by Jane Josephs
The sound of Alison’s car coming up the driveway startled him from his brooding. The dog barked, got up, and trotted around the corner of the house to greet her. Nick sighed and set his empty coffee cup on an old crate on the veranda. But he didn’t move, his thoughts churning. He had been looking forward all week to seeing Alison again. But now, with his brother’s challenge still hanging in the air, his confidence crashed. Richie had charm and charisma well beyond anything Nick had to offer. Girls flocked to him. And why wouldn’t they, with his good looks and easy manner? Given Alison’s penchant for fantasy, Richie might already be splashed across the pages of her blog. He would probably enjoy the attention. Nick sucked in a deep breath, his head jerking up to see Alison already halfway to the corral with Spade beside her. “On time, on target, never quit,” he murmured under his breath, the SWCC motto coming out of his mouth by rote. He jogged to catch up with her.
~ ~ ~
“Oh, hi,” Alison said, when Nick joined her on the path. “I thought you’d be in the barn. Or is it Richie’s turn to haul out the poop?”
“No, Saturday’s are my day. Richie handles it the rest of the week after school.”
“What about Sunday?”
“We rest, just like God. No mucking chores on the Sabbath.”
“Very funny. So, which horse do I get to ride today?”
“Same one.”
“The one you call Mae West.”
Nick grinned. “That riles you, doesn’t it? I thought you liked history.”
“I do like history, but Mae West was a sex symbol in the ‘30s, and nothing much has changed since then. I don’t like it that women are still thought of that way.” She frowned at him. “New topic.”
Nick stopped at the entrance to the barn. “Agreed. The reason you’re going to ride Mae again is because she’s got a good disposition unless she’s hungry, and I think it’s easier to learn to ride if you get used to the horse. They’re all different, just like people.”
“So even horses can get hangry, huh?”
Nick shrugged. “Well, that’s what we say does it for Mae, at least. I brought an apple you can feed her before we ride. We’ll stop and get the gear before we get the horses in the paddock.” He led the way.
“What kind of horse do you ride?” Alison asked.
“A four-year-old bay gelding. His registered name is Samson’s Chance, after his sire, a stallion named Chance Encounter, but we call him Sam. We bred a mare we owned at the time named Molly Ragtime to Chance five years ago. Sam was born in this barn and since he was my birthday present, I got to name him. I even helped with the delivery.”
“That’s a pretty cool birthday present, I’d say.” Inside the tack room, Alison crossed to stand by the saddle she’d used last week. “Richie told me last week that this is the saddle your dad used. I’m sorry for your loss, Nick. I hope it was okay with you that I used it. I think this week something a little less ornate might be better.”
Nick’s expression softened as he gazed at the ornately tooled saddle. He cleared his throat. “Sure, it’s fine. It’s past time that it was used again.” He turned away and took down a plain black bridle from its hook.
Alison scanned the two racks of saddles, settling on a plain black one. She lifted it and turned. “I think I’d like to use this one today. Is that okay?”
Nick grinned. “You like our dad’s stuff, it seems. The seat’s going to swallow your butt but give it a try and see if you like it.”
Alison blushed and inspected the saddle’s large seat. “I see what you mean.”
“And you need a saddle pad.” He took one off a pile and put it on her saddle. Then he hung the bridle over the saddle horn and looped the reins, so they wouldn’t drag on the ground and trip her. Turning, he quickly gathered his own gear and led the way out of the room.
Following his lead, Alison put her saddle outside the door of the room and went with Nick into the paddock. Last week, Richie had saddled Mae for her while she watched. Would she have to do it by herself this week?
“Come with me, and we’ll get Mae,” Nick said, striding toward the Appaloosa. In his hand he carried a soft leather lead rope with a clasp on one end. Mae had stationed herself at the far end of the paddock, and as he walked, