To Protect and to Cherish by Becky Riker

Author:Becky Riker [Riker, Becky]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
Published: 2013-06-04T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

“Are you too tired from dancing all last night,” Slade was waiting for her in their sitting room when she awoke, “or would you like to come see what I found for you?”

Jillian rose up to her toes and kissed her husband’s cheek, “Good morning.”

He smiled at the greeting, more so because it was the fourth morning in a row that she had done it.

“So, your present?”

“What present?” she looked a little bleary-eyed.

He took her hand and led her downstairs, “You will need a coat,” he warned her as they passed through the corridor. “It seems as if the autumn has finally decided to visit us.”

She allowed him to lead her to the stables.

“I know Gacela has proven a bit too tame as you have progressed in your riding, so I got you a new horse.”

The gelding was magnificent. He was completely black except for one white sock. His build was slender, and he couldn’t be more than fourteen hands.

Jillian reached a hand out to him, “He’s a beauty, Slade. What is his name?”

“He was only named by Mario.”

Jillian stroked the soft nose, “Didn’t Mario name Gacela as well?”

“Yes.”

“So?”

“He calls him Salvaje.”

She laughed, “I am afraid to ask what it means.”

“Wild,” he laughed, “but, as you can see, he isn’t really.”

“I hope not.”

Jillian would have liked to try the new horse out, but she had already promised Amy a visit.

Slade did not want Jillian to ride Salvaje until he had an opportunity to observe the horse under a saddle. Now that harvest was over, he had more time, but he and Tellem were now plotting out the land for the spring trenching project.

“I will watch Peter work with him for a while, Slade,” she urged him to go see to his project. “We will ride next week.”

She did enjoy watching the spirited animal with Peter, but two days of it was enough to have her wishing for more.

Slade managed to get home in time for dinner. Jillian waited for him to get cleaned up before asking a favor.

“I really think I could do some of the groundwork with him, Slade,” she allowed him to lead her downstairs toward the dining room. “Peter could watch me.”

Slade offered her a partial smile, “So you and Peter are getting along now?”

She swatted at him, “I do not have to like the man to see he knows horses.”

He pulled her to a stop just outside the doors to the dining room, “I’ll tell you what, you lead Salvaje around the pen for a few days, and I will ask Peter if he thinks you can do more.”

She opened her mouth to protest, knowing she could never meet with Peter’s approval, but Slade put a finger on her lips.

“Take it or leave it.”

She nipped at the finger, “I’ll take it.”

Three days later, Slade agreed to let Jillian take Salvaje out of the pen for short walks.

“Do you want him saddled, milady?” Peter asked as she prepared to walk down the lane.

“I do not think that will be necessary today, thank you.

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