You like that girl. Mrs. G. narrowed her gaze at him. Dont try and fool me.
Im not fooling you. I like her. Whats not to like? But I dont like her. After Meryl, hed be stupid to. A smart man would be leery after being used like that.
Sometimes the best things come along when we arent looking for them. She went on her way, padding up the stairs and out of sight, her words carrying up to him. All things are possible to him who believes.
Boy, did she have the wrong idea. Sean shook his head. Mrs. G. couldnt be more mistaken. When he wiped a crumb off his shirt, he noticed his T-shirt had a hole in it. His jeans sported grass stains and his work boots were dirty.
Maybe hed better go change. Getting spiffed up had nothing to do with seeing Eloise. It was simply a matter of cleanliness. He took the stairs two at a time, whistling.
This must be the place, Eloise said to herself as she glanced at the reflective numbers stuck to the side of a battered black mailbox. Although two numerals were missing, the description matched the vets directions so she eased her car off the paved county road and onto a driveway that was more dirt and potholes than gravel. She listened to the rush and whap of weeds and grass growing in the center of the lane hitting the underside of her car. Hopefully there wasnt anything big enough to do any damage. She gripped the steering wheel tight and eased up on the gas pedal.
Something dark and large lumbered up behind her, filling the reflective surface of her rearview mirror. She recognized that dark blue pickup. Sean. The sunshine seemed brighter, although that was probably an illusion and had nothing to do with the mans appearance. She eased around a hairpin corner and a dilapidated covering built out of corrugated metal and weathered two-by-fours came into sight. It huddled sadly against a broken-down fence. Barbed wire hung dangerously from listing and rotting posts. Most of the grass had been eaten away from an acre-sized field, where two horses pricked their ears, spotted the truck and came running.
She pulled to a stop in front of a carport that had seen better days. A rusty truck rested in the shade. Overgrown grass danced in the wind as she watched Seans vehicle pull up beside her. Maybe the last wheeze of the air conditioner was the reason the hair stood up on her arms. She did not want it to be a reaction to the man strolling into sight. She braced herself for the inevitable and reached for her cane.
Sean Granger looked like a western hero in his long-legged worn blue jeans. The white T-shirt he wore emphasized his sun-kissed tan and as he swept off his Stetson, muscles rippled beneath the knit cotton blend.
He raked one hand through his brown hair and smiled down at her as he opened her car door. His dreamy blue eyes captured her with a steady stare and then his gaze slid downward as she climbed out from behind the wheel, stood tall and used her cane.
Here was where he dimmed down the smile and his friendliness when he got a good look at her cane. Its what most guys did whether they were interested or not. She braced herself for it as she took one limping step, but it didnt come. Instead Sean closed the door for her, nodding toward the horses. Did you get a look at them?
No, I was too busy trying not to lose my car in one of the potholes, she quipped and was rewarded with a grin as he swept his hat back on.
They saw the truck and came running. Look at them. His hand settled on the curve of her shoulder, a friendly weight, as he turned her gently toward the fence line. I wonder if their former owner drove a truck like mine.
They keep staring at it, almost waiting for someone else who might be in there. She gasped, realizing how they must be feeling. Dr. Cannon didnt say how long the gentleman who owned them has been gone.
Three months. Animals dont forget those they love. Sean ambled up to the fence and held out his hands for the horses to scent.
She took the opportunity to put a little physical distance between them. He was more touchy-feely than she was used to or felt comfortable with. How do you know that?
Uncle Frank knew. I told him where I was headed. He knows everyone in these parts. Sean patted one of the horses. The big black gelding lowered his head for a good ear scratch. No one had taken time to comb out the tangles and burrs in his mane, and his hooves needed attention.
You are a good fellow, Sean mumbled and the horse closed his eyes in trust. There was something deeply calming about the man, Eloise agreed. He made others feel safe.
Are you the folks the vet called about? A middle-age man wearing faded overalls and carrying a pipe limped into sight. He didnt seem to be in good health.
We are. She spun to face him, thinking about the blank check her boss had handed over to her. Im Eloise from the Lark Song Inn.
Im Harry. He tipped his sagging hat. Are you still interested now that youve seen them? They aint much, and I regret to say Im not up to caring for them.
