Love And Rodeo

4

Rhett looked back at Hannah and was surprised to see her smiling with excitement. He got down on his knees, the warmth of the sun on his back, and smiled at Lana. She clutched her horse stuffed animal close to her, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

'Hi Lana, do you know who I am?' Rhett asked softly.

'Daddy,' Lana replied with a bright smile.

'Yeah, that's right, and that's my friend Hannah.'

'Hannah,' Lana repeated, looking at Hannah with curiosity and trust.

'Yes. Do you like horses?' Rhett inquired, watching Lana's little head bobble in excitement.

Lana nodded eagerly, and Rhett held out his hand, feeling a surge of love and hope as she took it. They walked up the stairs together, the swing gently swaying in the breeze. Rhett turned to Lana with a gentle smile.

'Lana, you sit here with Hannah, and I will get your bags inside. Then all three of us can go look at the horses together. Okay?'

"'Kay daddy," Lana replied, her voice filled with trust and excitement.

Hannah helped Lana up on the swing, her heart melting at Lana's innocent joy. She smiled as Lana crawled into her lap and cuddled close, feeling a deep sense of connection and responsibility.

Rhett returned after a few minutes, all of Lana's bags safely inside. He smiled tenderly as he saw Lana asleep in Hannah's arms, their bond already blossoming in the warm afternoon sun.

"She was tired, poor little thing. Let's lay her down and then take a nap ourselves. Then when we are all refreshed, we can go for a nice ride," Hannah said, her hand resting possessively over Lana's small form.

"I think that is a great idea, my love," Rhett replied, his eyes filled with affection as he lifted Lana into his arms and carried her inside.

Upstairs, in the room across from theirs, Rhett gently laid Lana down. She smiled sleepily and began to suck her thumb, a contented expression on her face.

A few months later, as Rhett helped Kyle give medicine to a new foal in the barn, he heard a familiar giggle. He pretended not to see Lana hiding behind the hay, playing their usual game.

"Boss, have you seen Lana today?" Kyle asked with a chuckle.

"No, she must be hiding from her mom and me," Rhett replied, playing along.

"I could've sworn I saw her eyeing that filly this morning."

"DADDY!" Lana's excited voice interrupted, as she jumped out of her hiding spot and into Rhett's arms.

"Hi, princess. Where is mommy?" Rhett asked, glancing around.

"Right here, love. Did you tell her yet?" Hannah joined them, her eyes twinkling.

"Not yet. Little Lana, that filly is all for you," Rhett announced, smiling at Lana's joy.

"Mine!" Lana exclaimed happily.

"Yes, do you want to name her?" Hannah asked.

"Butterfly," Lana decided.