Page 41 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Colt

W hen we got back to the house, I took the eggs inside and sat them on the counter while Daisy waited on the porch.

We still had a few chores left before calling it a day.

My dad hadn’t been able to get around to tending to the garden yet, so he had mentioned it to me earlier.

I was excited to get to do it, though. My mom always did this part, and after she passed, my dad wanted to keep it up.

Before Daisy came for the summer, my dad and I had planted vegetables. The garden was starting to get a bit overgrown and the weeds needed to be pulled so we could properly check on the plants.

“So, what’s next?”

“With how busy things have been, no one has tended the garden. Some weeds need pulled and then we can check on the vegetables we planted.”

“Want me to help?”

“Of course. I remember how much you used to talk about your mom’s garden.”

“It was always a big one. I loved getting to eat fresh vegetables. Sometimes I would sneak a pepper or tomato from the garden and eat it before my mom got a chance to take it inside and wash it.”

“I did that, too, sometimes. They taste better when you grow them rather than buying them, don’t they?”

“Absolutely.”

I grabbed a bucket and Daisy followed behind me as we made our way to the garden.

I gave her a pair of gloves I picked up from inside the house.

I started pulling the weeds, reminding her how to do it.

I was sure she probably didn’t need a reminder, but I gave her one anyway.

It was basically an excuse for her to admire me.

Once she started pulling the weeds herself, I admired how focused she was, her brow slightly furrowing as she concentrated on the task at hand.

“Colt, do you guys ever make salsa?”

“Yeah. Sometimes we do. Why do you ask?”

“My mom used to make the best. It was perfect for a summer day.”

“She always did cook the best.”

She smiled and I could see a mix of sadness and joy on her face. I felt peaceful as we worked together pulling weeds and tending to the plants.

“Are you hungry?”

“Yes! I wonder what your dad is cooking this evening. I’m sure it’ll be good regardless.” We chuckled, knowing my dad cooked well for a man. It was nice that he never taught us gender roles, only life skills. That was another thing I wanted to instill in my children someday.

“Let’s go dump these buckets and we can go inside and clean up for supper. ”

“I know we’ve been busy today, Colt, but I have enjoyed it.”

“Me, too.” She gave me a soft smile, and I could feel the heat between us. She was beautiful, in more ways than one.

We walked over to the barrel and dumped the weeds inside. We burned them with other garbage from time to time in the barrel to dispose of them easily. I glanced at Daisy, fighting the urge to place a kiss on her cheek. The sun glistening off her made her beauty shine even brighter.

“Are we all set?”

“Yep. We can go in and clean up.”

“Good. I need a shower.” As we walked toward the house, Daisy leaned over to me. “Thank you for today. I needed this. Just this time together. It helped me not be taken away by my thoughts.”

“You’re welcome, and I know what you mean. I promise you; everything will be alright.” She nodded and I could see a hint of relief on her face.

As we entered the kitchen, I was taken aback by the delightful smell filling the air. I saw my dad stirring a pot on the stove, a big smile on his face.

“You two look like you’ve been working hard.”

“We got to the garden and got those weeds pulled.”

“I appreciate that. I just haven’t gotten around to it with everything else.”

“No problem. Daisy liked getting her hands dirty.” My dad had turned his back to continue stirring the pot on the stove, and that gave me the perfect opportunity to wink at Daisy after my joke. She hadn’t spoken, just stood there listening to our conversation.

“The food will be ready soon.”

“I need to go shower first.” My dad turned to Daisy .

“Of course. Yeah, you both need to go wash up. Supper will be ready when you get back.”

“Daisy, you can go on ahead and I will go after.” She nodded and walked down the hall.

“How did things really go today after the snake incident?”

“Things went good.”

“Daisy didn’t mind pulling the weeds?”

“No, she did good.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it. You dumped those weeds in the barrel, didn’t you?”

“Yep. Both buckets were full.”

“The garden look better now?”

“Yeah, it looks a lot better. I checked on the plants and they all looked good. Daisy was talking about when her mom used to plant a garden and make things from the vegetables.”

“I’m sure she’s probably thought a lot about her since being back here.”

“Yeah. She has mentioned her a couple of times to me.”

“I’m glad she and John had a nice talk. They got along alright from what you saw?”

“Yeah. At first it was a little awkward, but I went in to use the bathroom and came out and they were talking.”

“You got some good timing.” We both laughed. My dad was good at jokes sometimes.

“Things seem to be better for them now.”

“I was hoping they would reconcile after she went. Thanks again for going with her, and for being back up here. I’m glad I have you around.”

“Me, too, dad.”

I heard footsteps and turned to see Daisy coming into view.

“Your turn.”

I headed down the hall, brushing my hand against her as I walked past, and my dad had his back turned toward us. I went into the bathroom and took a quick shower, eager to eat.

When I got back to the kitchen, the dinner table was set.

I felt a sense of comfort when my dad made a meal like this.

It reminded me of my mom and when she used to cook.

The table had stew and bread, and the smell was amazing.

As we ate, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Daisy.

She was making conversation with my dad, but I had no idea what they were saying because I was so focused on the food and trying to get a peek at her.

She was a breath of fresh air.

She made me want to be around her every minute of every day.

She consumed me and filled my soul with such a fire that I couldn’t explain.

She meant more to me than anyone ever has.

As we finished our meal, my dad walked over to the sink to do the dishes.

Daisy helped him clear the table, and I watched how her movements were so graceful and effortless.

She made everything look good. I felt pride when I thought about how we are partners now.

I wanted to be her partner for life. The day had been filled with lots of work and a crazy situation with Titan, but we had so many special moments.

With Daisy, there were always positives.

There were always times to look back on, laughs to have, and smiles to give.

We settled into the living room. The sun had set, and the air had cooled a little. I sat next to Daisy on the couch since my dad had gone to bed. I felt so much peace being so close to her. There was no place I would rather be. I brushed my hand against her hand, glancing up to meet her eyes .

Every day with Daisy was an adventure, and I wanted to experience that every day of my life.