Page 91 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“Amen,” JD agreed. “Why is he here again?”

“He was with Tripp when I called,” Sawyer said.

“Right, and no one can go anywhere in this town without reinforcements, after all,” he drawled.

“Lyntacky, bud, ’nuff said.”

He eyed the big man at his side. He wore ripped jeans and a shirt that was no better. However, the clothes were clean and had no creases, which JD guessed was Birdie’s doing.

“Out of curiosity, is there anyone in this town you Dukes haven’t fought?”

Sawyer thought about that for a few seconds. “Not anyone who couldn’t fight back.”

“You must be your uncle’s nightmare.”

Sawyer smirked at that, but as they’d reached the paddock at the rear of the Stubbs property, he said nothing further.

The horse was right down the end, and even from here, JD could see he was a big one. Long silver mane and tail. His head was up, watching them.

“Right now, Zoe, let’s you and me get in there,” Tripp Lyntacky said.

“What? No way. It could hurt you. I’m rehoming it. I’ll go in,” JD said. He didn’t want her hurt…themhurt by that big beast glaring at them.

“Does he take a saddle, Mr. Stubbs?” Tripp asked.

“He did, not sure you can get close enough to him now to try. I’m right sorry I’ve neglected him. I just can’t seem to remember much these days,” he said, shaking his head.

“Well, if we can’t get him in the trailer, we could always lead him back. It would take about an hour and a half is my guess,” Tripp added.

“Do you think the hat and shirt might scare the horse?” JD said, because he was sure the others had thought it but were too chicken to mention it. “I mean, it looks great, Tripp, but I’m just wondering if those tassels fluttering might spook the animal.”

Tripp looked at him, and he wondered if he’d be run out of town for his comments. Ryder was trying not to laugh, and Zoe was looking at the toes of her sneakers.

“Well now, JD, much as I hate to admit it, you could be right. Damn, I should have considered that before I came. You go in with Zoe and see how that horse reacts, and I’ll be ready if I’m needed.”

“What’s its name?” Zoe asked.

“My wife was partial to those foreign broccoli Romans. Her sister introduced her to them. Personally, I thought they tasted horrible, but she was constantly dishing them up.”

“Romanesco broccoli?” JD asked.

Mr. Stubbs pointed a finger his way. “Them. My wife thought she was fancy eating them, so she called her horse Roman.”

“Well, I never.” Ryder whistled. “It’s a match, bud. Even you can’t deny it.”

“JD names all his animals after vegetables,” Vi, who was hanging on the fence, said.

“I’ll be,” Mr. Stubbs said. “If that doesn’t beat it all. Naming your animals after vegetables.” He shook his head, then held out the halter and lead rein he was carrying.

JD took it, and Zoe took the treats from Tripp.

“Run if he bares his teeth,” Sawyer said, moving to the railing with the others.

“You won’t let your sister do anything without checking first, yet you’re willing to let her walk into that paddock with a wild horse,” JD said.

“She has that thing with animals. Besides, I’ll break both your legs if she gets hurt. You make sure he bites you and not her.”

Hiding the gesture from the two young girls, he flipped Sawyer the bird.

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