Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“Do you remember the rule about no running in the practice area when I’m training?” I ask, keeping my tone level when he finally takes a breath long enough to listen. He’s been talking a million miles per minute about some new video game I have zero concept of.
“Whoops. I forgot.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“I could’ve fallen off with all that hollerin’ you were doin’.” I shoot him a stern look.
“Nah, you’re too good at ridin’. You’re like the best on the ranch. No, in Texas! Everyone knows that.”
I brush my shoulder off and give him a wink. If he wants to boost my ego, I won’t stop him.
“I mean you’re not wrong, but that still doesn’t mean you don’t need to follow the rules. Even the best fall and get hurt, Zach. Just gotta be aware and not make any sudden movements, loud noises, or anything like that when hooves are on the dirt. Got it?”
“Okay, got it. I just wanted you to know I’m already here and workin’,” he states. “Do you remember what today is?”
“Well, I know it’s not your birthday because you just turned eleven last week.” I purse my lips as if I’m thinking hard about it.
He laughs when I remove the saddle and put it up.
“It’s payday!”
“Are you sure?” I’m messing with him, but it’s too easy at his age.
He nods frantically. “Yes!”
“Did you hang the hay nets in the first few stalls?” I adjust my ponytail.
“Yep. I even cleaned some of them. I’m gonna finish doin’ that, then feed them so I can be home before dark.”
“Good idea. Once I’m done here, I’ll come find you.” I take the bridle out of the horse's mouth, then grab a brush and start at the top of his back down to his hind quarters.
Zach smiles wide. “Awesome! I’ve got some things to buy.”
I look at him over my shoulder, narrowing my eyes at what an eleven-year-old would need to buy. “Like what?”
“My friend’s birthday is coming up after July Fourth, and I want to get her somethin’,” he explains.
“Ohh…your girlfriend?”
“No, gross!” His face wrinkles, and he reminds me so much of Riley it’s scary. “She’s just my friend who’s a girl!”
“Whatever you say,” I sing-song as he storms away. I chuckle to myself, realizing I act the same way when people call me out. Riling him up is much more fun than being on the receiving end of it.
After everything is put up, I check the time, then go to my office and grab the cash I set aside for Zach. Ever since he’s been on summer break, the kid has worked his butt off without me having to micromanage his every move. He works harder than some of the adult ranch hands. Without him, I wouldn’t have had nearly as much time to finalize things for the horse rescue.
I’ve been keeping up with construction and ordering all the supplies we need. Some of the ranch hands have helped build the corral and finish adding locks and doors to the stalls.
When I meet up with him, sweat drips from his forehead. Working in the late-June heat is miserable for everyone, including the horses.
He sets down the shovel and looks up at me.
“Ready?” I ask, and he holds up his palm. When I went to the bank, I got mostly fives, tens, and a couple of twenties so he has a variety.
I count out two-hundred dollars, and his eyes light up at how thick the stack is.
“Oh wait. Can I borrow a hundred?” I ask with a smirk.
“Sure,” he says, handing me half of what I’ve given him.
Laughing, I shake my head. “I was just jokin’. You’re too sweet.”.
“I think you overpaid me, though,” he tells me, flipping through it.
“No, I didn’t. You earned that. Consider it a bonus. But don’t spend it all in one place for your girlfriend.”
He shoves it in his pocket, pride radiating off him. “She’s a friend who’s a girl!”
“What’s her name again? Lilac? Lily? Layla?”
“Lilia!” he corrects with an eye roll. “And she wants fairy lights and a vanity mirror for her room. Think I’ll have enough money?”
I chuckle. “Yes, you’ll have plenty. Make sure to also get her a sweet birthday card with a handwritten note. Chicks dig that.”
“Ugh.” He smacks a hand on his forehead.
Laughing, I watch as he gets back to what he was doing.
“You still gonna have time to feed the horses before dark?” I ask when I check the time.
“Yes, ma’am. And I’ve memorized the checklist,” he explains. “But I’ll mark off each box once I’m done.”
I wrote out how much food each horse gets so he could keep track on his own. It’s been a good way to teach him about responsibility and proper horse care.
Even though he’s only eleven, the kid pays attention to detail better than my dumb-ass brothers. He’s my buddy, and one of the reasons I can’t wait to have my own little ones running around. Showing them all about ranch life and caring for horses is something I hope we can bond over once they’re older.