MOLLIE Rivers
I think it’s fair to say that I’m the one with the most recent experience in that department. Babies love me!
Actually they love my husband more, but that’s neither here nor there
SALLY Rivers
Y’all, Wyatt just burst into tears when I saw him. It’s the cutest thing ever. He is so excited and happy
BILLIE
I’m bursting into tears reading that. How the heck am I supposed to work with all this excitement happening?!
MOLLIE Rivers
Ditch work and come drink with me
AVA Bartlett
Am I invited?
MOLLIE Rivers
Always. Meet at the studio in half an hour? We can break in my new mah-jongg set
WHEELER Rankin
Have one or five margaritas for me pretty please!
BILLIE
Consider it done
Margaret Rose and Robert Haines are born later that day. Duke assures Ryder on a quick call that everyone is happy and healthy, and that they can’t wait to see us when they’re home from the hospital.
Ryder takes it upon himself to be the very first to visit that weekend. I stay home in an attempt to give Wheeler and Duke the space they need to adjust to life as a family of four. As much as it kills me to stay away from those sweet babies, I know I’ll have the opportunity to meet them when the time is right.
While Ryder is gone, I tack up my horse for an easy ride to clear my head. Imayhave just interviewed a gal who could very well be Double U Ranch’s very first hire for our animal therapy program, and I’m buzzing with excitement. Carmen has a background in physical therapy and a master’s degree in social work. Not only that, she’s one of the brightest lights I’ve ever encountered. Charismatic and caring, she’s got energy and enthusiasm for days.
I honestly can’t believe I lucked out finding her. I plan to make an official offer on Monday, but in the meantime, I want to ride the wave of goodness that’s just come our way.
I’m back at the barn just as it starts pouring, a cold winter rain that has me shivering as I duck inside. Once my horse is in the crossties, I brush her, the motions meditative and familiar in a comforting way.
I smile. I’m gonna get to do this a lot more often once our program is off the ground. Which is actually gonna happen sooner rather than later because we struck gold and found myreplacement for the accounting job after interviewing a meretwopeople.
I think Benton is going to be a much better fit for the role. A recent grad of Texas Tech, he’s smart as a whip. More importantly, he actually enjoys bookkeeping.
“Hey.”
I whip around, my heart leaping into my throat at the voice behind me. I blink when I see Colt standing beside my horse’s stall, his hand in the front pocket of his jeans.
“Jesus fucking Christ, Colt. You scared the shit out me.”
One side of his mouth kicks up. “That sailor’s mouth of yours. Nice to know some things will never change.”
“Well, yeah. Cussin’ has always been part of my personality.”
“Now where’d you learn to cuss like that?”
