Ranger - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,60

to let him go.

I scan the charred tree line, my hope renewed and my optimism possibly a little too high now. To my amazement and relief, new movement catches my eye, and seconds later, Talon emerges from the trees, followed by Dino, and one by one, all five of my babies appear.

It feels like every single Christmas and birthday all rolled into one, and joy bursts through me like fireworks as my horses gallop toward me, whinnying and snorting. They’re all a bit sooty, their manes tangled, and the acrid smell of smoke is clinging to them. They’ll need baths and a thorough check by their vet, but they’re all alive. Each and every one of them is okay.

I wrap my arms around Bella’s neck and hug her tightly while Butler’s new friend nibbles on my shirt. Daisy brings up the rear while Raleigh noses at my pocket in the hope of finding an apple no doubt. Lucky for him, I did bring apples in case I found them. I pull the baggie out and pass out apple slices to each of my babies, sniffling the whole time.

I probably look like a horse whisperer, walking back toward Ranger with five horses and two goats all following me closely.

“Is this everybody?” Ranger asks.

“Every last one.” I smile through the happy tears that won’t stop flowing. “It’ll be tight, but all five horses should squeeze into the trailer, and the goats can ride in the dog kennel in the bed of the truck.

“Um, is it just me, or have you gained a goat?” He frowns at Buddy, the name I am officially giving to Butler’s new friend, and scratches his head.

“It looks that way.”

The goats are exhausted and dehydrated enough that they don’t fight me putting them into the dog cage. Once everyone is loaded up, I climb back into the truck and sink into the seat with a relieved sigh.

“Good thing we got that barn built, huh?” Ranger jokes.

“Fiddlesticks, I should’ve asked if you’re even okay with all of us coming back to your place.” If he says no, I have no clue where to go. I could try to find a boarding facility for the horses until I work out my housing situation, but it’ll be difficult to find a place willing to take so many on such short notice, not to mention pricey.

“Hey.” He threads his fingers through mine. “Of course they can come to my place. You have all the time you need. I’m glad they’re all okay.”

“Me too.” I bring his hand to my lips and press a quick kiss to the back of it. “And thank you for giving us a place to stay while I figure everything out. I don’t know what I’d do otherwise.”

“Of course. What are boyfriends for?” He gives me a lopsided grin, leaning in to kiss me.

“Blow jobs mostly. But help with housing crises is always a bonus.”

31

Ranger

Living with Julian is surprisingly easy. I thought I’d need time to get used to him, especially since he brought his whole menagerie with him, but it’s been a smooth transition.

I can’t believe all his animals survived the fire when so many didn’t. I don’t know if it’s because they’re smart—though for Butler, that’s debatable—or because they would do anything for him. Maybe both.

Fact is that I’ve never built a fence faster in my life, and it now holds five horses and a donkey. When I purchased this house, I never thought I’d use the acreage that came with it. I’d bought it mostly to ensure my privacy and because the land came with water rights. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I was gonna do with my life, but somewhere in the back of my mind was the thought that no matter what I’d do, access to water would come in handy, and here we are.

Having the animals here means sticking to a routine, which I’m already used to, thanks to Julian being here for three weeks. I get up when he does, and together, we check on the animals, fill their water troughs, and feed them.

I love that quiet time in the morning with him, when he hasn’t done his hair yet, and it’s sticking up in every direction. When he uses funny voices to talk to all the animals, and I swear they understand every word he says. When he still has those heavy-lidded eyes and that dopey, sleepy smile. When he’s snuggly and wants to cuddle on the couch