Swanson Farms

Chapter 23

The next day Seth finished his chores and was back in bed beside me, showered and clean smelling before I even woke up. Jackie was having an open house later today, with a barbecue and a bake sale (I was providing the baked goods, obviously). Dad and Uncle Joe would man the barbecue and Aunt Margaret would be helping me at the tent for baked goods. Zach would float and make sure everything was in order while selling fifty-fifty tickets. Seth had a few routines he would be doing to show case some of his skills, then him and Zach would go head to head in a cowboy contest. The cowboy contest basically was to see which horse was a better ranch horse. After the Western section, Jackie's long time friend and student Maggie would have her own English section for jumps and dressage, all things Jackie had taught her. Once all the riding was finished there was a fifty-fifty raffle and a contest that would give away some free riding gear with Jackie's company name on it- Willowhurst Equestrian Centre.

Seth wrapped his arm around me, kissing my shoulders softly,

"Come on baby, we gotta get going now," He whispered, and I turned around and snuggled into him, my face pressed against his chest. I felt his chest rumble, I couldn't tell if he was trying to say something or humming but the rumble felt nice. He ran his fingers through my hair and I closed my eyes again- we didn't get very many mornings with each other.

I rolled out of bed and went into the ensuite, using a cold wash cloth to wake up. I decided to go a little all out with make up today, putting my foundation on first. Then I did my eyebrows, my liquid eyeliner and mascara, and finally smudge proof lip stick. I curled my hair into long loose curls, before walking back into our room. Seth had on a pair of dark jeans and a white teeshirt. Yesterday Jackie had given him a wind breaker and fitted jacket with 'Willowhurst Equestrian Centre' on the left side, Coach on the other. Today since it was a little colder out he would wear the fitted jacket. I pulled on a light pair of jeans along with a grey hoodie. Seth followed me out of our room after we made the bed and into Bailey's room to get her dressed.

Since it was the middle of November I decided to put her in a flannel one piece and put on her cowboy boots. We went downstairs, Maverick following close behind. She would be coming with us today, since I had trained her to walk off leash she would stay with me. She was also great with children and horses so she would be a great hit with the towns folk.

Seth began making breakfast once we went downstairs and I checked the weather forecast to make sure there wasn't going to be any wet weather. I made Bailey's bottle, and while the formula was warming I fed Maverick. Bailey sat in her high chair, happily playing with her toys. Once I finished feeding Bailey I sat beside Seth at the island and he smiled at me, taking my hand. We ate in a comfortable silence and once we were finished breakfast I did the dishes. Once they were finished I looked over at Seth,

"Are you nervous about your routine today?" He shook his head,

"Not really. The horse Jackie is letting me work with has been fantastic."

"Which one did she end up letting you use?"

"Blue, she said Blue had the best control, and when I put Blue through all the tests I wanted she was great. I pushed her farther than I needed and she kept up." I grinned, Blue had been rescued almost a year ago. We weren't sure of her background but maybe rodeo was her thing. Who knows.

"Well Aunt Margaret is going to hold down the baked goods tent while you perform so Bailey and I can watch you." He grinned widely and I winked at him,

"I can't wait to watch my rodeo king." He rolled his eyes playfully, and we headed into the foyer to get coats and hats on. Seth let me borrow his camouflage jacket, and he zipped Bailey into her coat. I put Maverick's collar on with all of her information just incase and Seth put a hat on Bailey's head.