Her Cowboy Reunion. Debbi Rawlins

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СКАЧАТЬ who hadn’t seen any men from The Rocking J. But he agreed to look for their number on Mike’s desk and give them a call.

      Mike disconnected and inched closer. The calf barely made a sound. And when Mike scooped him up, he didn’t struggle.

      “I bet you’re scared, aren’t you, buddy? Let’s see what we can do about that.” Dude wouldn’t be happy about giving the calf a ride, but too bad. It wasn’t going to be easy for Mike either.

      All legs, weak and panting, the calf allowed himself to be laid on his belly over the saddle. Dude shifted nervously and his ears went back, but Mike soothed him until the gelding finally settled. Mounting was tricky, but he managed to plant himself in the saddle and then wrap the calf’s legs around his middle so he could hold on to the little guy.

      A low bellow sounded from the direction of the creek, a popular spot for stragglers. He headed toward it. That bellow was from a bull, and not one of his, but the calf’s mother might be somewhere close to the bull.

      Luckily, the creek wasn’t far, but he kept Dude at a slow pace, making sure the little one didn’t get jostled too much. The calf hadn’t moved much since his first two kicks, which wasn’t a good sign. Probably dehydrated. And Mike still hadn’t heard the high-pitched call of a momma who couldn’t find her calf.

      As it turned out, the silver sedan was parked on the side of the trail that led to the creek, but Mike couldn’t spare it any attention. His focus was on the calf, and he’d given Dude his head knowing he’d follow the scent of the water.

      Then something occurred to Mike. “Hey, no swimming today,” he said, leaning down to stroke the gelding’s neck. “You got that?” The horse ignored him and picked up speed. “I mean it, Dude.”

      Mike heard a laugh and looked up, not at all surprised to see Savannah. This had been a favorite spot of hers.

      She rose from the rock she’d been sitting on. “Does he ever answer you?”

      “No, but sometimes I get the feeling he’d like to.” He reined the gelding to a halt.

      Savannah saw his passenger and gasped. “That’s a... What is that?”

      “A calf. Would you do me a favor?”

      “Sure,” she said, dusting off the seat of her jeans as she warily approached. “Maybe I should’ve said ‘that depends.’”

      Mike passed her the reins. “Hold on to these while I get down,” he said, lifting the calf in his arms.

      “Wouldn’t it be simpler to let me hold him?”

      “It would if he weren’t sixty pounds.”

      “That’s not so much. I’m pretty strong.”

      “Sixty pounds is a lot of weight, especially—”

      She rolled her eyes and reached up for the calf.

      Mike held firm and continued, “Especially if he starts kicking again.”

      “The poor thing looks too exhausted.”

      “He’s also scared.”

      She tossed back the reins. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t think I could handle him,” she said, and moved closer, her attention focused completely on the scrawny, leggy bundle he reluctantly placed in her arms.

      “Watch out.”

      “I see,” she said, laughing, her face lit with pure joy as his skinny legs went everywhere. “Oh, he’s so sweet.”

      Dude snorted.

      “You are, too,” she said with a fleeting glance at him.

      Even after Mike dismounted, she held the calf close and stared into his tired brown eyes. He quit squirming and let his head rest against her chest.

      Savannah sighed.

      “I’ll take him now.” Mike secured Dude’s reins and could tell the big baby wasn’t thrilled about it.

      “Just point me in the right direction,” Savannah said, clearly not about to give up her ward.

      “Let’s get him closer to the creek, then you can put him down. I want him to call out for his mom. If she’s anywhere in the area, she’ll let him know.”

      “Come on, baby, let’s get you some water.”

      Mike shook his head. “He’ll only drink from a teat or a bottle at this age. I mean, we can try, but I doubt he’ll know what to do.”

      “Oh,” she said, walking carefully, seemingly without difficulty.

      Several moments later, Mike put his hand on her shoulder. “This is far enough for now.”

      “Why?”

      “There’s a bull around here somewhere. I need to make sure we’re not near enough for him to get wind of us. They can be dangerous.”

      “Okay. I’ll watch this guy.” She crouched and carefully put the calf on his feet. His little bleat wouldn’t travel far.

      “I’ll be right back.” Mike headed out at a jog and heard another bellow, which sounded as if it was coming from farther up the creek.

      He followed the water’s edge for a bit then stopped and listened. No upset momma. As for the bull, Mike guessed he was up past the second bend. It seemed safe enough to bring the calf so he could try that bleat again.

      When he got back to where Savannah was petting the calf, she stood up with a look of excitement in her eyes.

      “Did you hear something?” he asked.

      “No, but I had an idea. I’ve got a first-aid kit in the back of the rental car. Sometimes they include gloves. Maybe we could fill one with water and cut off the tip.”

      Mike doubted it, but, hell, at this point it wouldn’t hurt to try. “Good idea,” he said. “Why don’t you go get it while I check if anyone’s seen his momma.”

      “Sure thing.” Her cheeks were pink, her eyes shining. This woman in no way reminded him of that shy, gawky teenager who’d always walked with her head down, her shoulders slumped. She wasn’t just pretty, she looked happy and alive.

      Chip called to tell him The Rocking J had sent out a couple men to find the momma, and Mike asked him to bring his ATV to the creek. Dude would be happy he didn’t have to give the calf a lift again.

      Savannah was back two minutes later. “Here,” she said, holding the sealed bag of powder-free medical-grade gloves. “How should we do this?”

      “First, let’s get him closer to the water. Maybe the scent will stimulate his saliva.”

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