Click nodded, his hands on his hips. “I’ve got a handful you can look at. I can get
them saddled to ride if you’d like?”
India saw Brody open his mouth, then clap it shut. He might worry about what his father should or shouldn’t do, but he knew better than to embarrass his father—especially in public. Pride was important to his father, and Brody understood that. And India loved the respect Brody gave his father.
Vic Wallace sighed, leveling a look at Brody. “My doc, and my boy, would have a fit if I rode today. But, if I like what I see, I’ll ask you and Brody to put them through their paces?”
Click nodded. “Yes, sir. Why don’t we go see what I’ve got. Come on, Cal, I’ll show you Tommy. He’s a mighty fine horse, just for you.”
Cal did his best to carry the saddle but didn’t argue when Brody gripped the saddle cantle. His fingers wrapped around the thick rise at the saddle’s rear, his forearm shifting beneath the weight, as he smiled down at Cal.
“You ready?” Brody asked.
“Yes, sir.” Cal nodded, walking at Brody’s side. “I could hardly sleep last night, thinking about today.”
Brody glanced back at her. “I didn’t get much sleep either, Cal. Maybe there was a full moon out.”
She rolled her eyes and followed them to the barn, smiling. “I slept just fine. Like a baby,” she sounded off, watching the muscle in Brody’s jaw tick.
“I was worried about Tanner, too,” Cal said. “Tandy says he’ll be fine, but still. He always sleeps with me.”
“He does?” Brody asked. “Not much room for you in the bed, then, huh?”
Cal giggled. “Nope.”
“We’ll get him as soon as your lesson’s over, Cal,” India said, catching up to ruffle his hair. “He’ll be so happy to see you.”
Cal nodded. “Me, too.”
“Until then, you need to focus,” Brody said, lifting the saddle and placing it on a saddle rack inside the barn. He stared down at Cal then, his tone growing serious. “Even on the best horse alive, a cowboy has to focus on riding. In time, it’ll get to be second nature to you—like breathing. But, for now, I need you to promise you’ll keep your ears open and your mind focused. Okay?”
Cal was listening intently. “Yes, sir. I promise.”
Brody nodded. “I believe you’re a man of your word, Cal.”
And just like that Cal’s posture stiffened and his chest swelled. Right before her eyes he went from little boy to a little man. “Always keep your word,” she said. “People respect a man who keeps his word.”
“Women, too?” Cal asked, glancing between them.
“Women, too.” Brody winked at her.
“Cal,” Click called from the other side of the barn. “Come over and see what you think of Tommy.”
“Can I?” Cal asked her.
She nodded. “Listen to Click.”
Cal was off, running down the row of stalls to where Click and Mr. Wallace stood, studying a pen full of horses.
“Can you grab that saddle pad?” Brody asked, nodding at the storage closet.
She stepped inside, eyeing the wall of saddle pads. Every size, shape and color hung on the wall. She turned back. “Which one—”
But Brody’s arms slid around her waist and tugged her against him.
“What are you up to—?”
His lips were on hers, and she knew exactly what he was up to. She kissed him back with everything she had.