Page 57 of Roped in Rawhide

“We’re still Meadow Masters.” There’s a pleading edge in my voice.

“The significance is tarnished.”

“Beyond repair?”

She’s quiet for a moment. Her focus is securely locked on putting one boot in front of the other.

“Gem,” I whisper.

“We can talk about it later.” Her gaze lifts to Wren, the meaning clear.

I swallow what’s left of my argument as we approach the paddocks. Barney is already walking toward the gate. Wren’s trusty Shetland pony is well aware of who provides the treats.

Gemma grabs his halter and gets him out of the pen. He’s munching on what looks like a carrot. If only she hid snacks for me in her pocket.

“Dow!” The strength of a toddler pushes on my neck.

I lower to my knees obediently while Gemma ties Barney to a nearby hitching post. Once the ground is within a safe distance, Wren slides down and immediately waddles toward her beloved companion. A tack box full of pink brushes materializes from seemingly nowhere. She snatches one in her fierce, double-handed grip.

Auntie Gemma is there to assist in the grooming process. She plops Wren back on her hip and they get to work. My heart sputters in my chest. Damn, what a sight. It’s the type of picturesque moment that makes a man act irrationally.

“This is good practice,” I muse.

Gemma nods. “Can never start too early.”

“Funny that you mention that.”

Her brow is furrowed when she glances at me. “Why?”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“Okay?” Now she’s giving me a strange look as if I grew a second head.

“How many do you want?”

“How many what?”

I jut my chin at Wren. “Kids.”

Her expression goes blank. “You’ve lost me, Bronc.”

“Can never start too early,” I remind her.

She chokes on the thought of our future. “Excuse me?”

“How many do you think we’ll have?”

Gemma hangs her head, but amusement quakes her shoulders. “I think you need your head examined.”

“Too soon?”

She snorts. “More like too delusional.”

“Okay, fine.” My palms raise in surrender. “I can take a hint.”

“Only after it smacks you on the forehead.”

“That’s just my stubborn streak. I probably need another spanking to set me straight.”