“Holy shit,” Shay said and stared at the barn yard.
“Yeah, it gets better,” Staci giggled. Because she wanted to get to work, Staci caught a ride with Lloyd and Marcia to Broken Two as Tony went to the back door to the main house.
Around seven that night, Tony pulled into ‘his’ space in front of Staci’s cabin, smiling when he saw lights on inside, and her van was parked outside. He hurried onto the porch and instead of knocking, he opened the door and walked in, calling out, “Honey, I’m home!” He laughed when she rushed up to him, wrapped her arms around him, and brought his head down for a kiss.
“I missed you.”
“I wasn’t gone that long.”
“I know, but I really like spending time with youat the end of the day. How did it go with your Commander and Erin?”
“That’s why I’m late. After talking with Erin, she had me take him around to everything. I left him over at New Double’s main house talking with Ducky and Clem, they invited him to stay in the main house with them as they talked about what New Double is all about.”
“Why them?”
“Clem and Cole ran the ranch when it was in Wyoming, it was called The Double A, after Naomi’s grandparents. That’s who she inherited the ranch from, then when her father turned into a raging bastard, worse than usual, Erin gave her the opportunity to move the entire ranch here. I don’t know the logistics of it, but I do know that the land is Ducky’s or Erin’s and Ducky has life use of it. That’s why they brought the ranch here.”
“Hence, the name New Double?”
“Correct. They work with racehorses, Erin’s Way does stallions, studs, and brood mares. And Broken aka Broken Wheel rehabilitates horses that were left to die, or taken to slaughter. Once they are healthy and whole, they help humans learn how to ride.”
“Right, it was mentioned that I might want to go over there and discuss cases with the parents. If I can’t make a prosthetic for them, I might be able to see if there’s anything I can do to help them, if they need the help, or recommend someone else to helpthem. Or get their contact information and reach out to them after I’ve fulfilled the terms of my grant contract.”
“Correct. Because of the holidays coming up, and the winter, until she’s more established, Erin doesn’t have any clients at Broken at this time.”
“When will she get more?”
“In the spring, and this time with Katherine’s help, they should have a full calendar throughout the year. At least everyone’s hoping.”
“And everyone still does what they do with the horses without the clients?”
“Yes, they still have to be fed, watered, and worked with. Erin runs a very tight ship.”
“I know,” Staci said, and brought him to the stove in the kitchen. “I’m not cutting you off, but I want to show you something.”
“What’s that? Wait, what smells so delicious?”
“Meatloaf. Lois only left about ten minutes before you arrived. She helped me make it, and I just have to remember how to make sure the potatoes are done.”
“Pick up your fork,” Tony said as he pointed to the utensil sitting on the counter. Nodding as she did so. “Reach in and poke a potato. If the fork slips right through without any resistance, then they are done.” He carefully watched her and nodded when the fork sliced the vegetable in two. “Good, turn off the flame, get a strainer,” he said, and grinned when he saw one in the sink. “Pour them in, then dump them in thebowl.” He continued to explain how to mash them with the masher, then showed her how to use the mixer.
“Why both?”
Tony had kept some out before using the mixer and had her taste, then the bite with the mixer. “Which is better?”
“Mixer,” she grinned and as he finished with the potatoes, she picked up a can and held it up. “Do you like beets?”
“I do.” She opened it and expertly drained them, put them in the bowl, and used the microwave. In minutes they were sitting at the table, and neither of them spoke as they ate. When he cleaned his first helping, and reached for another of everything, Staci’s heart grew. She knew by his expression he hadn’t done it to make her feel good. He genuinely enjoyed her cooking. As she finished, she moved her plate to the side and studied him intently.
“What?” he asked with his fork paused halfway to his mouth.
“Nothing.”
“Staci, you’re staring at me like I have food all over my face.” When he reached up to check, she reached out and stopped him.
“No, it’s not that.”
“Then what is it?”
