Chapter 35

35

I t took all of Logan's self-control and serenity to stay in the shelter of the forest looking out at Tabby's ranch. Clancy's SUV was there for far too long, and Logan didn't have to smell the greasy men with him to know that they reeked of Tallier's money. Clancy was deeper in this than Logan understood. How else would Tallier have known who and what Logan really was? Was Clancy responsible for the brand, too?

He lay in the brush until the truck was long gone, and then waited until after twilight had crept into true night before he stood, shook himself, and trotted down to Tabby's house.

Franzi came flying out to greet him. "I have a horsey room!" she exclaimed. For a joyful moment, Logan thought he would be able to scoop her up into two arms, but his legs remained horse legs and he had to settle for letting her hug his face and nickering happily.

"Thank heavens ," Tabby said warmly, coming out behind Franzi. "I'm guessing you saw our very unwelcome visitor? "

Logan bobbed his head and snorted.

Franzi babbled about her day and Tabby leaned against his side and buried her face in his mane.

Finally, she sighed. "Franzi, honey, I need you to get ready for bed. If you're ready to tuck in within ten minutes, we can sit out on the porch and I'll read you and Uncle Logan a story, okay?"

"Okay!" Franzi tripped back inside. Logan wanted to warn Tabby about all the ways leaving her alone in the bathroom could go wrong, but was thwarted by his horse tongue in its horse mouth.

"Your lessons in lying were useful," Tabby said, coming to stroke his neck. "I think they believed me when I said I sent Franzi packing and was planning to sell your stuff to cover back rent."

He'll be back, Logan wanted to warn her.

"If Clancy goes to child services, they'd probably tell him that she's still here," Tabby cautioned. "He might come back. CPS might come looking for her. We should find a safe place to send her. But I don't know where that would be. And there was a warrant out for him in California; he might not risk going to state services." She rubbed her face. "You know, my friends used to make fun of me for talking to horses like they were people." Tabby leaned her head against his shoulder and stroked his neck. "I miss you, Logan," she said. "Human you, I mean. You're a great horse, and I love you both ways, but human you was a much better conversationalist."

Logan snaked his head around to press against her shoulder and they stood that way until Tabby relaxed a little against him.

She was so strong and smart. How did he deserve her trust and loyalty ?

She is our mare , his stallion said matter-of-factly. Our mate. She completes our herd.

I love her, Logan replied in wonder. It was so unfair that he couldn't tell her now. Frustration made him snort against Tabby's neck, and she gave a tired giggle.

"I'd better go see what's keeping Franzi," she said, giving Logan one final pat and stepping back away from him.

Logan leaned his head on the porch rail and watched her go inside.

I love her.

His stallion didn't seem to find this as much of a revelation as he did. Why does it surprise you to care about her?

I've never trusted anyone enough to care about them , Logan realized. But Franzi trusted him , and he couldn't help but love her…and that let him love Tabby, too.

He wished that he could tell Tabby that, even more desperately than he wished he had hands.