The long beard guy raised his glass in salute. “No offense.” The other guys nodded their apologies. None of them seemed all that upset that Tom called them out, and they brushed off the whole thing by making fun of the first nag the auctioneer introduced.
Swayzie took a seat in front of Lucky. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to kiss her neck. She giggled, and Hunter looked away, his mind filling with images of kissing Zoey in the same spot. He closed his eyes and shook his head in an attempt to shake the thoughts loose. They weren’t even dating, and they’d had a few sparse conversations over the last week. He had no right to think of her that way. Thank goodness Brandon wasn’t around … just thinking those thoughts around her brother would make him feel like a bigger jerk than the scraggly bearded man.
“That horse needs a good whooping!” called the no-sleeves guy. The men around him laughed as the horse in the arena skitter-stepped from side to side, giving the handler a hard time.
Lucky tsked his tongue, and Swayzie glared at the ruffians. “I’ll show you a whooping.” She didn’t say it loud enough for the guys to hear, but she glared hard enough to melt their cups in their hands. People around them shifted in their seats, uncomfortable with the continued advice the crew offered on how to handle horses.
Hunter couldn’t abide animal cruelty. Yes, some horses needed a firm trainer, but that was more in the will and desire of the person than in the application of corporal punishment. In his experience, horses responded much better to consistency than they did to rough treatment.
“I doubt any of those guys have what it takes to actually train a horse.” Lucky kicked his leg out.
Swayzie threw her arm over his knee. “Or stay on one for eight seconds.” She grinned up at him.
Tom leaned forward. “Speaking of time … don’t you think it’s about time you two tied the knot?”
Hunter chuckled. Swayzie and Lucky's decision for a long engagement—a plan they’d made when Lucky proposed after only knowing Swayzie for three weeks—was a continual source of teasing in the family. It was obvious to one and all that they were meant to be together, so why put it off?
Hunter understood, though. “You can’t plan a wedding in a week, Dad.”
“Thank you!” Swayzie gave him an appreciative look. “Besides, Lucky needs to court me properly.”
Lucky shrugged. “I feel like I’ve put in a pretty good effort.”
Swayzie swatted at him. “Don’t get lazy on me now.”
Hunter and Tom laughed. If there was one thing Lucky was not, it was lazy. The man was up before the sun and the last one off the tractor at night.
“We’ve got a real treat for you today,” said the announcer. His small booth was all rough boards and peeling white paint, but the way he called to the crowd, you’d think he was in a palace. It was a testament to Hunter that when you were doing what you loved, you did it well, no matter what the circumstances.
Hunter sat up as one of his two mares was led into the arena. The sorrel horse’s coat shone in the weak sunlight. She walked with her head held high and her ears up. She had good lines, even if she wasn’t a Knabstrupper.
“This pretty little thing is brought to you by Rolling Hills Ranch.”
A thrill shot through Hunter as his brand was acknowledged over the speaker. The crowd hushed as interest in the bidding grew. Hunter gleaned around, noting that even the rough crowd perked up.
“Man! I’d love to have me one of those roping horses,” said the guy on the end. “I’d make a killing on the weekends.” The men around him hooted in agreement.
“This horse has already won over ten thousand dollars at ropings and is legged up and ready to go!” The announcer’s excitement was contagious. Ten thousand in winnings was right, though Hunter had paid at least five thousand in entry fees and another couple to feed the horse. Not to mention the vet bills and other costs associated with keeping an animal healthy. Ten grand went fast in the horse business.
The bidding started, and Hunter held his breath. He needed at least five grand out of this mare if he was going to afford the stud he wanted to buy. As much as he brought in, there always seemed to be something to spend it on.
“What about you,Dad?” the guy with the beard asked Tom. He drew out the word “dad,” adding just enough sarcasm to bite but not enough to sound like a challenge. “You look like a man in need of a roping horse.”
Tom turned his attention to the men waiting to rib him. “If I wanted that horse, I’d have it.”
“Oooh! Moneybags!” teased the no-sleeve guy.
Tom shook his head. “I’d have it, because my son gives me first dibs.” He hooked his thumb at Hunter.
The pride in Tom’s voice filled Hunter from head to foot. There was nothing like a father’s approval. His dad wasn’t one to hold it back either—but that didn’t make it any less precious or effective.
The men all turned to look at him. He nodded in return. They then spoke amongst themselves, hurrying to get their two cents in, though their voices carried.
Lucky elbowed him. “They’re in awe of your greatness.”
Hunter chuckled. “Wait till I tell them who I’m sitting with.”
“Don’t you dare!” Lucky growled, which made both Hunter and Swayzie laugh.
