Page 33 of A Cowboy's Heart

“Sure.” Jaxon headed out of the barn.

“It will just be a few minutes. We’ll take the trailer in case you find one you want. They’re not cheap though. Lucy’s horses have great bloodlines and are in high demand.”

“I don’t care what it costs.”

“I’ll be right back then. I need to get the truck hooked up to the trailer.” Devin strode out of the barn in the direction Jaxon had taken.

She watched him until he disappeared, and then she turned to Rocky. “How do you plan on getting the horse to Hollywood?”

Rocky waved his hand. “Willa, I’m sure I can get someone to deliver the horse for me. Hell, maybe Devin or Jaxon would do it if I paid them enough.”

“Money isn’t everything to everyone, Rock and besides, I’m sure they’re way too busy here on the ranch.”

“Maybe. I’ll check around. I’m sure there is someone who does that sort of thing.”

Willa looked away, shaking her head. He thought he could just offer anyone money and they’d do whatever he wanted. This was a crazyidea. She’d thought it was bad enough when he’d wanted to learn how to ride, but now he was hell-bent on buying a horse before he went back to Hollywood.

“Do you have any idea how much work it is to take care of a horse?” she asked.

“I’ll have a stable built and hire someone.”

“Someone… to take care ofyourhorse?” She laughed. “Rocky, you really shouldn’t buy a horse.”

“I’m doing this, Willa. I can buy you one too, if you want one.”

“I don’t want a damn horse,” she said through clenched teeth.

Rocky stared at her and frowned. “What is wrong with you?”

She was about to tell him she had no idea, when a red Silverado pulling a horse trailer entered the barn. It wouldn’t matter what she said to Rocky. She knew he’d do whatever he wanted since he always did. She watched as Devin stepped out of the truck and sauntered toward them.

“Ready?”

“Yep,” Rocky said as he walked to the truck and climbed into the front.

Willa got into the backseat while Devin got in the driver’s seat then he drove out of the barn and soon they were off the ranch property. Once on the road, she watched the passing scenery. Lush green fields sat on each side of the two-lane blacktop. Horses grazed or chased each other. She couldn’t stop the smile until she glanced into the rearview mirror to see Devin looking at her.As she watched him, he pulled on his sunglasses.

“How far is it?” Rocky asked him.

“About five minutes,” Devin told him.

“So this is your cousin, right?” Rocky asked.

“Yeah, Reid is one of two cousins I’m close to.”

“Who is the other one? Do they live close by too?” Willa asked since she was suddenly very curious about his family.

“Roark is the other one. He and Reid are both thirty-two. We grew up together and are closer than some brothers and yes, they all live close by.”

“How many of you are married?” Rocky asked.

“They’re both married, and I’m sure it will be for life. Callahan men love deeply.”

Willa saw him glance into the review mirror to look at her. She nibbled on her bottom lip and glanced away from him.

“What do they do?” Rocky obviously wanted to know things and was suddenly full of questions.

“Roark raises bulls for the rodeo. Reid owns a farm where he raises feed for animals, plus he runs the ranch with his wife, Lucy raising Paints. We are all part owners of Callahan Irish Whiskey. All of our fathers and their brother started the business years ago, and once we all turned twenty-one, we were given our shares in the company.”

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