Im sure we can settle on a price. She glanced over her shoulder at the horses, one still accepting strokes from Sean, the other watching the blue pickup sadly. He finally lowered his head, perhaps realizing his beloved former owner would not be emerging from the pickup, and stood still and silent, his dejection as tangible as the wind on her face.
She couldnt bring back to them what was lost, but she could make sure these horses were cherished and pampered. Good things were ahead for them. They just didnt know it yet. She tugged the check out of her purse, wondering how best to proceed.
Do you trust me? Sean towered over her, as breathtaking as any hero in a Western legend. I can negotiate for you, if youd like.
Yes, thank you. She handed him the check, relieved in more ways than she knew how to say. She had no idea what the horses were worth, and she could see the man had a tough row to hoe. She didnt know what was fair, but she sensed Sean knew how to make it right.
She watched him stride away and offer Harry his hand. They shook, making introductions and small talk about the man who was deceased. A low-throated nicker caught her attention, and she found the friendlier horse watching her with curious eyes.
Your lives are about to improve. She ran her fingertips down the geldings graying nose. Just you wait and see.
In the back lot at the inn Sean lowered the ramp with a clatter, surprised as Eloise tapped up the incline with a lead rope in hand. She didnt let her cane slow her down much. A glow of admiration filled him as he followed her up. The horses, not used to the trailer, were in various stages of fear. The black one fidgeted against his gate.
Eloise laid a comforting hand on his flank and spoke calmly and confidently like someone who had been around horses all her life. Its going to be all right, Licorice.
The gelding blew out a breath, as if he were highly doubtful of that.
How about you, Hershey? she asked, unlatching the brown geldings gate. The bay glanced over his shoulder to study her, his eyes white-rimmed, but he didnt move much as Eloise clipped into his halter and led him out.
Why couldnt he look away? He ought to be paying attention to the horses, but all he saw was the woman. She walked like a ballerina even with an obvious limp.
There was strength and a beauty inside her that became clearer every time he looked.
There was strength and a beauty inside her that became clearer every time he looked.
I know youre worried, Hershey, but trust me when I say you have one of the best stalls in the county waiting for you. Her alto rose and fell like a song over the pad of her cane and the clomp of hooves on the ramp. Cady went all out when she built this stable. Every stall is huge and it has a view. Thats it. Turn for me, big guy. Come this way, thats right.
Kindness made a woman truly beautiful, Sean decided as he laid a hand on the blacks neck. The gelding shivered, lunging nervously against the metal barrier.
Its all right, he crooned, aware of the tension bunching in the horses muscles. It has to be hard having no say in this, but you are going to be just fine. No worries, buddy.
He clipped on the lead and backed the horse down the ramp. Every step Licorice took was halting as if he wanted to bolt into the trailer and go home. The unknown can be scary, so Sean used his voice to reassure the horse and led him down the breezeway between large but empty box stalls.
All he had to do was follow Eloises voice, which felt as natural as breathing. Sunlight found her, burnishing her blond hair and haloing her like a Renaissance painting. Her frilly blouse and slacks werent typical barn wear, but she didnt look out of place as she secured the gate to the straw-strewn stall. Inside, Hershey gave a snort and paraded around, taking in his view of the grassy paddock and various troughs for water, grain and alfalfa.
Licorice can have the corner stall. She spotted him coming and opened the gate wide. Rocco, whos on barn duty, has everything ready for them.
Across the row, a gold-and-white mare raced in from her paddock and clattered to a stop in her stall. Curious to meet her new neighbors, she arched her neck, whinnying in a friendly manner. Her big chocolate eyes shone a welcome.
This is an exciting day for Misty, since shes been all alone in the stable, Eloise explained as he closed the gate and unhooked the lead.
Its a pretty good day for me, too, he quipped, not at all sure how to say what he was feeling. We did good work today.
Yes, and I am indebted to you, sir. She handed him back the rope shed used on Hershey. I couldnt have done this without help.
You mean without me.
Well, yes, since youre the one who helped me. She gave her shiny hair a toss behind her shoulder, shaking her head at him as if she didnt know what to make of him. It was good of you to volunteer. Cheyenne doesnt know what she missed out on. Until next time, that is.
