Love And Rodeo

9

Melody and her sisters arrived just as Loretta made her way into the barn, her heart heavy with worry. Lana's earlier fear dissipated as she rushed to her Ya-Ya, pulling her down to where Butterfly, her beloved filly, was stabled with her mom. Lana slipped into the stall and began chatting excitedly, her voice filling the air with a sense of joy and innocence.

Meanwhile, Loretta's anxiety was palpable, etched clearly on her usually composed and elegant face. The lines of concern deepened as she watched Lana interact with the horse. Sensing Loretta's unease, Hannah approached the stall with a gentle smile, her presence offering silent reassurance to Loretta.

"Ivy treats Lana like her own baby, and Butterfly adores her. But if you glance out toward the run, you'll spot Heather, and standing at the back of the stall near the door is Kyle. We never let Lana go in alone; she's always under watch," Hannah explained, her voice tinged with a mix of protectiveness and concern.

"You've given a lot of thought to Lana's safety," Loretta remarked, sensing the underlying worry in Hannah's words.

"Always," Hannah affirmed, her tone reflecting unwavering commitment.

"May I ask why Heather isn't inside the stall with them?" Loretta inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Ivy has a dislike for females, for reasons unknown to us. So Heather has an easy escape route. Kyle, who handles Ivy, stays close. While Ivy hasn't shown any aggression toward Lana, I believe it's better to err on the side of caution," Hannah explained, her voice carrying a note of caution and protectiveness.

"Would it be alright if I went inside with Ivy?" Loretta requested, showing a willingness to be involved despite the potential risks.

"Of course, just be cautious," Hannah replied, her concern evident in her tone. "Lana, come out here to Mommy, please. Heather, you can step out for now."

As Lana emerged from the stall, Heather swiftly hopped over the fence and entered through the main door of the barn. Loretta followed, a warm smile gracing her lips as she observed the interaction between Lana and Heather. With gentle guidance, Heather led Lana over to where the playful kittens frolicked, their tiny mews filling the air with innocence and charm.

Hannah watched with a mixture of fascination and affection as Loretta took hold of Ivy's lead rope, her confidence and connection with the horse evident in every gesture.

"Young man, step out," Loretta directed Kyle firmly, her voice carrying authority tempered with kindness.

Kyle exchanged a glance with Rhett, who nodded in silent agreement. Respecting Loretta's request, Kyle positioned himself just outside the stall, his presence still felt but giving Ivy space to adjust.

Inside the stall, Ivy's eyes widened slightly, a hint of curiosity and caution flickering in their depths as she observed the new dynamics unfolding around her.

"Kyle, please step out of the barn. I'd like to try something," Loretta requested, her voice calm yet determined.

"Rhett, go feed the goats," Hannah directed Kyle, signaling for him to leave the immediate area.

Kyle exited the barn, and Ivy visibly tensed, her apprehension palpable. Loretta, ever observant, spoke in soothing tones and kept her body language non-threatening, slowly coaxing Ivy back to a state of calmness. Within minutes, the once-fearful horse regained her composure, her gentle nature shining through once again, much to Hannah's amazement.