Yukon Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Author:Debra Clopton
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-06-17T16:00:00+00:00

“That’s a big bird!” Cody exclaimed, the next morning, as Bethany pointed out a bald eagle soaring above them not long after they’d ridden out of camp. “Look at it, Mr. Nate.”

He’d insisted on riding up front with Nate, and that had meant Bethany rode up front, too. Ever since she’d told Cody about him being an animal rescue responder, the little boy had looked at him like he was his favorite hero or something. It made Nate uncomfortable. But Bethany had been smart last night when she’d brought the subject up. It had eased the boy’s worries over the horses, and it had also given them something to focus on other than the uncomfortable situation they were in.

They were managing better to carry the pretense of normalcy over this morning. The conversation around the fire had lessened the tension between them—to some degree. But he’d lain awake late into the night, thinking about the anger she’d shown when they were standing by the horses. He pushed the thoughts aside, though, and concentrated on what Cody was saying.

“It’s pretty big,” Nate said, pulling his horse to a halt, as he let the group watch the majestic eagle soar on the breeze. Its wingspan looked to be nearly ten feet across. There was nothing more beautiful than to watch an eagle gliding across the sky, especially being able to see its reflection on the emerald waters of the lake below them.

“His nest is probably in the trees, here on this lake,” Bethany explained to Cody and the rest of the group. “From this point on, we will most likely see several eagles.”

“Some might not look like bald eagles, since they don’t get their white head until they are about four years old,” Nate reminded them.

“So you might see some of this one’s kids flying around out here,” Bethany added, as Nate began leading the group forward again.

They all rode along, talking among themselves. Nate was very aware of Bethany behind him.

“I’m adopted,” Cody said suddenly. “My mom and dad said I was special and that’s why they wanted me. You got any special kids, Mr. Nate?”

Being waylaid by a seven-year-old boy was the last thing he’d expected. “Um, no,” Nate managed. “I don’t have any kids. I’m not married,” he added.

“Why not? You’re old like my dad. You’re s’posed to have a wife, ain’t ya?”

A startled sound came from Bethany and he caught her eye then looked away feeling trapped. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about not having kids in front of her. Or his lack of a wife.

“Not everyone gets married, Cody,” Bethany offered.

Nate glanced at her again, relieved that she was helping avoid this subject. “Not everyone has kids.”

“Why not?”

The kid was a persistent little tyke! “Oh, lots of reasons,” Nate said, praying for a bear to step out and distract Cody.

Bethany shot Cody a dazzling smile. “You’re special, all right, and your parents are very blessed to have you. One day, I’d love to have a little boy just like you.

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