Hey, I dont mind doing this again. He kept his tone casual and made sure he didnt make eye contact. A lone wolf didnt work at making connections, he kept things light and loose. I had fun. Theres a lot of satisfaction to this. These horses werent wanted, and now they are. Its a good way to spend an afternoon.
So, youre really volunteering for next time?
Absolutely. Might as well make myself useful. Besides, Cheyenne might be busy and I have lots of spare time.
Doesnt Frank keep you busy at the ranch? Her grin hitched up in the corners of her soft mouth.
Cute. He ambled down the aisle at her side. Sure.
I get in a hard days work. Lately, my personal life has been a bit slow. Thats the way I want to keep it.
Me, too. Was that a hint of sorrow turning her gorgeous eyes a deep, emerald green?
Hard to tell because it was gone as quickly as it came. That is, if you want me to lend a hand. You know I come with a horse trailer, right?
I know. She rolled her eyes at him.
Cuter. Then you arent agreeing to this reluctantly?
I am. She leaned her head back and gazed up into his eyes full on, a spark of humor lighting her up. I am very reluctant about you.
Sure, cuz most folks are. He smiled all the way down to his toes. It was nice being with her. They emerged through the open double doors into the kiss of the late-May sun and heat. Larks warbled, robins swooped by and a sparrow up on the roof chirped at them warningly. Grass whispered in the wind, leaves rustled and he couldnt remember the last time he felt so good.
My dad didnt want me to grow up to be a cowboy, you know. He knelt to put up the ramp, working quickly, hardly thinking about it. He finished the quick task with a rattle and clang. Said it was hard work and a hard life. He wanted something more for me.
Is that why he didnt stay and help Frank with the ranching?
Yep, but I guess he didnt have the calling. Ranching is in my blood. Thats why Im here.
Sometimes you get blessed with the right path to follow in life. The wind tangled her sleek blond locks. Again, that brief flash of sadness disappeared as if it had never been. It doesnt always last, so you should enjoy it while you can.
Good advice. He glanced at her cane, wondering if thats what life had taught her. He had some advice for her, too. Sometimes you feel lost. When you look down, you realize you are already walking the path meant for you.
You are a glass-is-half-full kind of man, arent you? She led the way down a garden walkway.
Sure. Its a matter of choice. The glass has the same water in it either way. He flashed his dimples at her. Let me guess. Youre the kind who sees the glass as half-empty.
Im pleading the fifth. Dimples framed her smile, bright and merry.
The cutest yet. He jammed his hands into his pockets. Speaking of glasses, Im thirsty. How about we hunt down something cold to drink? My treat.
No, that makes it a date. She grimaced in good humor. Yikes. We probably dont want that. Ill get mine, you get yours.
Wow, I guess I know where I stand, he quipped, following her down the breezeway.
Ive been on a lot of first dates lately. Did I sound defensive?
Only a little. He was glad to be with her. Eloise was fun and interesting. He was looking forward to finding out exactly how much.
Chapter Four
Thank you, Sierra. Eloise lifted the iced coffee from the silver tray and took a cooling sip. Across from her on one of the inns comfortable porch swings, Sean did the same.
That engagement ring looks good on you, he told the waitress.
Thanks. Its taken some getting used to. Sierra blushed rosily. Happiness radiated from her as she admired the impressive diamond on her left hand. We have finally agreed on a July wedding.
This is news. Sean leaned back, stretched his legs out and crossed them at the ankles. He was an interesting man to watch, all long, lean lines, strength and old-West charisma. Tucker said you wanted to make sure not to interfere with Autumns wedding next month.
More like in three weeks. Havent you noticed the flurry over it? You live in the same house. Sierra shook her head merrily as she padded away, off to wait on the Neilsons who were at the far end of the porch, holding hands and talking intimately.
A bachelor tries to ignore all conversations, activities or magazines with the word wedding in them, Sean quipped as he sipped at his coffee. Self-preservation.
Typical. I suppose youre the carefree-bachelor type. Never one to settle down. He was handsome enough to have his pick of women. You probably left a dozen broken hearts behind when you moved here.