“Oh my god,” Sky squeaked, bending over to pet the top of his head. “He’s so cute. The cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Dennis butted me again, snorting as they ruffled his dark mane. His glossy black coat glistened, clearly having been brushed today. I glanced up, spotting Benny across the way in the smaller pasture that was for riding horses. He was currently giving Sassafras, a beautiful brown mare, a good ride around.
“He does well at the rodeo,” I chuckled.
“I’m sure. You know, I’ve never gone to a rodeo.”
“Really? Well, you’ll get to in a couple weeks if you’re still here. There’s also Y’all Pride Picnic the first weekend of June. Fingers crossed we get no storms. They’re always a lot of fun.”
“I’d like that,” they said softly.
Dennis turned his full attention to them and my brows shot up as he gave a soft snort and softly nudged them. For such a tough little horse, he was being gentle.
Horses always knew what we needed. That was something I knew to be true. I’d never forget the day after our parents passed, I’d broken down while working with Dolly. She’d given me a gentle nudge and then a good horse hug, offering the comfort I needed in that moment.
“He loves you,” I said, shaking my head. “He terrorizes the rest of us.”
Sky beamed and then straightened, turning to look around the pasture. “This place is so big.”
“It is,” I said. “We do a lot with it though. Aside from the rodeo, we offer support for foster children that need a place to feel safe. We also have artist retreats, star gazing, the picnics. I’m grateful for all we get to do with this place.”
“It’s special,” they whispered. “I’ve never been to a place like it.”
Stay.I fought saying that aloud, but it still nearly slipped out.
Sometimes, things just felt right. And seeing Sky standing in front of me with the ranch stretching behind them—it felt like they belonged here.
Ma used to say when you know, you know. There were days I felt devastated all over again that we’d lost her and Pa in the same moment, but I knew in my heart that in a way, it’d been a blessing. Those two were never apart, and it would have been a slow death if one of them passed before the other.
That kind of love was why Rainbow Ranch was what it was. The four of us had never struggled the way other people do to feel loved. Even being openly queer, we’d never faced questions from loved ones. I’d never forget when Boone came out—of course, I’d already known. I was his twin. Just like he’d known about me, too.
I rubbed the ache in my chest absentmindedly.
“It looks like the weather for the next couple days will be fully clear in the area,” Sky said. “So I can help Pris out and earn my keep.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate the help. Winnie and Boone sometimes lend her a hand when they’re able to, but she keeps that part of our ranch going. Between the crops and the garden, she’s got everything down to a science. Smarter than all of us put together, I swear.”
“I believe it,” Sky said.
“Let me show you a couple other things,” I said. “Then I’ll deliver you to her.”
Sky nodded eagerly and I nodded my head to the fence.
“We can go through the gate this time,” I said.
“You mean you don’t want to manhandle me again?” they teased.
I could feel the blush creeping everywhere. “Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or?—”
“You didn’t,” they said quickly. “I liked it, Beau.”
Before I could get another word in, they went to the fence, climbed it with ease, and hopped down to the other side. Theytossed a wink over their shoulder— and damn, if I wasn’t already a goner.
Twenty-four hours. I’d known Sky for twenty-four hours and I felt like I was tumblin’ straight into a canyon of desire.
Dennis snorted, looking up at me like heknewwhat I was thinking.
“Shush,” I mumbled, shaking my head as I hopped the fence.
