Page 34

But I’d almost said yes. My mind is still preoccupied withthoughts of Jessica. We didn’t talk again after the dance we shared last night, but my focus is shit because all I can think about is how damn good she felt in my arms. But it wasn’t just how she felt. It was also how she smelled—sweet as a field of those wildflowers she used to love so much—and how she melted into my touch.

I find Joseph in one of the stables fixing a broken latch. He’s crouched down on the ground while Sam holds the gate in place. Sam’s our head foreman, and he’s become more like family these past couple years. He even joins us for Sunday dinner every week. If he misses it without good cause, he gets the same reprimanding lecture we get from Momma. I pat Sam on the shoulder and lean against the frame. “I see Joe has you working on Saturdays now.”

He shrugs. “Not usually. But we both want to get this fixed. We need the space for the new mare coming next week.”

“You’re getting another mare? Didn’t you just get two last month?”

Joseph grins at me and winks. “I did, but this one’s special. She’s small, and very gentle.”

I narrow my eyes on him, not quite sure where he’s going with this. “And?”

“She’ll be perfect for Emmie. Bigger than a pony, but not so big her daddy will worry.”

I groan and shake my head. “I swear, the entire family is against me on this. I just want to keep Emmie safe. She’s only four. Give her time to grow a little.”

Joseph tightens the last screw in place on the new latch and dusts off his hands. “She’ll be safe, bro. Don’t think for one second we don’t want what’s best for that girl. We do. Trust me, when you see this horse, you’ll be fine with it. Emmie will be overjoyed and stop pestering you so much. It’s a win-win.”

I try to hold back the huff that wants to come out. I’ve been in a good mood all morning and I don’t want to ruin it. “We’ll see. I just wish everyone would support me instead of going behind my back and getting her what I said she couldn’t have.”

“We are supporting you, man. She doesn’t know anything about it. If you don’t like what you see and this new lady is still too big forEmmie, then we don’t tell her about it. We’ll stand behind your decision.”

“Plus,” Sam squeezes my shoulder with a grin, “this new horse is a trained jumper. She’ll be great for the new program we want to start next year. If you decide she’s not for Emmie, we still have a good use for her.”

I toss my hands in the air in defeat. “Okay, I give. I’ll check her out when you guys get her.”

Sam gathers up the tools and starts for the storage room. “Do you need anything else from me today?”

“Nope,” Joseph checks the latch a few times to make sure it’s working before we follow Sam out. “You’re good. Thanks for your help.”

“All right, man. I’ll see you both tomorrow at dinner.” After putting the tools away, Sam heads out, leaving me alone with Joe.

Once we’re alone, Joseph turns to me and grins. “I saw you dancing with Jess last night. You any closer to working things out with her?”

I shake my head and drop onto the bale of hay opposite from where he’s working. “This is going to take a while, but at least she’s talking to me now. That’s progress.”

“You two looked pretty cozy on that dance floor. I thought maybe things had progressed a little more.” Joseph calls as he rounds the corner into the office. He returns a moment later with two beer bottles in his hand.

“No, we actually didn’t talk after that.” I take the one he offers before I continue, “She left before me, and was already in bed when I got home. I was up and out the door before she got up this morning. I’m here all day and won’t be home until after dinner, so I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to talk to her until tomorrow.”

I take a swig of the unlabeled bottle and smile. Joseph started brewing beer a couple years ago. His latest concoctions have been really good. “Damn, Joe, this might be your best yet.”

“Thanks.” His smile grows. “I really like making lagers. Got plans for several more varieties soon.”

“Well, sign me up as your prime taster. This is good.” I hold mybottle up and tip it in his direction. He returns the gesture with a nod.

“You still taking the horses out tomorrow?” he asks.

“Yeah, why?”

“Ask Jess to help. That’d cut your ride time in half.”

A smile tugs at my mouth. “That’s a great idea.” And it is. I’ve got two horses that need exercise. Jessica loves to ride, and she’ll probably jump at the chance to get out. “How is it you’re still single?”

He gives me a sly grin. “You know me. I can’t settle down. There are too many girls out there to experience to limit myself to just one.”

“What about Georgianne? I saw you with her last night. She seems sweet on you.”

“Georgie?” He shakes his head and frowns. “Nah, she’s only good for a quick bit of fun. She’s not someone I’d ever settle down with.”