Page 100 of Roping Her Alien Ranchers

The implications hit me all at once—not just one premium foal to sell, but two. Two chances to establish Sunflower Hills as a breeding operation worth investing in. Two perfect examples of what Mystery and Sassafras could produce together. The financial possibilities multiplied in my head like the cells in those precious embryos. But then the reality of a mare successfully bringing two foals to term hit me.

“Twin pregnancies are notoriously hard on horses,” I breathed out, stomach dropping. “The vet said they were rare, but he still warned me we’d probably have to reduce the smaller of the two fetuses out if the larger has any chance to live.”

“I believe,” Kalith said slowly, “I can help with that.”

“How?” I asked, a seed of hope desperately trying to replant in my heart so this moment could be triumphant, instead of tear-inducing.

“We can consider transferring one foal to an artificial womb. I believe I can create something operationally worthy, if not visually accurate. Or perhaps I can find ways to support Sassafras as the pregnancy progresses.”

“Do you really think you can keep both twins alive?” I breathed out, scarcely daring to hope.

Kalith hesitated, then gave a sharp nod. “Absolutely.”

Joy exploded through me with such force that I couldn’t contain it. I let out a whoop that echoed through the stable, startling Sassafras and making Mystery snort in alarm.

“Sorry, sorry!” I laughed, petting Sassafras’s neck to reassure her. Then I threw my arms around her in an impulsive hug, pressing my cheek against her warm shoulder. “You clever, wonderful girl! Twins! You’re giving us twins!”

Sassafras tolerated my enthusiasm with her usual patience, continuing to munch her hay as if producing multiple foals was all in a day’s work. Mystery, however, nickered sharply from his stall, as if demanding recognition for his contribution to this miracle.

“Yes, you too, you magnificent beast,” I called to him, grinning so hard my cheeks hurt. “You’ve done your part extremely well.”

Without thinking, I spun around and threw my arms around Kalith, the alien engineer who had become so much more than just a crash-landed visitor. His body tensed momentarily in surprise before softening into my embrace. I felt a gentle pressure against my back as his smallest tentacle emerged from beneath his shirt collar, wrapping around my shoulder in a way that had become comfortingly familiar.

“Thank you,” I murmured against his chest, where I could feel the strange triple rhythm of his hearts. “For checking her, for helping with the breeding plan, for everything.”

Kalith’s arms tightened around me, his voice carrying that slight mechanical echo it got when he was moved. “The credit belongs primarily to the equines’ reproductive compatibility.”

“Still,” I said, pulling back to look at his face, “I couldn’t have done this without you three. You know that.”

A shadow passed briefly across his features, there and gone so quickly I almost missed it. Before I could question it, my mind raced ahead to all the possibilities this pregnancy represented.

“Do you know what this means?” I asked, pacing the stable aisle as plans crystallized in my mind. “This changes everything! With twins, I can keep one as proof of bloodline and sell the other. Or sell both and use the money to expand—maybe buy another mare next season. We could start building a real breeding program!”

I spun back to Sassafras, approaching her with reverent steps. Gently, I placed my palm against her slightly rounded belly, marveling at the miracle happening beneath my hand. Two tiny lives, growing stronger every day. Two potential champions that could put Sunflower Hills back on the map.

“Buyers will be lining up,” I whispered, stroking the warm curve of her abdomen. “We’ll have reservation deposits coming in before they’re even born. Mystery’s bloodlines and your speed, Sass—these foals will be extraordinary.”

Sassafras nuzzled my shoulder as if understanding every word, her soft lips tickling against my skin in a gesture of affection that made my eyes sting with sudden tears.

“I promise you’ll always have the best care,” I told her softly. “The best feed, the best pasture, the best of everything. Your babies are going to save this ranch, sweet girl. And I’ll make sure you never want for anything.”

Mystery whinnied from his stall, stamping a hoof impatiently as if demanding to be included in these promises.

“You too, you jealous boy,” I laughed, wiping moisture from my eyes. “Premium feed and regular grooming for the stud who made it all possible.”

Kalith watched me with quiet fascination, his eyes tracking my movements as I practically danced around the stable in my excitement. The scanner in his hand had dimmed, the holographic image of the twin foals now just a memory, but the knowledge of their existence filled the air between us like electricity.

“We have to tell Cyro and Vantor!” I exclaimed, grabbing Kalith’s hand and tugging him toward the stable door. “Cyro will want to monitor the development, and Vantor—well, he’ll pretend to be stoic about it, but I bet even he will be excited.”

Kalith allowed himself to be pulled along, his hand warm in mine as we stepped into the afternoon sunlight. My mind was already racing ahead—I’d need to call the vet to confirm the pregnancy officially, start researching twin foal complications, adjust Sassafras’s diet, begin marketing to potential buyers. The list grew with each step toward the house, but for once, the tasks ahead felt like opportunities rather than burdens.

“You’re very happy,” Kalith observed as we crossed the yard, his tone carrying that endearing mixture of detached researcher and genuine warmth that I’d come to adore.

“Happier than I’ve been in forever,” I confirmed, squeezing his hand. “Everything’s finally turning around for Sunflower Hills. For me.” I looked up at him, my heart so full it felt like it might burst. “And it’s partly because you three crashed into my life.”

The future stretched before me, suddenly bright with possibility. Twin foals. Financial security. A chance to rebuild everything I’d thought was lost. And three incredible aliens who had somehow become the center of my world in ways I never could have imagined.

The afternoon sun had shifted into that golden Kansas hour that painted everything in honey-warm light. I practically floated across the yard toward the supply barn. Twin foals. The words kept repeating in my mind like a promise that everything was going to be okay. I had already drafted a social media announcement in my head, imagining the responses from potential buyers when they heard that Sunflower Hills was back in business with not one but two premium foals on the way. My financial salvation was growing inside Sassafras’s belly, and for the first time in months, I felt like I could breathe without the weight of impending foreclosure pressing on my chest.