Page 76 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“Hey, wiggle worm, calm down. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“I’m trying, Uncle Garrett.” But his boots kept kicking the back of his seat.

“Try harder and stop kicking. You’re making me dizzy.”

“Sorry,” Cody said and a glance in the rearview mirror said he didn’t look sorry. The kid was happy and it showed. So that must mean his surprise was a big hit.

“How about we play a quick game of what if?” Garrett asked to calm the boy down.

“Okay, I’ll go first,” Cody said, gazing out as the pastures touched with snow rolled by. “What if horses could talk?”

“Then they’d tell us to get off their backs.”

“Uncle Garrett, they wouldn’t say that.”

“What would they say then?”

“Give me more carrots.” Cody used his deepest manly voice and Garrett laughed. “Your turn.”

“Okay, let me think. What if all the wildflowers turned into ice cream cones?”

“That’s a good one, only there’s no wildflowers now.”

“There will be come spring.”

“But, we’ll be gone by then, Uncle Garrett.” Cody’s happy expression faltered.

The boy was sharp, but Garrett didn’t realize Cody thought about leaving the ranch. He’d been excited about moving to a place where it snowed every winter. Garrett thought he understood the ranch was their temporary home.

“Hey, Code. It’s just a game.”

“I know,” he answered, disappointment in his tone.

“Hey, look up ahead. There’s the Misty Rose Ranch.”

“Oh, boy. There’s a whole corral full of horses.”

“There sure is.” He pulled into the gates, and a pretty woman with long dark hair was waiting in front of the house.

He and Cody exited the car and walked up to her. “Hi, I’m Misty Chambers. One half of the Misty Rose.”

“Nice to meet you. We talked on the phone.”

“Yes, and this must be Cody.” She bent to his level and put out her hand. “Hello.”

“Hi.”

“I’m gonna be teaching you a few things about horses. Are you ready to learn?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good, let’s head on over to the barn.”

Half an hour later, after an informative course about equine care and traits, Garrett and Cody were mounted atop their horses. Cody was strapped in, using a special children’s saddle.

“Cody, Pattycake is a sweet ole girl so she shouldn’t give you any trouble at all. If it’s okay with your uncle, I’ll ride with you until I’m sure you both are doing well. And then, you’ll have some time on your own. We’ll stay along the path. Ready?”

“I’m ready,” Cody said eagerly. He looked so darn cute wearing a felt hat, holding those reins, a big grin on his face.

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