Page 71 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
Jordan smiled. “Thanks for that, Monty. Took us a while to figure it out. Anyway, once I was staying on the ranch I got permission to invite my brother, and the rest is history.”
“Uncle Graham told me about your fabulous training center and Luis’s work with wild horses. Mila, you run the Hearts and Hooves adoption program, right?”
“It’s me and Claudie. I handle the adoptions and she does the marketing.”
Zinnia nodded. “Makes sense that program needs two people. I’m gradually getting it all straight. Cole, what about you?”
“Oh, I just play with animatronics.”
“I doubt that.”
“He’s the head of ranch maintenance,” Mila said. “It’s a huge job. We didn’t realize how huge because my dad just quietly did everything.”
“So I’ve heard.” She looked across the table, her gaze holding his. “An amazing person.”
“Which means I have big shoes to fill,” Cole said. “Luckily the Bridger Bunch is pretty handy. I count on that help when things get too crazy.”
“I can see it’s a big operation.” Zinnia turned to Jordan. “Since your specialty is training, I’d love to hire you for a consultation as I get into this adventure with Tex and his foal. I want them to grow and learn together, but I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Just one consultation? I’d be glad to do more. Of course baby Liberty will change my schedule, but I plan to keep working.”
“I wish I could say yes to that, but I doubt I can afford it.”
“You’d get the family rate.”
“But I’m not?—”
“Close enough.” She glanced at Monty. “Am I right?”
He gulped. “Um…”
“Oh, geez, me and my big mouth. Blame it on pregnancy brain. This thing is brand new and I’m an idiot. Forgive me for putting you on the spot. Forget I said that, please. Zinnia, we’ll talk. I’m sure we can work something out.”
“I’m sure we can.”
He sucked in air. So much for diffusing the bomb by making it sound like his mother had orchestrated Zinnia’s presence here. He might as well own this fustercluck.
After dinner came the cakes, plural. His mom had long ago given up the idea of one cake. It would have to be rolled in on a wheelbarrow.
And after the candle-blowing routine, which was always a challenge for outdoor birthdays like his, everyone settled in with cake and ice cream. When everyone was almost done, he announced he’d start opening presents.
That brought Tex right over to the table that had been designated for it. “Can I help, Mister Monty?”
Zinnia put a hand on his shoulder. “Come sit by me, son. Opening presents is for the person having the birthday.”
“Oh.” The light disappeared from his eyes. “Okay, Mommy.”
The disappointment on that previously smiling little face got to him. “Your mom’s right, sport. Normally I’d do this all by myself since it’s my birthday and these are my presents. But I’m kinda tired from all the fun we’ve been having. I could use a little help, if you’re available.”
“I am! Can I, Mommy?”
“You can, but you’re not allowed to rip the paper. Be very careful. Sometimes people like to save the wrapping paper.”
“I will! I’ll be so careful!”
“Oh, I don’t—” He shut his trap when he got a look from Zinnia. “I just don’t understand why more people don’t save paper. I’m way into saving paper.” He ignored the snort from Rio.
He paid for caving to the little guy’s disappointed face. They all did. Unwrapping the gifts took freaking forever. Fortunately some came in bags. Even then, Tex insisted on folding the tissue paper.
