Rick Mora by C. Reynosa
Not unusual to get thrown by a new horse. Common sense to get back up on it. Best to do it under your own power. But if you haven’t got the smarts to refuse someone’s help, at least make sure he’s your own kind, because a man’s pride is a delicate thing and where his woman is concerned, there's no room for forgiveness.
They said her husband put a bullet through his skull on account of her accepting a stranger’s assistance. The local sheriff said that if he’d been smart, he’d have spent the bullet on her. Now, three months later, it was all she could do to hold onto the farm. Last week, she’d sold her saddle to buy grain for the horse, though it was a foolish luxury, since the animal was the next thing the bank would seize.
The roan mare was the only thing that kept her sane. Late afternoons, when the breeze kicked up and the sun hung low, she'd ride out to check fences, watch hawks and listen for the swift drumming of hooves. He’d ride up over the ridge, lean and bronze and proud, the paint stallion prancing beneath him.
They never spoke, just rode the line, each on their own side of the fence. These last few days, he’d had a glint in his eye and spurred her to give the horses free rein. They'd raced down the line just as wild and free as any other creature under the sun, but she always reigned in at the corners, and he always circled around, head tipped, horse restless, waiting.
Just how long was she supposed to pay penance before jumping that fence?
(280 words)
This is my (ineligible) entry for the Forbidden Love Blog Hop that I'm co-hosting with Lillie and Janelle.
About long enough until the take-back man comes and she will cut him free…….:).
Good job.
Thank you, Bill! I don't think that horse is going to be content to be reined in much longer!
I love it! I want to know the rest of the story
Thank you!! Yeah, I want to know what happens next too!! I have a pretty good feeling she and the roan are going to take that fence in stride!!
Jump that fence…go on do it!
Loved the Sheriff's response, and all the detail you fit in. Your stories are so well set up and told in so few words, it amazes me how much you pack in…and your punches always hit the mark! Loved it!
Thank you!! I'm with you, Lisa, and shouting, "Just jump the doggone fence already!"
Love it! I can't help thinking, "Jump the fence! Jump the fence!"
Awesome! I'd say go for it, jump that fence
Really, would like to know if there's a happily every after here.
Oh, I am on board with jumping the fence. I agree with J.A. Bennett – I want to hear the rest of the story.