It took me a moment to realize that Carter was following me. It also took everything in me to not whirl around and punch him. Instead, I bit back another growl and continued to walk.
If he wanted to walk behind me for ten minutes, he was free to do so.
About five minutes into the walk that was shorter because of my shortcut, I started to relax. Carter was still there, doing exactly what I did as he climbed over fences when necessary. Something about that amused me, which relaxed me more.
My radio crackled.
“Tommy to HH. Over.”
“What’s up? Over.”
“Gelding is in the paddock with Ramona and the others. Over.”
“Good job. Thanks, Tommy. Over.”
I put the radio back and continued the walk.
“What horses do you turn her out with?”
I whipped my head around. “What?”
Carter held up his hands. “I’m not challenging you. I’m just asking.”
“Calm, playful ones. She gets along with everyone, she’s very middle of the pack in her temperament.”
He hummed, and continued to walk a few steps behind me.
“Did the mom survive?” I asked after a few more minutes.
“Oh, yeah. She had a concussion but she and the baby should be fine. It just took time to extract her so I stayed to keep an eye.”He quickly added, “Not that I could do anything or that the baby needed me once the paramedics arrived, but….”
But he didn’t seem like a man who left things unfinished.
“Good.”
I could practically feel his urge to say something, but he didn’t, which I appreciated.
When we made it to Juanpablo’s paddock, I slipped inside. “He dislikes most people so I’d stay outside.”
“Noted.”
I whistled sharply, and two seconds later the familiar braying sounded from closer to the house we could see in the distance.
The donkey galloped from around the bend, yelling his fool head off.
Carter laughed, and I couldn’t help but to smile, too.
“What’s his name again?” Carter asked as the donkey got closer.
“Juanpablo. He’s the alarm system.” Which was a funny thought. I really should mention that to Ville, the only security type person in our extended family circle.
“I can hear that!” Carter said loudly over the braying.
“Okay, okay, shut up,” I told Juanpablo as he made it to me and pushed into my arms.
He let out a few more honking sounds and then panted for breath after his sprint.
I gave him all the scratches and most of the treats in my pockets, too. By the time I was done, I felt better, even if Carter was still watching us.
