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Austin after Til s death. In the end, the banishment had worked out
for the best.
It doesn t matter now, even if they did want me back. I have a
life and herd here. I m not going back to Montana. Branimir
backed away from his father. don t know why you came here,
I
but it s time for you to go home.
without Drahomir. His father puffed up and glared at
Not
Branimir.
Taking another step back, Branimir looked at his father, and
shock hit him. When had Artur Javlosk gotten old? His stringy,
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THE LONGEST STRIDE
greasy hair was streaked with gray and lines carved valleys in his
face. Artur wasn t as tall as Branimir, yet he remembered when his
father seemed to tower over him. Artur didn t inspire respect or
awe in Branimir anymore, and he realized he was far stronger than
his father and could no longer be intimidated by him.
No. Drahomir stays here. Branimir paused before continuing,
he wants to, but he doesn t, I ll send him home on his own.
If
He s not going anywhere with you. You ve done enough damage.
Mirek growled, drawing everyone s attention.
Drahomir will
stay here. We ve talked about it, and he knows I ll be returning
when I m done delivering your father to the compound.
Branimir nodded.
Fine. I don t have a problem with Drahomir
staying with me as long as he and you want.
do. He s my son and he ll do as I say. Artur snarled and
I
lunged for Branimir.
Placing his hand on Artur s chest, Branimir shoved him back
and stared at him. leave Drahomir alone. He s an adult
You ll
now and can make up his own mind. Mirek, take him back to the
herd.
Yes, sir.
Branimir turned to look at Austin. A
re you ready to go see the
Realtor? We should be able to find a place for you close by. Maybe
we should look for a house equal distance from both places.
Drahomir and Mirek can move into my house at the farm.
Austin s mouth dropped open slightly, but he closed it before
launching himself into Branimir s arms for a quick hug. Branimir
knew his lover wanted to kiss him, but anything more than a hug
would have to wait until they got home.
A you sure? Austin whispered in his ear. don t mind
re I
moving in with you.
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That house was mine and Til s. I think we should have
No.
our own house and make our own memories. Branimir hugged
Austin tight for a moment before letting him go and stepping back.
L
et s get started on creating our own herd.
He held out his hand, and Austin took it. Branimir glanced
back once to meet Mirek s gaze. The cowboy nodded, and
Branimir understood the look Mirek gave him. He nodded back,
silently vowing to keep Drahomir safe until Mirek returned.
What kind of house do you want?
Austin s question drew him back to his lover, and Branimir
grinned. He had a lover and a life again, and somehow he knew Til
wouldn t be upset about it at all. Branimir had one love of his life,
and he d gotten lucky enough to find a second lover who filled his
heart as much as Til had.
We ll figure it out, love. We ve got time.
All the time in the world.
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EPILOGUE
Austin took a quick peek at the watch on his wrist. They were
coming into the last three fences of the cross-country portion of the
eventing competition. Mary s Gospel galloped along confidently
with no sign of hesitation or tiring. Her ears were pricked forward
as she focused on the next fence.
He gathered her energy, steadying her as they approached the
huge log jump. Austin knew there was a ditch on the other side and
he encouraged her to put more effort into her leap to ensure they
cleared both obstacles. Austin rose up in the stirrups, crouching
over her neck.
Steady, Mary, he said loud enough for her to hear him, but
not so loud she startled.
One ear swiveled back to catch his voice. Mary came into the
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jump on the right stride, and she thrust them off the ground with a
heave of her muscular hindquarters. Austin remained frozen on her
back, not wanting to do anything to unbalance her. The mare must
have spotted the ditch as they cleared the log because she stretched
out, and somehow they landed clear.
Austin checked his watch again. They were still well within the
time limit set for the course. He didn t want any time faults. He
and Mary were sitting in third place after the dressage section of
the competition, and Austin hoped they could move up since cross-
country was clearly Mary s strong suit.
They cleared the last two fences, and Austin leaned forward,
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