Free Rodeo Reunion by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

followed by Ally’s soothing words too low to understand.
    â€œShe’s got a big heart.” Slade scanned the long barn. “I wonder how she funds this place.”
    â€œI don’t know.” Raquel kicked at gravel as Hunter chased a yellow kitten. “Don’t scare him, Hunter. Coax him to you.”
    A big white dog rounded the side of the barn with a leash and Ally in pursuit. “She needs to work on her leash skills, but other than that, she’s a great dog.”
    A lonesome howl began in the barn and Ally cringed as Hunter petted the big white head. “I call her Snow, but you can give her a new name if you decide to take her home.”
    Snow licked Hunter’s chin and he giggled.
    â€œWhat do you say, Hunter? Want to take Snow home?”
    â€œCan we?”
    â€œSure.”
    Hunter hugged his arms around Snow’s neck. “Can we get the yellow kitten, too?”
    â€œUm, I’m not sure he’s up for adoption.”
    â€œHe is.” Ally smiled. “But your mom may not be up for that.”
    â€œHow is Snow with cats?”
    â€œShe doesn’t bother them.”
    â€œHow is Blizzard with cats?” Raquel turned to Slade.
    â€œFine.” He lowered his voice. “But Blizzard and I won’t be here forever.”
    Her mouth tightened. “Well, I have a big unused barn perfect for a kitten. I’ll take Snow and the kitten. Does he have a name? Is he neutered?” Raquel whispered.
    â€œHis name is Tigger and he is neutered. All of the animals I have up for adoption are spayed or neutered.”
    â€œCould I ask how you fund this place?” Slade picked the kitten up.
    â€œThis was my family farm, so I own the property. My vet practice and pet gift shop pay the bills. I also charge adoption fees, which Raquel and I discussed on the phone. And I have a few local investors.”
    â€œDo you—” Slade lowered his voice “—put any animals down?”
    â€œNot unless they’re too sick or injured to save.”
    â€œI’d like to make a donation.” Slade handed Tigger to Raquel and slipped his checkbook out of his back pocket.
    â€œThat’s wonderful.” Ally grinned. “I appreciate it—you can make the check out to Ally’s Adopt-a-Pet.”
    â€œDoes Snow by chance have a sibling?” he whispered.
    â€œYes.” Ally flinched. “That’s Flurry howling. I basically flipped a coin on which sister to show Hunter. They’ve never been separated. Poor thing. Several of the kids from the church youth group come by to walk and play with the animals each evening. I’ll make sure she gets some extra attention tonight.”
    â€œThis should cover a donation.” Slade handed her the check. “Plus adopting Flurry?”
    Ally scanned the check and her eyes widened. “It certainly will. Thank you, so much. Are you sure you don’t want to see Flurry first?”
    â€œNope, Flurry’s coming home with me. Blizzard needs company. And Snow can visit her.”
    â€œI’ll go get her. And I’ll make y’all receipts.” Ally left them alone again.
    Hunter paid them no attention as he cuddled and played with Snow.
    â€œThat was very sweet of you.” Raquel had the kitten purring.
    â€œToo bad I won’t be around forever.” He cleared his throat. “I mean—for Snow and Flurry’s sakes. But maybe the next few months will transition them until I have to leave.”
    In the meantime, he had to resist Hunter’s innocent invitations. And Raquel’s charms.
    * * *
    Slade scanned the hallway and saw the sign—Office. How had he gotten roped into this? Career Day for the eighth-grade class—talking pro baseball, when he’d barely gotten his feet wet in it. One of the kids on Hunter’s team had an older brother, and here he was.
    Hopefully, the kid wouldn’t be disappointed when he showed up to