“Saying hello,” I tell him, putting my hand up against hers. “Hey, pretty girl.” She chuffs as I tickle one of her pads with my finger.
“Aren’t you worried she’ll hurt you?”
“Not with her claws. Nyx was declawed as a cub.” I point to the top of her toe, showing him the lack of claws, and he blanches.
“That’s horrible.”
“Yeah, it is, and it usually doesn’t end up so good for the animal in question,” Harlow chimes in. “Luckily for her, whoever did it knew what they were doing. Come on, let’s go around to their den. You can help me feed them.” Spencer grabs her by the hand, looking at her like she’s the best thing since pink-iced cupcakes.
ChapterNine
Jacinta
About half an hour later, we leave the cubs and Nyx. Spencer declared Nyx his best friend after she allowed him to hug her. Cole watched on, his body tight with tension, but Nyx just lay at his feet and let him do what he wanted. She’s basically an overgrown house cat. The rough-and-tumble cubs were a bit much for him, but he still giggled as they pounced after the ball he threw for them. They all wanted to sit in his lap, but he was a little too small, and unlike Nyx, they have claws, so he watched them from afar.
We walk back across the grass to the stables. It’s a gorgeous day, and the sun is shining. Jupiter, Harlow’s foal, sees us and races around his paddock in excitement. In the next one are Prada and Coco. Coco races around just like Jupiter, albeit a little smaller. Prada ignores them both. We stop to give everyone a pat on the way past, and both colts settle.
When we get to the stables, Dad has DS all ready to go. “Here you are. How did it go with the cats?” he asks, and Spencer excitedly tells him all about it. “Wow, that sounds fun! Cole, do you ride?”
Cole startles at the abrupt change of conversation, but he nods. “Yeah, I do.”
Dad grins. “Excellent. I had Josh saddle up a couple of horses. Why don’t the two of you go for a ride while I give Spencer a lesson?” Dad suggests as Josh leads two saddled horses out of their stalls. I glare at Dad, but he continues to grin unrepentantly.
“But what about Spencer? I wanted to see him ride.” Cole looks between the horse and his son.
“Nonsense. It will be better if you aren’t there so he can concentrate. Harlow can video for you. Right, love?”
“Of course.” She pulls out her phone and waves it around, coconspirator to our father. “You two should totally go for a ride. I haven’t been able to go with Jazzy since I got pregnant. The guys won’t let me leave the arena.”
“What do you think, Spencer? Are you going to be okay?” Dad has already helped Spencer put on a helmet and is lifting him onto DS’s back.
“I’m fine, Daddy.”
“Once we’re done, Spencer and I’ll have some lunch while we wait for you both to come back. Mrs. Heyton is making mac and cheese, Jazzy’s favorite.”
“I love mac and cheese!” Spencer claps his hands with excitement.
“Me too,” Harlow says, rubbing her belly. “I picked the right day to come here.”
“Well, I guess it’s decided. We’re going for a ride,” he agrees, his eyes still clouded with worry.
“Come on, let’s grab a helmet.” He’s already wearing jeans and boots, so he’s good to go once he puts a helmet on. I swap out my sneakers for a pair of boots, slap my own helmet on my head, and then I’m good too.
Dad, Harlow, and Spencer have disappeared into the arena, so it’s just us, Josh, and the horses now.
“Thanks, Josh.” I smile at him as I take the reins from his hands.
“No problems. Don’t stress, Mr. Chambers. Brad taught all of his kids to ride. Spencer will be begging you for a pony by the time he’s done.” Josh tries to reassure Cole as he hands him the other set of reins, but I think any parent would be alarmed by the idea of their child begging for a pet.
“Just call me Cole, man, and that’s what I’m worried about. There’s no room for a pony in an apartment,” he mutters, and Josh laughs.
“Hey, Jazzy. How’s Hope? I haven’t seen her since your birthday party.” Josh tries for subtlety, but I can’t help the grin that crosses my lips.
“I think she avoids this place like the plague since a certain set of brothers moved in. I don’t think Nana will stand for it much longer though.” There’s no sense in sugarcoating it. I like Josh, and he deserves to know there might be some competition.
“Well, tell her I said hi next time you see her.”
“I will. We shouldn’t be gone too long,” I tell him, and he tips his hat.
