Page 71 of Every Single Vow
“One time around the pen,” Ari tosses out.
“Nope. You have to get a feel. At least five laps.”
“Five!” She shrills.
“Do you trust me?”
She opens her mouth, then closes it. “You don’t play fair, Papa C.”
“Come on. Let’s surprise Kota.” I move Buster near the fence. “This will make her day.”
“Fine. But only because I count on you for my meals.”
With a chuckle, I guide her to the fence. “Just climb up here and we’ll get you on. He’s pretty tall so we can work on your form later. I just want you to be comfortable in a saddle.”
Her blue converse sneakers carry her up the pipe fence, before she faces Buster. “If something happens to me, I want Trace to have my sketchpads.” She blows out a breath. “And Ivy to have my bath bombs.”
I snicker and hold out my hand. “I’ll make sure to get your last will and testament filed with the county before dinner.”
Her small hand takes mine, her eyes darting from Buster’s face, back to the saddle.
“Just swing that leg over, and hold on to the saddle horn,” I instruct.
After a brief hesitation, she flings her leg out, then lunges forward to land in the saddle with anumph.
“Great. Now sit up straight and try to get in the center.” I walk to the front of Buster and pat his neck.
“Like this?” She asks.
“Perfect.” I turn. “We’ll go slow, and I’ll lead you around. He can’t go anywhere in this round pen, and honestly, he’d rather sleep than be out here.”
I begin to walk, keeping my eyes on Ari as we make the first round. She seems to visibly relax by the third, and by the fourth, I swear she cracks a smile.
“What is going on out here?” Dakota comes to the fence, a smile on her face and dirt smudged on her cheek.
“Just paying a debt,” Ari says casually.
“A debt?” She questions.
I laugh, stopping to give Kota a quick peck on the lips when we pass. She blushes, her eyes flickering up to Ari.
“You don’t have to get all bashful, Dakota. I know he’s your Hus.”
“My Hus?” She laughs.
“Yeah. Like for real though. Not a fake Hus,” Ari says as we make the last round.
“Ok then.” Dakota smiles. “Yeah. He’s my husband. For real.”
When our eyes meet, I see the pride she holds as she looks up at Ari. “You’re a natural.”
Ari snorts. “I wouldn’t go that far. But it's kind of nice.”
“See?” I pause, moving Buster closer to the fence. “Five rounds. Not too bad.”
Ari climbs off the saddle, then down the fence until she drops on the ground next to Kota. “He’s your problem now. I’ve got homework to do,” she says before she jogs toward the barn.
“Think she’ll come around?” Dakota asks.
