The Forest Ranger's Child by Leigh Bale Read Free Book Online

together and the horse jerked his head up at the sharp sound.
    Peg nickered and nudged Lily’s hand. She rubbed the velvety softness of his muzzle, delighted to have a new friend.
    Dad chuckled. “He’s after his treat.”
    “Treat?” Lily ran her hands over Peg’s face and neck. A thrill of excitement tingled through her as she gazed into the animal’s intelligent brown eyes. How she wished she could ride him.
    Dad reached into his pants pocket and withdrew a single peppermint cube. He handed it to Lily. “It’s not good for him, so I only give him one a day. But he loves it.”
    Lily stared at the peppermint resting on her open palm, stunned that Dad would surrender it to her. Peg nudged her shoulder, eager for his treat. Lily laughed and lowered her hand so the horse could nibble the candy. She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t witnessed it with her own eyes, but after the horse swallowed, he waved his head in pleasure. A low nicker came from his throat and he nudged her arm, as if begging for more.
    “Well, look at that. He’s taken to you already,” Dad said.
    Lily blinked, unable to explain the sudden rush of emotions cascading through her. Funny how much the acceptance of a mere animal meant to her. She’d always been better with animals than with people.
    Together, they patted the stallion. Sharing this special moment with her father did something to Lily. Whenever they’d worked with horses, she’d been at peace with Dad. It was their one common ground. Something they both loved and enjoyed. How she wished they could be friends in other areas of their lives, as well.
    Tears fogged her vision and she turned away so Dad wouldn’t see. She never used to be a crybaby, but that had been before she’d almost ruined her life. Before she’d turned her back on her father and the Lord. It wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to mend all her broken fences.
    “Wait until you watch him work,” Dad said. “He’s quick and needs very little guidance. I trained him myself. I spent so much time with him that I almost ignored the rest of the ranch.”
    Was that why the place seemed in such disrepair? That didn’t make sense. If Dad was so busy, there ought to be some ranch hands around to do the other chores.
    Dad jutted his chest out in pride. A pleased smile curved his mouth and Lily couldn’t help wishing he’d look like that when he spoke about her. She’d just need to show him that she could be a person he could be proud of.
    “Which event?” she asked.
    “Reining.”
    “Has he won anything yet?”
    Dad chuckled. “Oh, yes. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the horse that won the Limited Open Reining World Championship and the Intermediate Open Reserve World Championship two years ago.”
    Her mouth dropped open. Dad never kidded about things like this. “So, he’s a world champion? Are you serious, Daddy?”
    He glanced at her, his stern mouth barely twitching with a smile. “I certainly am.”
    Awe seeped through every pore in her body. Her father had a world champion reining horse living in his stable. Amazing!
    “Are you boarding him? Who’s his owner?”
    Dad coughed again, covering his mouth with one hand. “I am, darlin’. He belongs to me.”
    Darlin’. He’d called her that name when she’d been young. During the few times when he’d shown her affection.
    “A horse like this would also make a good cutting horse. He needs cows to chase,” she said.
    “You’re right. Now you’re here, we’ll get some cows as soon as we can.” He took several deep inhales, as if he couldn’t catch his breath.
    “Dad, are you all right?”
    He lifted a hand, brushing her concerns aside. “Of course. I’m fine.”
    She shook her head, trying to make sense of this. “I don’t understand. Where did you get Peg?”
    “I bought him just after you left. His previous owner was lazy and didn’t realize Peg’s potential. I worked with Peg and took him to a lot of