Her Cowboy Reunion. Debbi Rawlins

poor thing looks too exhausted.”

      “He’s also scared.”

      She tossed back the reins. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t think I could handle him,” she said, and moved closer, her attention focused completely on the scrawny, leggy bundle he reluctantly placed in her arms.

      “Watch out.”

      “I see,” she said, laughing, her face lit with pure joy as his skinny legs went everywhere. “Oh, he’s so sweet.”

      Dude snorted.

      “You are, too,” she said with a fleeting glance at him.

      Even after Mike dismounted, she held the calf close and stared into his tired brown eyes. He quit squirming and let his head rest against her chest.

      Savannah sighed.

      “I’ll take him now.” Mike secured Dude’s reins and could tell the big baby wasn’t thrilled about it.

      “Just point me in the right direction,” Savannah said, clearly not about to give up her ward.

      “Let’s get him closer to the creek, then you can put him down. I want him to call out for his mom. If she’s anywhere in the area, she’ll let him know.”

      “Come on, baby, let’s get you some water.”

      Mike shook his head. “He’ll only drink from a teat or a bottle at this age. I mean, we can try, but I doubt he’ll know what to do.”

      “Oh,” she said, walking carefully, seemingly without difficulty.

      Several moments later, Mike put his hand on her shoulder. “This is far enough for now.”

      “Why?”

      “There’s a bull around here somewhere. I need to make sure we’re not near enough for him to get wind of us. They can be dangerous.”

      “Okay. I’ll watch this guy.” She crouched and carefully put the calf on his feet. His little bleat wouldn’t travel far.

      “I’ll be right back.” Mike headed out at a jog and heard another bellow, which sounded as if it was coming from farther up the creek.

      He followed the water’s edge for a bit then stopped and listened. No upset momma. As for the bull, Mike guessed he was up past the second bend. It seemed safe enough to bring the calf so he could try that bleat again.

      When he got back to where Savannah was petting the calf, she stood up with a look of excitement in her eyes.

      “Did you hear something?” he asked.

      “No, but I had an idea. I’ve got a first-aid kit in the back of the rental car. Sometimes they include gloves. Maybe we could fill one with water and cut off the tip.”

      Mike doubted it, but, hell, at this point it wouldn’t hurt to try. “Good idea,” he said. “Why don’t you go get it while I check if anyone’s seen his momma.”

      “Sure thing.” Her cheeks were pink, her eyes shining. This woman in no way reminded him of that shy, gawky teenager who’d always walked with her head down, her shoulders slumped. She wasn’t just pretty, she looked happy and alive.

      Chip called to tell him The Rocking J had sent out a couple men to find the momma, and Mike asked him to bring his ATV to the creek. Dude would be happy he didn’t have to give the calf a lift again.

      Savannah was back two minutes later. “Here,” she said, holding the sealed bag of powder-free medical-grade gloves. “How should we do this?”

      “First, let’s get him closer to the water. Maybe the scent will stimulate his saliva.”