Chapter 90 Part 90
Asher
He stood outside the barn, talking to Blair about moving the cattle down the mountain before the first cold settled in. He was about to leave when he heard Emerson’s screams.
Asher ran back inside, his hand automatically going for the pistol at his hip. Emerson was against the wall, resting her hands on her knees, and leaning forward with Colt standing in front of her, looking bewildered.
“What happened?” Asher asked.
“I was saying good morning when she screamed, and started hitting me. I tried to grab her but then she curled up like that. I didn’t think it wise to try and comfort her,” he said, rubbing his cheek.
Asher knelt next to her and tentatively touched her arm. “Emma? You’re okay. It’s just Colt. He didn’t mean to startle you.”
She lifted her head, and looked at him. “I’m sorry I hit him. He whispered in my ear like Grover used to, and it just took me back.”
Asher glared at Colt. “Why would you whisper in her ear? What happened to just talking like a normal person?”
“She was rubbing that new stallion’s muzzle, and we all know how wild he is. I didn’t want to startle the horse, especially since he was allowing her to touch him!”
“You didn’t do anything wrong, Colt. The whisper just…it took me back to a bad time. I’m sorry,” Emerson said.
“It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have done that.” Colt looked regrettably at her.
Asher held his hand out to her, and she took it without hesitation. “Let’s get out of here.”
Emerson nodded her head and straightened to her full height. Asher put his arm around her shoulder and led her out of the barn. He glanced back at Colt who stood with his hands on his hips, his head lowered.
“Is he mad at me?”
Asher shook his head. “Nah, Colt’s a big teddy bear, he couldn’t be mad at you if he tried. He didn’t mean to scare you. Nobody on this ranch would ever hurt you.”
“I know, I just…it was like I was back there.” Her body shuddered again, and Asher pulled her closer to him.
She relaxed against him almost instantly. The door on the far side of the barn slammed open, and Asher started to chuckle as Colt screamed, and ran past them.
“You get back here, boy! You have to come home at some point!” Thomas yelled.
“I didn’t do it, Dad!” Colt yelled over his shoulder, but kept running.
“What is that all about?” Emerson asked, as she looked up.
“Eden likes to tattle. That was Pops teaching Colt a lesson because he scared you,” Asher said.
Emerson gasped. “No! But he didn’t mean to!”
“It’s just a threat, Emma, he won’t really whip Colt.” Asher grinned, as he said that, then his face took on a serious look. “You okay to stay here with Eden? If you want I can take you back to the house.”
“What are you doing today?”
Asher grinned, and gave her a look. “I need to get a saddle on Colt’s horse.”
“Why can’t he do it?”
“The horse doesn’t want to be saddled, nobody will go near him. It’s the horse you were stroking which is why Colt whispered in your ear. The horse startles easily, then he’ll buck and kick.”
“I’m fine with Eden,” she said, and Asher stepped away from her. He nodded his head, and walked away, leaving her standing in front of the barn.
Colt stood on the far side of the corral, and Asher started laughing again. “The coast’s clear!”
“The old man still has some swing left in him. Got me on the lower back with his belt!” Colt yelled back.
Asher shook his head, and watched as four ranch hands held onto the leading rope, and brought the new stallion out. He had a sudden flashback to the horse he’d tamed in his other life. The horse had the same coloring and goosebumps broke out over his arms, despite the heat of the sun.
Rick unclipped the leading rope the moment the gate was closed, and they all ran and climbed over the wooden railings. Colt took his time walking toward him, his eyes going to the barn every now and then.
“You have to help me,” Colt said, when he reached Asher.
“With what?”
“Eden! She tattled on me!” Colt exhaled, and leaned his arms on the railing.
“Yeah, it’s about time she remembers she’s the only girl here,” Asher said.
“I’ll let you know what I come up with,” Colt said, with a wicked grin.
“Just make sure it’s not something that can hurt her. You remember what happened last time,” Asher said, in a warning tone.
“Trust me, I remember. I couldn’t sit properly for a week after the hiding Dad gave me.” They both smiled, as they thought back to the time Colt pulled away from the curb just as Eden was getting into the truck. She’d fallen, and cracked her wrist on the sidewalk. Colt had gotten a hiding, and had to play Eden’s slave for a week.
“You gonna get this guy ready for me?” Colt asked.
“I’m gonna try. You thinking of selling him when he can be ridden?”
“I might not. He’s from good stock. If I can get him to listen, I might be able to breed with him.”
“What’s his story?” Asher asked, as he looked at the horse. He could see the defiance in his eyes from where he stood.
“Not really sure, Asher, but from the marks on his flank I’d say he was beaten with a whip a few times.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll suggest to Eden that they watch you with the horse. It’ll give me time to do what I need to do,” Colt said, with a grin.
Asher headed back into the barn, and stuffed a few peppermint candies in his pocket. He took off his belt, grabbed an old lawn chair, and the brushes. He could hear Colt’s voice coming from down the hall, where Eden’s office was, and he wondered what Colt had planned for her.