Homespun Bride

88 Homespun Bridemain road, he swung out of the saddle, keeping one eyeon that black horse. His boots hit the hard-packed snowand he dodged just in time to miss a well-aimed, angrykick to his head.Thad stood between Robert and the enraged horseand caught the mare by one rein. The instant his fingerstightened on the leather strap, he yanked straight down,pulling the bit with him. The mare fought him with anangry scream, sidestepping and half kicking and baringher teeth, fighting to get in a good bite.“Whoa there, filly. Whoa, now.” Beads of sweatbroke out on the back of Thad’s neck, strong-armingthe powerful horse farther away from Robert. The manwas still unconscious. Sunny stood by the fallen man,nosing him gently. Where was Aiden? As the marefought, trying to knock him off balance, he heardhooves striking nearer.“I said whoa, girl.” The beads of sweat began to rolldown his back. His arm muscles burned as if they’dbeen set on fire. He stood his ground, gritting his teeth,trying to use what leverage he had to force the mareeven farther away from Robert.“Hold on,” Aiden called out from behind him.Not sure how much longer I can do that. Teethgritted, the mare surged upward into a full rear. His feetleft the ground. Pain shot through his arms. C’mon,Aiden. He couldn’t hold on much longer.A lasso whizzed through the air and hissed aroundthe mare’s neck. The rope yanked tight. Thad’s feet hitthe ground, and he shortened the rein.Thank the Lord. Out of the corner of his eye he sawhis brother riding close, keeping the rope taut. Free tolet go, Thad left the mare to his brother and ran.