“No,” he said honestly. “There’s no point in blaming the horse for what happened to Mother. It was an accident and not an uncommon one at that. The horse was spooked by a snake. Even then, the fall might not have killed her. It was the way she landed.”

Melissa shuddered. “Still, how can either one of you not think about it every single time you see a horse?”

“Because Daddy is a rancher, through and through. So am I,” Cody said, trying to explain to Melissa what must seem inexplicable. “There are some things over which a rancher has no control. Rattlers spooking a horse is one of them.”

He glanced at his father. “If he blames anyone or anything for what happened to Mother, it’s more than likely himself for suggesting that ride in the first place. He also knows that the only way to conquer the fear after what happened is to get right back on a horse. He’s been out riding over that same stretch of land every single day since she died.”

Melissa clearly wasn’t reassured. “I don’t care about conquering fear. All I see is that your mother’s death should be a damn good reason for him not to bring his granddaughter anywhere near a horse,” she argued. “She’s a baby, Cody.”

Cody was beginning to see there was no reasoning with her on this. It was too soon after his mother’s tragic accident. “If it’s really upsetting you, I’ll talk him out of it,” he offered. “But sooner or later, Sharon Lynn will ride. She can’t have a cowboy for a daddy and not learn.”

Melissa rested her hand on his forearm. The expression on her face pleaded with him.

“Later, please,” she said. “Just the thought of it after what happened to your mom makes me sick.”

Cody could see that she wasn’t exaggerating. Though he didn’t agree with her, he could feel some compassion for the anxiety she was experiencing. He walked over and spoke to his father. Harlan shot a look over his shoulder at Melissa and gave an understanding nod.

“Of course,” he apologized at once. “I didn’t realize it would bother her so.”

“Neither did I,” Cody said. “But she’s practically turning green.”

“You take this little angel on inside, then. I’ll be there in a bit.”

Cody reached for his daughter, who let out a scream the instant she realized she was being taken away from the horse.

“Mi’ty!” she sobbed plaintively. “Mi’ty!”

“You’ll see Misty another time,” Cody promised. “Right now, I’m going to take you inside so you can see all of your new toys that Granddaddy bought you.”