Page 28 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Daisy

T he sun was starting to dip below the horizon, and I knew we needed to start heading back before it got too late. Walt was surely starving by now, and we had just caught supper.

“Looks like we caught enough to eat.” Colt glanced down at the bucket of fish, a proud look on his face.

“Yep. Your dad will be happy about that.”

“He is probably waiting for us. We'd better head back.” I nodded, and we took off walking back.

“I can’t wait to eat. Who’s going to clean them?”

Colt laughed a little, probably remembering that although I didn’t mind baiting a line with worms, reeling in the fish, or any other aspect of fishing like that, what I refused to do was clean a fish. I had watched him, Walt, and my dad clean them before, but I knew I could never do it.

“My dad might handle it while we shower.”

“Okay. And you need one. You stink.” I held my nose for a second, showing him how smelly he was. Truthfully, part of the smell could be coming from the fish, but that wasn’t as funny as this.

When we got back to the house, I could smell the familiar smells again. This place brought contentment that I hadn’t felt in a very long time. I missed that feeling. Walt was sitting in a rocking chair on the porch.

“How’d fishing go?” Colt held up the bucket so his dad could see inside. “Looks like you did good.”

“We caught plenty to eat.” Walt opened the door for us, both men letting me go in first.

“Here. Let me have that.” Walt took the bucket from Colt’s hands. “You two need to go shower. You smell. I’ll take this and clean them and get them frying for supper.”

“Thanks, dad.”

“Yes. Thank you, Walt. I appreciate it.”

“Still don’t like to clean a fish, Daisy?” I shook my head no.

I hurried to the bathroom, turning the shower on to heat a little bit.

I watched the steam rise as I took my clothes off.

I lifted my shirt to my nose, and Walt was right.

It did smell. I guess that’s a perk for fishing.

I hopped in the shower, letting the water run down my face as I wiped away the day.

Something was loitering in my mind, though.

This summer has been amazing. It has been one of the best times I’ve had in years.

It might just be one of my favorite times, ever.

But the lingering words Colt asked me earlier stayed in my mind.

What would happen once summer ended? I had no way of knowing.

There were so many possibilities. I know I love being here.

Except for the start of my arrival and that one disagreement between Colt and me, I was happy.

Even with all the hard work to do around here, day in and day out, I have felt joy.

That was something I hadn’t had in my life in a while, and I was starting to get that back.

I knew that Colt liked me. He showed me that in so many ways.

He showed me he liked me every time I talked to him, and his attention was only on me.

He showed me he liked me when we kissed, and I could feel the passion.

He showed me he liked me when he made me smile.

And when he made me laugh.

And when he made plans for us to do things together.

But did he love me? Did Colt love me? That was the biggest question of all and I wasn’t sure he was there yet. I mean, we have not been together long, so how could he...right?

And did I love him?

I hopped out of the shower and put my clothes on. I could smell the fish in the kitchen, and I was hoping it was ready. My stomach growled. I was so hungry and eager to eat.

“It smells good in here.”

“Wait until you taste it.” I sat down at the table, and Walt placed a plate in front of me. “I bet you haven’t had freshly fried fish in a long time, have you?”

“No, sir. I haven’t.” Walt took a seat beside me, and I heard footsteps. I turned and saw Colt turn the corner.

“Come sit. It’s time to eat, son.”

We all started to dig into the plates in front of us. The aroma made my mouth water. I was anticipating this meal. It had been a long time since I had eaten anything like this. You can’t get food like this in the city. This is prime, country cooking, just like my mom used to make.

“Wow.” I continued chewing the food. “This is so incredible, Walt. It’s better than I remember.” He chuckled.

“Glad you like it. ”

“You know, I haven’t been fishing in a bit. Last time I went, I didn’t catch a thing. Maybe I should have sent Colt here instead.” He shook his head and took another bite of the fried fillet.

“Yeah, I’ve been pretty lucky lately.” I knew what he meant, and it made my heart flutter a bit. “Maybe I can show you a few tricks sometime. I hear Daisy may have some, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“Come on now. You must remember. You pulled that bag of colored worms out of your pocket last time we went fishing. We were fourteen and twelve then.”

I was surprised he remembered that. I mean, even remembering our ages.

Did Colt pay that much attention?

“I remember.” I turned to Walt, who was now speaking. “You came back and told me you needed some of those magic worms Daisy had.” We all laughed. “Maybe you two can go back out fishing at least once more before Daisy has to leave at the end of summer. I wouldn’t mind another meal like this.”

Walt had no idea of the weight of his words.

“Yeah. That would be nice.” I looked down at my plate, finishing my last piece.