Page 24 of Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire

And, eventually, so did Travis. “Okay, but I need to check Bella and Snow before we go back. Mindy, would you get two more cookies, please?” He gave Jet the second cookie from his pocket.

He and Willow headed down to Bella’s stall.

“Sure.” She skipped to the office and then stood on tiptoe to reach into the bag on the outside wall and grabbed a couple of cookies.

Bella had poked her head out of the stall. She whinnied when the three of them started toward her.

Snow had grown a lot in the last few weeks but was still too little to reach the top of the high gate, but he stood by his mother, clearly curious about what was happening.

Travis reached the stall, opened the gate, and went inside. He hugged Bella’s neck with both arms. “How’s my little mother? How’s my Bella, hmm?”

Mindy came forward with the cookie.

“You can give it to her,” said Travis.

She stepped up to the gate and offered Bella the cookie, just like she had to Jet.

The mare’s lips grazed her palm.

Mindy squealed a little and then giggled.

Travis decided nothing could spread as easily as a little girl’s giggle. He laughed along with her.

So did Willow.

“Would you like to give her a cookie, Willow?” asked Travis.

Willow shook her head and rested her arms on the open gate, the top of which reached her upper chest just below her shoulder blades. “That’s all right. Let Mindy, if she needs another cookie.”

“Bella’s like a kid. She doesn’t need one, but she’d sure like one.” Travis kept a hand on Bella’s neck.

Mindy gave the beautiful horse another cookie.

Bella took the cookie and butted Mindy’s arm.

“No more cookies.” Mindy ran her hand down Bella’s nose.

Snow came forward, still sticking close to his mother.

Travis looked at Mindy and saw her eyes widen, as did her grin. “Slowly let him sniff your open hand.”

She did as he said.

Snow fluttered his lips over her palm. Then he butted her hand as he’d seen his mother do.

Mindy, very carefully, so as not to frighten him, lifted her hand and scratched him between and around his ears. Then, she moved to his neck.

The baby horse leaned into her. He let her pet him for a little while, then backed away and walked to his mother and nursed.

Travis and Mindy left the stall, and he closed the gate.

“You did really well. I’ve never seen a colt take to someone when he is so young. I think you have a natural affinity with him. That’s fantastic.” He bent and kissed the top of her head. “You are officially Snow’s keeper. When he lets you, you can start grooming him. When you’ve done it once, he’ll want it every time you come to see him. The curry comb scratches them all over, like your hands, and then you can brush him, too. They like being groomed.”

Mindy turned to her mother and grinned. “Mom, Snow’s mine to care for.”

Willow hugged Mindy to her. “He is, and I’m very proud of you. Now, though, it’s time for your math lesson.” She looked over at Travis. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten about you. You still need your PT.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He sounded grumpy, but still smiled.