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“I’m just enjoying the moment. The sun on my back, the rippling creek, the delicious food, the budding trees, the excellent company. God is so good.”

“Yeah. People mess everything up, but nature is the best.”

Finished her carrot, she reached for another, but her hand bumped into Weston’s. She pulled back like she’d been zapped by an electric current. “Sorry.”

“No problem.” He grabbed a couple of carrots then set the baggie on the log between them. “I’ve had enough.”

“How much further to the place you’re thinking of?”

One eyebrow rose. “Too long a ride for you?”

“I didn’t say that. I know you’re aware most of the kids won’t have ridden much, if at all, so I believe I’m fully capable of whatever you have in mind.”

“We’re doing the complete round trip today, unlike with the kids.”

Paisley shrugged. “No biggie. It was just a question.”

He angled a glance at the sun. “Should be there by high noon, give or take. The topo map looks like there’s a big enough, flat enough area for several tents, but I won’t know for sure until I see it with my own eyes.”

“That’s fair.”

“We’ll need to dig a couple of latrines while we’re up there today.”

“I’m up for that.” Paisley hesitated. “Still hate that I tagged along?”

“Whatever.” Weston studied her. Then he shrugged and his voice softened. “It’s okay. I’ll live through it.”

She jabbed his arm. “Good to hear, cowboy.”

Chapter

Five

Iwill not be grouchy. I also will not let my guard down.

As though Weston could accomplish both those things at once. But still, he knew all about the Apostle Paul’s orders to rejoice always, and that wasn’t compatible with grumpiness.

Did Paul have any idea how hard it was for a naturally reticent guy to even contemplate happiness?

Weston glanced at Paisley riding beside him. For once, she wasn’t looking at him but was scanning the forest around them. A smile creased her face as the chitter of a red squirrel reached his ears.

He appreciated nature. He did. Why did it seem like she loved it more than he did? How could she simply live in the moment without worrying that the other shoe might drop?

Maybe she didn’t live in that sort of limbo.

But she did. She worked seasonal jobs and had a messed-up family with a mother she thought might possibly be sober right now. That right there must mean Paisley was aware her fragile hope could be lost if her mother slipped again.

Wasn’t it better not to hold onto hope? Then you couldn’t be disappointed.

But then you also never enjoyed anything good. You just waited for the bad.

He lifted his Stetson and scratched his head. Too deep of thoughts for a trail ride that was supposed to have been solo. Instead, he had to be on guard against Paisley rather than relaxing into nature.

Could he appreciate the moment even if she was here? The next thought came unbidden. How about enjoying it because she was here?

Startled at this unaccustomed thought, he glanced at her again.

This time her wide smile met his eyes.