Page 37 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

Slater winked. “Well, here’s hoping I don’t just look the part.” He cleared his throat before he spoke again.

“And here’s hoping I don’t die.”

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Mina stared at the scene before her in wide-eyed amazement.

“Dadgum!” Slater yelled.

It was later that afternoon, and he was on the barrel again, only this time the three firefighters from town were there, along with their partner, Daisy McMillan. The firemen worked with Jackson, yanking on the ropes, and pulling the crude training device every which way.

“How are you staying on that?” Mina yelled up to him.

He didn’t answer right away, instead keeping one arm raised, his other on the rope secured to the front of the barrel, while he held on for dear life.

Okay, Mina thought,dear lifemight be an exaggeration. If he fell, he’d hit the dirt and leaves below. It might not be fun, but it wasn’t life-threatening.

If he were really on a bull, however…

The thought of him getting stomped on sent a chill up her spine. Maybe she shouldn’t have agreed to this. Perhaps she should rescind her support.

But did she really have a claim to him already?

He was the one who’d said they were a throuple earlier. But could they make this unique relationship work?

That was on her mind when she realized someone was standing beside her. She looked up to see Daisy.

Perfect, she thought. Just the person who could help. She’d only just met the other woman upon her arrival to the farm, but thanks to the unique dynamic she had with the firemen, Mina figured she might have some good insight.

And she could use some of that right about now.

“Hey, can I talk to you?” she asked.

“Of course.”

The women turned and walked away, going through the trees and coming out the other side to see the back of the old farmhouse.

“I hope I’m not being too personal. But how are things with you, Cane, Walker, and Austin?”

“You can ask me anything,” Daisy said. “And I kind of suspected we’d get around to talking about this.” Still walking, she looked at Mina with a smile. “I noticed you called Slater and Jackson Daddy earlier.”

“Yeah,” Mina admitted. “And it feels right. But… can it work?”

They walked a little closer to the farmhouse. Sir Dogsworth, laying on the porch, poked his head up and watched them approach. A moment later, as if the possibility of being petted was too much to pass up, he sprang to his feet and trotted eagerly down the steps, meeting the women in the yard.

As they knelt down and rubbed his belly and behind his ears, Daisy said, “I remember back before I confessed my feelings to the guys. I thought I was crazy. For a lot of reasons. First, they wouldn’t want me. They’re so hot! They could have any girl they wanted. Secondly, I was sure it wouldn’t work with three guys. Right? That was crazy.”

Mina shook her head. “You’re hot, too. Don’t sell yourself short.”

“Thanks. You’re sweet. But sometimes now, even with three doting Daddies, I have self-image problems.” She shrugged and then continued to pet the retriever. “It’s getting better, though.”

For whatever reason, Sir Dogsworth felt it was now time to roll around in the grass, so he got up, trotted a few feet over, and then fell on his back where he wallowed like a buffalo.

The women stood and continued the conversation as they watched the adorable yet strange creature. He groaned and snorted as he did whatever he was accomplishing.

“As far as thinking it wouldn’t work,” Daisy said, “I’ve been wrong about that! So, society says it’s wrong. Who cares? Anyway, that’s changing too. It’s far more accepted these days to be in an unconventional relationship like ours. Now, there’s even a name for it. Me and the guys are in what’s called a quad.”

Mina nodded thoughtfully, then gave her an apologetic glance. “Can I ask something personal?”

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