Free Cowboy All Night (Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Book 5) by Vicki Lewis Thompson Page B

that comment had been a veiled reference to tonight’s rendezvous. She wouldn’t put it past him.
    Rosie looked over her shoulder and grinned at Aria. “I’ve never seen a colt more perky than this one. I can tell from your expression how happy you are with him.”
    “I am. He’s a beauty.” She hoped that Rosie and the others attributed her extra sparkle to her excitement about Linus’s first day in the pasture. She was excited, but not only about Linus. A certain tall cowboy vied for the top spot in her thoughts.
    Thank goodness for that. Otherwise she might be feeling sad about Josh not being here for this big moment. Brant gave her something else to think about.
    For example, he’d taken a moment when nobody else was paying attention to inform her that he’d be at the back of the parade with an excellent view of her cute little fanny. Naturally she thought of that the whole time she was leading her mare out to the pasture. When she heard his singsong comment of “lookin’ good,” she didn’t think he was referring to Linus.
    And that was okay with her. She hadn’t been in a relationship in a while, and she’d never been in one with a man as fun-loving as Brant. He could tease her all he wanted. She was soaking it up like a sponge.
    No one had mentioned Josh’s absence, and that was fine with her, too. The others had probably sensed she was uncomfortable with his lack of participation and didn’t want to make a point of it. She hadn’t realized how much Josh had consumed her every thought until Brant had suggested she might need a break.
    Last semester’s academy students had helped modify the pasture in anticipation of Linus’s birth. The other four horses were on the far side of a new fence, which gave Lucy and Linus their own private section. Aria was relieved that Herb and Rosie had taken that precaution.
    Cade opened the gate for Aria and flashed her a smile as she led the mare through. “This is a treat. Thanks for sharing Linus with all of us.”
    “I’m the one who’s grateful. You guys have been terrific.”
    “And we’re about to get our reward.” He glanced behind her. “The star of the show looks ready for his debut.”
    As Aria led both horses in, the four on the other side of the new fence glanced up, surveyed the newcomers and went back to their grazing. Aria turned around to watch Linus as he stepped gingerly through the gate and into his first experience with grass.
    Brant walked in behind him and Cade closed the gate. “Turn mom loose,” Brant said. “Let’s see what happens.”
    She unclipped the lead rope and moved away. At first neither horse moved. Then Lucy snorted and trotted a few yards away. Linus followed, picking up his hooves as if he’d stepped in something icky.
    “He doesn’t know what to make of it,” Aria said.
    “He’ll figure it out.” Brant walked over to stand beside her.
    She had the oddest parental feeling, as if she and Brant were watching their child head off to school on the first day. “What if he doesn’t? What if he hates being out here?”
    Brant laughed softly. “He won’t.”
    “But what if—” She forgot whatever she’d meant to say as Lucy took off and Linus was forced to follow or be left behind. In seconds he had the hang of it. Before long he was the one leading the romp and racing around his mother.
    His stubby tail wagged as he ran on his impossibly slender legs. He bucked and whirled in ecstasy as the horses in the far pasture eyed his antics with apparent disdain. He took a couple of pratfalls, but he bounced right up again and bounded off.
    “Oh, Brant.” Her throat clogged with emotion and she clutched his arm. “He’s so...happy.”
    “Yeah.” He covered her hand with his and squeezed. “This is something you’ll never forget.”
    “I should be filming it.”
    “Give me your phone. I’ll do it. You just enjoy.”
    She handed over her phone and let go of him so he could be the videographer for this moment.