Passion's Law by Ruth Langan Page A

then turned with a look of annoyance at the interruption.
    When he caught sight of Brittany being towed in a wagon by Heather, his frown turned into a wide smile.
    The little girl climbed out and raced toward her father, who scooped her up in his arms and was rewarded with wet kisses.
    â€œUmm.” He kissed her cheeks. “Now that’s thenicest thing that’s happened to me all day. What are you and Heather doing in the stable?”
    â€œHeather said I could pet a horse.” She looked up at him. “Have you ever petted a horse, Daddy?”
    â€œNot in a very long time.”
    â€œThen you have to come with us. Hurry, Daddy, put me down. I don’t want the horse to think I’m a baby.”
    Thad grinned as he set her on her feet.
    â€œCome on, Daddy.” She caught his hand.
    He glanced over her head at Heather, who joined them. “I hope we’re not heading toward Diablo’s stall.”
    â€œI told you I was reckless, not foolish.” With a laugh she led them to a stall and opened the door to lead them inside. “Brittany, this is Lucy.”
    â€œWhy did you name her Lucy?” the little girl asked, holding back at the sight of the big creature.
    â€œBecause she’s a redhead.”
    Heather and Thad exchanged grins as they realized that the joke was lost on someone so young.
    Heather lifted Brittany up and brought her closer to the mare. It stood perfectly still, as though sensing the little girl’s fear.
    â€œOoh. She’s soft.” Brittany laughed with delight when her fingers came in contact with the soft muzzle. “Feel, Daddy.”
    Thad obligingly placed his hand alongside that of his daughter. “Yeah. She sure is soft, honey.”
    Her fears forgotten, Brittany asked, “Can I sit on her back, Heather?”
    â€œI’ll leave that up to your father.”
    Seeing his concern, Heather said in an aside, “Lucy’s as gentle as they come. All she’ll do is stand there. I give you my word.”
    He nodded. “Okay, honey. Here goes.” He took her from Heather and placed her on the mare’s back.
    As promised, the old horse stood perfectly still.
    Brittany was enchanted. “When I get big can I ride her?”
    â€œWould you like that?” Thad asked.
    â€œUh-huh.” Brittany’s eyes were wide with excitement. “Heather said she rides horses. And when I get big, I want to ride them, too.”
    Thad lifted her into his arms and pressed his lips to her cheek. “I hope you’re going to wait a few years for that.”
    â€œFor what, Daddy?”
    â€œFor getting bigger.”
    Brittany looked at him in surprise. “Why?”
    â€œBecause I really like having you just the way you are.” He handed her over to Heather. “Thanks for letting me pet the horse. But now I’d better get back to work.”
    As the two walked back to the wagon Thad heardhis daughter saying solemnly, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a policeman just like Daddy.”
    Heather’s reply was carried on the breeze. “That’s a fine thing to be. What would we do without policemen to keep us safe?”
    â€œBut I want to ride horses like you, too,” the little girl added.
    â€œMaybe you could be a mounted policeman. Then you’d get to ride horses all day while you work.”
    Thad turned and watched as Heather pulled the wagon across the meadow toward the big house. She always seemed to know just the right thing to say to his daughter. None of the million and one questions typically asked in a day seemed foolish or trivial. And she spent so much time with Brittany. Time to listen. Time to talk. And like this little visit to the stable, time to indulge her slightest whim, or satisfy her every curiosity.
    He’d never seen his daughter as happy as she’d been these past few days. Maybe that was why his heart was feeling so much lighter lately.
    He