Page 36 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“I was,” she replied. “But Sheriff Quinn called me.” Her expression grew serious. “The county judge won’t delay this. And it looks like the town can’t get the loan. Big Cedar is so new that no one wants to extend it credit.”

“So what options does that leave?” Slater asked. “Didn’t they mention holding some kind of election the other day?”

“It’s called general obligation bonds,” Mina explained. “It’s how a city can raise money, but voters have to approve it because, ultimately, the town has to pay them back, obviously. And…”

“That comes from tax dollars,” Slater finished with a nod.

“Exactly.” Mina said. “So that would take a while. According to the town bylaws, before any election, the issue has to be officially announced by the council and then open for public discussion for a set period.”

“And by that time, this greedy developer could own half the town!” Jackson chimed in.

“It won’t get that far,” Slater said. “Because I know where I can raise over two hundred grand.” He looked at Mina, then to Jackson, and then back at Mina. “But I need to know you two are with me. If not, I won’t do this.” He shrugged. “We could still be our… throuple… or whatever we are. Even without Big Cedar. Hugo Sparks has no claim to this property.”

“But Big Cedar would all but cease to exist,” Jackson said. "And we’ve never been the type to turn a blind eye to others’ needs.”

“No, we haven’t,” Slater agreed proudly. “And I don’t intend on making it a habit now.”

Mina giggled. “Did you just call us a throuple?”

Slater laughed, too. “Well, call me crazy, but I don’t think last night was a one-off sort of deal.”

The Little giggled in excitement, bouncing on her knees. It looked as if she was fighting the urge to leap for joy.

“My Daddies!” she yelled.

Slater moved toward her at the same time Jackson did. They wrapped her up in a tight hug, the three of them once again melded together.

“I trust you, Slater. And Jackson. You’re my Daddies. If you say you can win this money—and not get yourself killed in the process—then I believe you,” Mina told them. “But you might be in charge. And I might just be a Little. But know this: if you die, I’m going to find you in the afterlife and kick your tail!”

The men laughed.

“Fair enough,” Slater said.

He kissed her passionately, then moved aside, allowing Jackson to kiss her, too.

“And who knows?” Jackson said. “With your investigative skills, you might be able to help stop Sparks.”

Slater loved the way Mina beamed with pride.

“Maybe,” she said.

They all hugged again.

“Well, that settles it,” Slater announced. “I might as well climb on this thing.”

“What is it?” she asked.

He walked over to the barrel and patted it several times. “Just a poor rodeo rider’s way of training.”

“We can get something better,” Jackson told them. “I have an idea. For now, though, this will work.”

“All I’m doing,” Slater said, “is getting back into form.”

With that, he climbed on, straddling the barrel and taking off his Stetson, holding it up like he was on the back of a bull about to spin—or try to spin—for eight seconds.

“How do I look?”

“As sexy as ever,” Mina told him. “And like a real cowboy.”

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