Page 43 of Wilde Hearts

I dropped the horse’s hoof and stood. “I might have had a bit of a breakdown at their house the other day.”

Gatlin nodded as he stroked the horse’s neck. “I get it. Did you feel better afterward?”

Huffing, I said, “No. I did admit to them and myself that I’m still in love with Colt.”

He rolled his eyes. “That’s not news.”

Placing my hands on my hips, I sighed. “I’ve been getting that from a lot of people.”

“Who are we riding, and I’ll saddle them up.”

“Ceres and Luna.”

“How much longer do you have here?”

“That was my last shoe. Just need to get her back into her stall and give her some yummies. Emeline said she’ll turn her out after her meeting.”

My brother smiled. “I’ll get ’em ready and meet you out front.”

“Sounds good.” He turned to walk away, and I called out, “Gatlin?”

Turning, he walked backward. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

Winking, he said, “Anything for my favorite sister.”

I laughed, watching as he walked into the tack room.

After getting cleaned up, I walked to where Gatlin was waiting with the horses. He was talking to Emeline, who was holding Jackson.

“Hey, how’s the little man today?”

She grinned down at her son, then at me. “He’s doing amazing. I swear he’s the perfect baby.”

Kissing him on the cheek, I replied, “That’s because he’s a Wilde.”

“Listen, I was going to ask you if you’re feeling up for an adventure.”

My eyes lifted to meet hers. “Guess it depends on what type of adventure you’re talking about.”

“Well, with the benefit charity dinner being moved to the first weekend in November, which is next weekend, Mom needs my help with the final details. I was wondering if you could watch Jack for me. It would be for most of Sunday. And it’s just him, since I’ll have the older kids with me. Mom’s going to put them to work decorating.”

“Are there not any other events that week?” Gatlin asked.

Emeline shook her head. “No, Mom and Dad rented the event center for the whole week so we could make sure we have everything ready to go. This is the biggest charity dinner to date, and Will gave it to them for next to nothing.”

Will Owens was the owner of our one and only event center in River Falls. He was also Jacob’s cousin.

“I’d be happy to watch this little chubby angel.”

“You’re sure?”

I gave my sister a look. “Of course I’m sure!”

She smiled. “Thank you so much. I’ll drop him off around nine, so we can get there for an early start. Levi is helping, as well, or else he’d stay home with Jackson.”

It crossed my mind to ask why Mom hadn’t asked me to help, but I suspected I’d be put to work plenty closer to the charity dinner the next weekend.