“Too bad about second place,” Arden said, clapping Nate on the shoulder as they walked out of the arena, Tango following behind. “I think your horse would have placed first if he had a better group of cows to work with.”
“I’m happy enough with second,” Nate said, leading Tango through the fenced-off alley to the pens behind the arena, thankful it was over. “All things considered, Tango did his best and that’s what matters.”
The competition was over. The crowd was still cheering the first-place winner, who was now cantering his horse around the arena in his victory lap.
“He’s got some great lines, good control. I’d like to talk to you about stud fees.”
Nate gave him a quick look and nodded, and Arden looked like he was about to say more when Nate heard voices calling his name.
“Looks like you got your own fan club,” Arden said with a laugh as Nico and Josh ran toward him, Mia behind carrying Grace, Denny with Jennifer and Evangeline holding Ella.
“We saw you ride,” Josh called out, grabbing Nate’s hand.
“I saw you, too,” Nico repeated as Nate bent down and swung him up, then set him on Tango’s back.
“You did great,” Mia said, flinging an arm around his neck. He took a moment and dropped a kiss on her lips, giving her a happy smile. “And so did you, Tango,” she added, taking a moment to pat him, as well.
Grace reached out for him and Nate caught her in his arms and gave her a tight hug. She laughed and grabbed for his cowboy hat.
“You can’t have that, Grace,” Nico complained. “It’s Nate’s.”
But Nate just grinned and dropped his hat on her head.
His heart swelled with joy and pride. That all of them had come down to the competition to watch him meant more than he could ever tell them.
“So, I don’t imagine you’ll be coming to my ranch tomorrow to work for me,” he heard Arden saying.
Nate shook his head. “No. I’ve got other priorities.”
“Quite a few of them, I can see,” Arden replied.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” Nate returned, giving Mia a quick smile and a wink.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to your family,” Arden said.
Nate looked over the gathered group and felt a settling in his soul.
His family.
He liked the sound of that.
“So, should we go home?” Mia asked.
And Nate liked the sound of that even better.
He gave Mia another kiss, shifted Grace in his arms and with everyone gathered around, they walked out of the arena to the vehicles.
Next stop Hartley Creek. And home.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER by Gail Gaymer Martin.