Read Online Second Chances by Cheyenne Meadows - Free Book Online Page A

bale
of straw and plopped down.
    An
orange and black cat headed her direction, hopped on her lap, and plopped down
like she found a comfortable spot for a nap. April stroked the pretty cat’s
back, noting the loud purr that followed. Her heart cracked and a barely healed
wound reopened. She’d had to put her old cat to sleep about a year ago due to
advanced cancer. Tears ran down her cheeks for days as she mourned gravely.
Still to this day, she recalled her favorite pet and her eyes misted. Having
another cat contently curled up on her lap reminded her of the good times while
plucking at those tender heart strings.
    “That’s
Marmalade.”
    She
glanced over at Dusty. “She’s friendly. I always thought barn cats were
skittish, especially of strangers.”
    He
shrugged and sat down beside Ben, watching the dog lick his bowl clean. “She
showed up here one day, skinny as a rail. I took her in, fed her, got some vet
work done. She’s been friendly since day one. Probably someone’s pet that got
lost or dumped as a quick way to rid themselves of their responsibilities.”
    April
sighed and brushed her hand over the cat’s head. So much sadness in the lives
of these animals. Her gaze once again found Dusty.
    He fit
right in. Wounded and possibly traumatized from his past, he found peace
surrounded by creatures that lived through their own version of hell. He didn’t
just own the stable, he spoke the same language as the occupants. They all
needed one another. If something ever happened to this place, he’d be just as
lost as they would be.
    She
thought of the fires to their south and sent up a quick prayer for the
destructive flames to stay far away.
    “How
long have you been working with horses?” She opted to spend the evening
learning more about the man who snared her attention.
    “Forever.
My family raised quarter horses.”
    “Showed
them?”
    He
nodded and rubbed Ben’s head. “For a while we spent every weekend during the
summer at a show.”
    “Did
you like it?”
    Dusty
shrugged and looked down at his dog. “Yes and no. I enjoyed the horses, but the
traveling all the time got old. Then college took most of my time. After I
graduated, the military took over my life.”
    Somewhat
surprised he mentioned his military career, she debated questioning him further
about the part of his life he bristled about earlier. “Did you apply to be a
dog handler in the military? How do they decide who gets to be with dogs and
who doesn’t?” Her soft words carried easily across the area.
    Marmalade
looked up at her and softly meowed as if encouraging her to resume her
attentions. Lightly, she scratched behind the cat’s ears and ran her fingers
down the plump cat’s back.
    Silence
reigned before Dusty finally answered. “You apply. They choose applicants based
on several factors.” His short answer discouraged further inquiry.
    April
took the hint. “Lois said their vet recommended Miracle only be used for light
riding due to potential bone and ligament damage from her starvation. Do you
think it’s worth trying to break her or simply consider her a pet?”
    His
gaze lifted to meet hers. “I’d say that’s up to you.” He turned to the large
stall containing the unusual pair of horses. “She’s made good progress with me,
but breaking will take a long time. I can have my vet look her over next time
he’s here, but I doubt he’ll disagree with theirs.” Dusty’s brown eyes found
her once more. “Truth be told, after what she went through, I’m not sure I’d
even bother with saddle and rider. Most likely, she’d be happier and healthier
as a pretty filly to decorate the stable.”
    She
watched Miracle shuffle through the thick straw. “I think you’re right. It’s
not worth the risk to her or the upset.” Somewhat disappointed, she focused on
the purring kitty in her lap.
    “If you
want to go riding, just say the word.”
    Jerking
her head up, she blinked at Dusty, surprised by such an offer.