“There’s not a lot of teaching, but sure.” He would take a cooler, a blanket, a couple poles, lube, and some sunscreen to protect Hudson’s ass. They’d have a ball.
“Okay cool. So we work in the morning and play in the afternoon. Sounds like a great plan.”
“I concur, man.” Bug spray. No one needed a mosquito bite to the ball sac.
“So let’s do the dishes, and I’ll show you how well the fireplace cleaned up.” Hudson turned on the water.
Worked for him. It was the first real day where they were home. Princess and Ghost and the little girls were where they belonged.
“Do the horses stay out or in all night?”
“I put them in the barn tonight. In a week, they’ll be able to roam a little, but I want them to feel safe.”
“You’re a good horsey dad.” Hudson handed him dishes to dry. “Grab a towel, cowboy.”
“I’m an amazing horseman. I’m going to teach you to ride too.” He hadn’t even mentioned the whole “BLM land for mustang rescue” part yet.
“I want to learn. I think it will be fun. If Sid can keep his ass in a saddle, I know I can.” Hudson rolled his eyes. “Which one would you teach me on?”
“Probably Princess. Ghost isn’t an easy ride, but Grace is a sweetheart. If none of them suit, we’ll buy you one you want.”
Hudson grinned wide. “Princess? Oh, cool. She likes me.” Of course she did. Hudson snuck her peppermints.
“She’s smart and lacking in evil. You can’t say that about my Ghost.” Ghost was too smart for his own good.
“Ghost has his own agenda.” Even Hudson knew how he was. “Hang your towel up; we’re done.”
“That went quick. Many hands and light work, right?” He grabbed Hudson and stole a quick kiss.
“So this is it, right? You and me, the horses, our house.” Hudson curled fingers into his belt loops and tugged.
“You. Me. Horses. House. Next? Hot tub.”
“Let’s go shower. Then you can get the ice cream and I’ll get the laptop.”
“You have the best ideas. Come on, darlin’. Let’s do this.”
22
Hudson was so damn happy he had to pinch himself sometimes. When he’d made up his mind that he wanted Jack, and then finally made up his mind to see if he could actually get Jack, he was ready to settle. Compromise. Get whatever he could, however shameless and needy that seemed.
He’d never imagined Jack would jump in with both feet, commit, say I love you… and he certainly hadn’t expected Jack would want to be seen with him, in public, holding hands while they went window shopping in a cute little mountain town.
This was too good to be true. Except it was true, and he pinched himself again to prove it. Then he pinched Jack, just to be a smart-ass.
“You be good, or I’ll feed you to Niecy.”
Oh, that damn donkey was going to be the death of him. He wasn’t sure why Jack had said yes when Mackey asked him if he wanted it, but…
“Mackey put one over on you with that animal, you sucker.” He poked Jack in the ribs.
“She’s a good beast. She just needs some loving. You’ll get to know her.”
That was optimistic of Jack. “I don’t plan on getting close enough to get to know her, thanks. She’d just kick me or stomp on the new boots you just bought me.”
“She’s way more likely to bite.”
Hewas going to bite Jack. Hard.