.

‘We’re family, so there is no keeping tabs on who owes what,’ Bree said, squeezing his arm. ‘Anyway, my husband just gave me a new horse truck, so you get my old one. Consider this a welcome home present for you both.’ Bree unfurled Craig’s fingers and dropped the keys into his hand.

Craig frowned at the keys in one hand, then the horse’s lead in the other. ‘Really, this is too much.’

‘Listen, cowboy, this truck will just go to waste sitting out at the station. And you need something to cart livestock around for the Stock Squad.’ Bree leaned in closer, her voice soft yet full of cunningness, ‘You can invoice the Stock Squad for truck fees.’

‘We’ll buy the truck off you.’ Izzy nodded eagerly at Craig who could barely fathom this entire conversation.

‘Fine. But only at mates rates.’ Bree’s green eyes were all shiny as if filled with mischief. ‘And Craig, you’ll finally get the chance to do slow horse rides around your station with Izzy. Oh, and you’ll need to get a dog, too. Every station needs a decent dog.’

He was surprised Bree remembered. Not only about his desire to go horse riding with Izzy, but also to get a dog to keep his wife safe. ‘Has Cap got any ex-police dogs available?’

‘No,’ said Ryder in his deep rumbling voice.

‘But Cap thinks he’s got the perfect dog to keep Izzy company in the office, and for working this place. Come out home next week and take a look?’

Izzy nodded keenly over the idea of a dog. She’d wanted one ever since the kidnapping—but way back when they first bought the place.

‘We have to go, babe.’ Ryder tapped on his watch.

Bree rolled her eyes. ‘Can’t we skip the doctor’s appointment?’

‘No.’ Ryder frowned at her.

‘Are you okay?’ Even though the redhead looked the epitome of health, Craig had to ask.

‘She’s fine.’ Ryder smiled.

‘You’re smiling, Ryder.’ It’d have to be the first time Craig had seen the stern stockman smile.

‘I am. For a good reason, too.’ Ryder hooked an arm around Bree’s shoulders and placed one hand tenderly on Bree’s stomach.

‘You’re pregnant!’Izzy moved fast to hug Bree, then Ryder—which was surprising considering she’d just met the big man. Craig tied the horses to the truck, then kissed Bree’s cheek and shook Ryder’s hand.

‘We have to go.’ Again, Ryder tugged on Bree’s sleeve.

‘Um, guys, can we keep this news quiet, please?’ Bree held a hand over her belly. ‘I haven’t told Finn yet, and I’d like him to hear it from me first.’

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