"It was old Jake fixed this one up - he has a healer's touch. That was six months ago and as you see, the horse is good as new. My guess is he was probably stolen, look at him - he ain't no ordinary horse."
"He looks like a thoroughbred. He's beautiful." In her haste to see him at close quarters, Mary began to climb the fence. She was halfway over when Nathan grabbed her and lifted her over. "Steady," he warned, noting her unsuitable kid boots. He made a mental note to get her another pair she could wear for riding.
Nathan watched as Mary made her way over to the stallion. She remained a few feet away from him and waited for him to come to her, all the while making comforting little noises at him. The horse took a step forward, then another... and another.
"Well I'll be damned," said Nathan. "He's not usually so trusting of strangers."
Mary stroked his sleek coat and let him nuzzle against her hand. "There, boy," she murmured. "We're going to be good friends, you and I."
"Want me to saddle him up?"
Mary spun round, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh - would you? Yes! Please. I'd love to ride him."
When he returned, Mary stared at what he carried. "That's not a side saddle."
"Nope. Don't have one. Besides - you'll be safer riding astride."
"Astride?!" No well bred ladies rode astride. It was most unbecoming... practical though. She made her decision. What the heck! Why not?! "Right. Saddle him up."
Nathan grinned and did so, then without hesitating lifted Mary bodily onto the horse's back. At least the full skirt enabled her some modesty and freedom of movement as she swung her right leg over. Meanwhile, another ranch hand saddled up Nathan's horse, Whiskey, and opened the corral gate so the two riders could venture out.
Nathan was impressed. Mary was confident in the saddle and seemed to be a proficient horsewoman. He set a faster pace, and the two horses cantered side by side, breaking into a gallop. Mary whooped in delight, her golden hair streaming out behind her like a golden banner. On they sped, the horses hooves thundering over the terrain. Eventually, Nathan slowed the pace and they came to a standstill by the creek.
Mary dismounted lightly and stood by the stallion's head. "You're a beautiful boy," she whispered, stroking his mane. The horse tossed his head and snorted, then nuzzled against her hand. "I think he likes me."
"Reckon he does. What are you going to call him?"
"He hasn't got a name?"
"Nope. Just 'Horse'."
"You can't call him that! I think you should call him ... Midnight."
Nathan dismounted from Whiskey. "Midnight it is then. And he's yours."
Mary blinked. She stared at Nathan, incredulous. "Mine?"
"Uh huh. If you want him, he's yours."
"Nathan! I'd love to have him! Thank you! Thank you so much!" Without a moment's thought, she acted on impulse, lunged forward and flung her arms around the big cowboy. "Thank you so much. I'll take good care of him, I promise."
Nathan chuckled, and his arms went around her, hugging her close. She looked up at him, her face wreathed in smiles, and he felt good that he'd made her happy. His cock pulsed in agreement as he considered how many other ways he could give pleasure to her. It was three years since he'd had a woman, a saloon girl who wasn't averse to doling out sexual favours, but he'd forged no long term relationship with her, merely taking the pleasure offered and then moving on. The ranch had kept him occupied, and what women were available in the neighbourhood didn't take his fancy. Not like this one. Not like Mary Grace Ashford. In such a short time, she had gotten under his skin.
Mail Order Mary is available for Kindle from Amazon and in a variety of formats from LSF Publications:
This was an enjoyable read.
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