Page 110 of Falling Together

“You just said I wouldn’t fall!” His voice echoes around the quiet barn.

For a Sunday, it’s empty. With school back in session, the ranch has a few slow weeks until the snow starts. Then all the winter sports enthusiasts come to town.

“It’s just a precaution,” I say. “Don’t throw yourself off Queenie, and you won’t fall.”

“C’mon, Dad. Don’t be a chicken,” Luke goads him.

“Wow. Getting called out by my son.”

“I’ll kiss any boo-boos you might get.” I bat my lashes at him. “Now stop stalling and get up there.”

“Wow, what a tough crowd.” Grant swings one leg over Queenie and settles into the saddle. “How is this comfortable?”

“It’s better for me.” I smile up at him as I adjust the stirrups for him.

“You’ve also been doing this for years,” he says.

“Dad, you’ll do fine,” Luke cheers him on from behind me. “It’s fun once you get used to it.”

“Only for you, Cowgirl,” he whispers.

“Thank you. If I didn’t have to worry about fly balls, you know I’d be trying out baseball with you.”

“After this baby comes, I will hold you to that.”

I rub Queenie’s neck as Grant shifts once again to get comfortable.

“Tell me when you’re ready,” I say.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

“Luke, you can walk on the other side of him and I’ll make sure Queenie sets a good pace for you,” I instruct.

Queenie takes her time, moseying around the ring. Beams of sunlight cut through the open doors as a few of the ranch hands take the other horses out. It’s definitely not the slowest I’ve ever gone, but I’m taking it easy on Grant. I don’t want to scare him off of the thing I love most.

Well, the thing I love second most. Because he is number one now.

“Am I doing okay?” he asks.

“You’re doing great,” I encourage.

“Yeah, Dad. The best rider in the world,” Luke pipes up from the other side.

“Seriously, when did you get so sarcastic?” Grant asks.

“I think when I became a teenager,” he says.

“Does that mean you’ll grow out of it when you’re no longer a teenager?”

Luke snorts. “You’ve got a long time to go before that, Dad.”

“Goodie,” Grant jokes.

I love how much more open Luke has been lately, not only with Grant, but with me.

Luke has been out here to ride several times now, and as I always say, it’s the power of the horses. Without them, I’m not sure Luke would be feeling so settled in Pinecrest.

“Can I be done?” Grant asks.