“Ellie’s having fun,” I say to Colter, nodding in her direction.
“That’s Shadow, Ellie’s horse, she loves that thing.” Colter smiles proudly at his niece.
“Takes after the heritage then,” I laugh out at him.
“Not a good working horse, but perfect for pony rides, the thing loves kids,” Colter says as he looks into the distance at them.
I slow Storm into a slow trot as I make my way towards the pen, never taking my eyes off Ellie and Shadow. Watching them play together in the pen reminds me of Mabel when she was younger, she would do the exact same thing with them all; Most days, I’d have to pull her way.
Leaving Colter to head back to the barn by himself, I soldier on towards the pen, whistling to Ellie to get her attention.
“Mr Maverick!” she squeals, abandoning the horse and hurling herself up along the fence.
I laugh at the name. “Ellie, you can just call me Mav, everyone else does.”
“Mama always says I have to be polite,” she smiles at me, her Cowboy hat firmly placed on her head.
“Little lady, you could neverbe rude.” I say, reaching her on my best girl.
“Is this your horse?” she asks me as I dismount Storm, bringing her closer to the little lady who is quickly capturing my heart. “Yes,” I reply, pulling Storm’s mouth up high enough for Ellie to touch her. “This is Storm.”
Ellie brings her hand up to scratch Storm’s nose and my girl welcomes the affection, neighing along to the scratches she’s receiving. I take my hat off my head, wiping my brow with the line of sweat that was there from the day’s work; alongside the whiskey that’s still trying to break out of me.
“She’s pretty,” Ellie says, her eyes never leaving my girl. “Who named her?” she asks, eyes now looking straight at me.
I know that Ellie knows nothing of mine and her mom’s past, a man can guess so much and pick up on the rest.
“I, uh-” I start before being interrupted. “I named her, Sugar.” Mabel’s voice comes into range.
My eyes dart straight over to the woman who holds my heart. She walks over to where we are standing, hair flowing in the wind.
She’s wearing a purple dress, skirt short at the front, brown working Ariat’s on full show. Beige cowboy hat, sitting firmly on her head. Herflaming orange hair resting down, slightly curled still from yesterday.
She looks breathtaking.
I feel my cheeks blush at her admission to her daughter, when I wasn’t able to answer, I don’t know exactly how much I’m allowed to tell Ellie.
“Really, Mama?” Ellie asks, eyes wide open.
“Sure did.” Mabel smirks at me as she reaches us, giving Storm a good pat on her neck. Storm starts to aggressively shake her head up and down at the familiarity. “Hey, girl.” Mabel smiles at her.
Still holding Storm’s reins in my hands, my mind spirals back to last night.
When my headwas in between her thighs…
“Maverick,” Mabel pulls me out of my trance.
I clear my throat, trying to regain some composure. “Mabel,” I stutter out.
Mabel lets out a shy giggle, before turning to look at her daughter.
“You causing mischief again, girlie?” she asks.
“No, Mama,” Ellie starts before turning her head back at Shadow. “Just playing.” She smiles.
“Well, carry on Ellie-belly, I’m sure Maverick needs to get home.” She scoffs out a laugh.
That nickname…
