Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Now, we are just finishing up breakfast before I need to head out and start my day. I told Callum he didn’t need to get up, but he insisted. It’s sweet and I’m glad because I don’t want to be away from him. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but it’s how I feel.
“I know you have to go check on Atta Boy, but are you coming back early?” I ask, sipping my coffee.
“I called Brock and Shepherd. They’re gonna give me an update, so I’m all yours today,” he says, leaning back in his chair with a grin on his handsome face.
I smile and lift an eyebrow. He’s helped me fix a fence. I’ve taught him to muck the stalls. But I haven’t shown him how to care for the horses. The grooming, the feeding, the exercising. If he’s going to be here, he should know everything about this ranch.
“Today I’m going to teach you everything about the horses.” I stand up and put my cup in the sink. “Let’s go, Cowboy Callum.”
He laughs as he stands up. “I might not be an expert at handling and riding horses, but I’m damn good at riding my wife,” he says, grabbing me from behind and kissing my neck.
It sends a shot of electricity through my body and I squeal with surprise. He’s not wrong though.
“Let’s see what you’ve got, cowboy.”
We step outside, and the morning air is fresh and cool, filled with the scent of hay and the soft sounds of horses shifting in their stalls. I take Callum’s hand and lead him toward the barn, feeling a surge of excitement about sharing this part of my world with him.
“So, first things first,” I say, guiding him over to one of my favorite horses, a sleek chestnut mare named Starfire. “Grooming. It’s not just about looking good; it keeps their coat healthy and builds trust.”
He watches as I grab a curry comb and start brushing in slow, circular motions along Starfire's back. “Here, give it a try,” I say, handing him the brush. His fingers wrap around mine for a second as he takes it, and I feel my heart skip a beat.
Callum mimics my motions, surprisingly gentle with Starfire, and I watch as he gains confidence. There’s something oddly satisfying about watching him take such care with her, his rough hands moving smoothly over her coat. I find myself smiling as I watch the two of them.
“This is relaxing,” he says, glancing at me with a grin. “Maybe I should add horse groomer to my resume.”
“Oh, so you think you’re a natural, huh?” I tease. “We’ll see about that. Let’s move on to feeding.”
We walk over to the feed room, where I explain the importance of different types of feed and hay, showing him the mixture I’ve prepared for the horses. Callum listens carefully, asking questions and making sure he understands. It’s endearing, really, to see him take this so seriously.
After feeding Starfire and a few other horses, I decide it’s time to let Callum experience something a little more challenging—exercising one of the younger horses. We lead a lively bay stallion named Rio out to the paddock, and I explain how important it is to keep them active, especially with the younger ones like Rio.
I watch as Callum takes the reins, standing in the center of the paddock while Rio trots around him in a circle. Callum looks over at me, his expression a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and I can’t help but laugh. “You’re doing great!” I call out, encouraging him as he gets into the rhythm of working with the horse.
When we finish, we head over to the fence, leaning against it as we watch Rio kick up his heels in the paddock, clearly enjoying himself.
“You know,” I say, nudging Callum with my shoulder, “you’re pretty good at this. Maybe you’re a ranch hand at heart.”
He chuckles, pulling me close as he wraps an arm around my shoulders. "I don’t know about that, but I do know I like being out here with you,” he says, his voice soft but filled with meaning.
We stand there together, watching Rio gallop around, the dust rising up around his hooves in the golden morning light. I lean my head on Callum’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body beside me, and a sense of calm washes over me. For the first time in a while, everything feels right.
After a few minutes, Callum tilts his head down, his gaze focused on me. “What’s next, Boss?” he asks with a playful grin.
I laugh, loving this lighthearted side of him. “Well, I thought I’d teach you how to saddle up. It’s not just about throwing the saddle on and riding off into the sunset, you know. There’s a bit of an art to it.”