Chapter 11

Brad gave Hank a small shove with his foot. “You guys knew about her?”

“Sure we did,” Andy chimed in. “Hank wanted to make sure he was getting a pup you’d like, so he called and asked us.”

Hank looked sheepish. Brad shook his head and laughed.

“She’s great,” Brad replied. “She’s curled up here on my chest. We can’t wait for you to meet her.”

“Well, we’ll get to do that next weekend when we come down for New Year’s,” David announced. “Hank’s invited us to the party the Quarter Horse Association gives for you all.”

“What?” Brad said, surprised. He looked at Hank, who grimaced.

“Oh shit!” David said.

“David!” Andy admonished. “Hank said it was supposed to be a surprise!”

“I’m sorry, Hank,” came David’s voice over the phone. “Me and my big mouth.”

“That’s okay, Mr. B,” Hank said. “I wanted to surprise ‘im, but now he can have the fun of anticipatin’ your visit.” Hank smiled at Brad with raised eyebrows as if hoping his partner wasn’t too disappointed.