Free Heart Of A Cowboy by Margaret Daley Page A

“Then maybe I can do something about that. You said something about being interested in the rodeo.”
    His face brightening, Nicholas straightened. “Yes. I’ve read some books about it.”
    â€œBooks are good, but experiencing it firsthand is so much better. I started participating in rodeo events for kids when I was your age. Actually earlier.”
    â€œThen I could, too.”
    Zachary wanted to say yes—should have the right to since he was the child’s father—but caution made him murmur, “We’ll have to run it by your mother first.”
    His son frowned. “She’ll never let me. She gets scared that I’ll get sick or hurt myself.”
    â€œThe first thing you need to do is learn to ride well. Then we’ll see after that.”
    â€œNicholas, dinner is ready,” Jordan shouted as if she stood at the bottom of the stairs.
    â€œLet’s go wash up, partner.” Zachary rose. “I hear your mom is gonna teach you at home.”
    â€œYeah, tomorrow is my last day at school and I’m so glad. It takes Mom a while to make up her mind.” His son lowered his voice and bent closer. “She doesn’t like change.”
    He settled a hand on his son’s shoulder as they headed for the bathroom. “What’s been going on at school?”
    Nicholas shrugged. “Just the usual.”
    In the hallway Zachary faced the boy. “Are you being teased?”
    He hung his head. “Yes. I don’t fit in. I don’t understand them. Today I was the last one to be picked for a team. That happens all the time. Then another kid laughed in class when I had to write an answer on the board.”
    Nicholas’s injured tone magnified Zachary’s anger at Jordan. “Why?” He could have been there to help his son—if only he’d known about him.
    â€œMy handwriting isn’t legible. I’ve tried to make it better, but my fine motor skills aren’t good.”
    Would he ever not be amazed what came out of his son’s mouth? Nicholas was nothing like his niece and nephews. Zachary lifted his son’s chin. “You have nothing to be ashamed about. You’re smart. You have a lot to offer a friend.” He started again toward the bathroom. “I can help you with that.”
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    The dinner had been a disaster. Jordan carried the plates to the sink while Nicholas snagged Zachary and took him outside to show him his telescope. She’d wanted to follow, but after being excluded through most of the meal, it was obvious her son only wanted to spend time with his father.
    During the meal Zachary and Nicholas had talked horses and riding, leaving her out of the conversation. What if she hadn’t gone to the ranch that Saturday? Or come back to Tallgrass? Then she wouldn’t be facing this problem. But remembering Nicholas’s joy-filled expression and his laughter during the dinner made her realize telling Zachary had been for the best.
    She sank into a chair at the kitchen table, placed her elbow on its top and cupped her chin. Tapping her finger against her cheek, she visualized Nicholas on the back of a horse, racing across the meadow. The next image of him flying over the animal’s head and crashing into the hard ground sent alarm through her.
    She bolted to her feet and marched to the back door. She was joining them whether they liked it or not. He was her son, too. She’d been his parent for the past ten yearsand wasn’t going to turn the reins over to Zachary just because she’d made a mistake and hadn’t told him about Nicholas.
    Because now she realized she’d been totally wrong not to. Somehow she had to make sure that Zachary understood she regretted the decision she made all those years ago. That they should work together.
    She flung open the door and stepped out onto the deck. Both Zachary and Nicholas glanced toward her then her son returned to showing