“It’s craic, this is. Couldn’t ya just skip over the trot and go straight to the canter?”
“Not if you wanna be a cowboy. Cowboys do it all.”
“I was afraid of that.”
Rance laughed. “You’ll learn fast, once you’re here for good and can practice. Any idea how soon that’ll be?”
“Before snow comes, that’s for sure.”
“You and Granny will be here for Christmas?”
“We will.”
“Awesome.”
He hadn’t put that together. Sara would be here for Christmas, too. She’d already said as much. Something to look forward to, even if it was only a few days. “If you don’t mind me asking, what were you and Sara?—”
“We were talking about you.”
“Were you, now?”
“Just kidding. I was tossing out possibilities, hoping to get her thinking outside the box. I’m all for the principle that her folks taught her and Lani, but I don’t believe in straitjackets, either.”
“Did she fancy any of the things you mentioned?”
“We’ll see.” He drew back on the reins and guided Pie in a half circle. “Time to wrap this up. Clint’ll be here soon.”
“If you’re in a hurry, we’d better stick with the canter.”
He chuckled. “Sorry, buddy. Pie needs to cool down. We’ll be trotting back.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Sara had no doubt that Kieran belonged at Rowdy Ranch, and his hysterical first experience on Pie gave her a great sneak preview of what awaited him as he became part of the McLintock clan. That episode was only the beginning of what would be a lifelong adventure.
Soon after the tolerant Sweetie-Pie was turned out to join the herd in the pasture, Clint arrived to give Rance a ride to the Buffalo.
Kieran grabbed the opportunity to give Clint the news, which he received with enthusiasm. He gave a cheerful tap to the horn as they pulled away.
“He’s really happy you’ll be joining the family.” Sara turned and started back toward the house.
Kieran fell into step beside her. “Seems he is, yeah.”
“Looks like Angie’s back from taking my folks to the cabin site. They must have driven in while we were hanging out watching the horses in the pasture.” She checked her phone. “And it’s lunchtime already.”
“And here I was hoping we’d have a wee moment alone.”
She met his gaze. The fire in his blue eyes took her breath away. Inside the house everyone was gathering for lunch and all she wanted was to run away with Kieran.
“I miss you.” Already his accent was shifting back, no longer a perfect echo of his granny’s.
“I miss you, too. But today’s all about your exciting announcement. Angie and my folks will want to hear it.”
“And I want to share it. I just….”
“I know.”
He paused before going up the porch steps. “Rance asked how soon we’ll be coming over. I said we’d be here for Christmas.”
