***** When I know she's good and asleep, I slip outta bed, and get dressed. I head down to the barn. I saddle up my horse, grab the rope, and head out to the fields. I bring all the cattle in. Once I have 'em in their pen, I hop off my horse, and close the gate. I get back in the saddle, and go to the barn. I take the saddle off of Ice, my horse. I set the saddle over on the stable wall. I reach down and grab the brush, and I brush Ice's coat. He neighs a couple times as I brush along his back. When I get to his head, I stand in front of him, and run my hand down his nose. He pushes his head against my hand. I laugh, and keep petting him. I'm gonna have to wash him in a few days. I set the brush down when I'm done brushing him, but I don't leave. I lean my head against his. He bucks his head a couple times, and neighs. I wrap my arms 'round him. I've had him for years, before I left for deployment for the Navy. I didn't wanna leave him when I left, but I did. ***** After helping his fiance bury her late husband, Ian Holt learns the truth about his fiance, and what happened to her. The truth, like always, is not pretty. In fact, it's quite horrific, and tragic. ... Will Ian stay with the love of his life, and make things work? Or will he leave per her request? Find out in "On The Mound: Book 5 in the Slugger Series."