She smiled. “They’re my brothers. Tanner is my fraternal twin.”
“So, you’re one of those McLeods.” He had a teasing glint in his eyes. “They’re good guys.”
“All four of my brothers are.” She turned her attention back to Sunshine. “I go out to the ranch to ride when I can.”
“One of these days, I’ll have to take you for a ride up to our part of the Superstition Mountains.” His words sent a thrill through her belly.
Were things moving a little too fast? She turned with Tucker to move to the next stall, which held a magnificent solid black mare. He’d said, “One of these days,” so it wasn’t like they were making plans now.
Tucker took her through the rest of the stables as he talked about his operation and background. He raised horses for sale to rodeo participants and those who wanted to compete and show their horses. Tucker also entered competitions and shows. He’d built up quite a reputation for his fine quality horses, the training they provided, and breeding with artificial insemination.
He’d attended the University of Arizona, where he got his Bachelor of Science from the College of Agriculture. There, he learned his skills in artificial insemination to breed horses and business skills for his chosen career.
“I was tempted to get my Masters, but I was ready to start my own business.” He shrugged. “I missed the land and the horses.”
He headed out of the building with Ellie at his side. “Does your family breed horses?”
“They’re cattle ranchers.” He smiled. “I had a great upbringing with ranching, but my love was always horses.”
Her boots kicked up dust around her feet. “How big is your family?”
Tucker blew out his breath. “Mom, Dad, four brothers, and Maddee. Loads of cousins, too, as well as aunts and uncles. However, our grandparents are gone now.”
“I have a big family, too,” she said. “Both of my parents, four brothers, no sisters, and a lot of extended family in King Creek on the McLeod side. My mom is from Germany, and my relatives on her side are still back there. Hopefully, I will meet them in Hamburg and Berlin within the next few years.”
“Your family get-togethers must be as big as mine.” He came to a stop, and she halted beside him. “You mentioned that you want to take pictures of things that happen at the ranch. We’re having our annual barn dance for family, neighbors, and customers this Saturday. The family also has a chili cookoff, and the winner attends the county competition.” His eyes held hers. “If you’re free, you can use whatever you think will help to engage our audience, like you suggested.”
Excitement made her limbs tingle at the thought of seeing him again so soon without jumping right into a date. “I’m free that day, and it sounds perfect.”
They started walking again, and he looked ahead before glancing at her again. “The cookoff starts at five, and the potluck and dance start right after the competition.”
She smiled. “I’ll be here a little early if you don’t mind so that I can be here when people start to arrive.”
He nodded. “No problem at all.”
They reached a corral where a man worked with a beautiful bay mare.
Ellie stood on the bottom rail and watched the man. She looked at Tucker, who could easily stand by the corral with his arms resting on the top rail.
“Luke,” Tucker called out. “Got someone I want you to meet.”
The sandy-haired young man led the auburn horse to them, and Tucker introduced him to Ellie.
Luke introduced the horse to Ellie as he patted her neck. “This is Melody. She’s a two-year-old I’m training for show.”
The mare reached out and nuzzled Ellie’s hand. “She’s looking for a treat.” Ellie smiled at Luke. “I think I’m going to have to start filling my pockets before I come here.”
The young man slid his hand into his pocket, pulled out a couple of peppermints, and handed them to Ellie. She held one on the flat of her hand, and the mare snuffled her palm, her muzzle soft and tickling.
As Ellie fed the other peppermint to the bay, she asked Luke questions about the type of training he did.
“I train them in western pleasure, western riding, and horsemanship.” Luke stroked her mane. “This girl has always been a fast learner. I’ll show her at the next competition coming up in April.”
They let Luke get back to training.
“You mentioned horses for rodeo.” Ellie looked at Tucker as they walked away. “Who trains them?”
Tucker started back toward the house, keeping his strides shorter so that she could keep up. “Jose handles most of it, but Maddee helps him with team roping, and she trains horses for barrel racing.”
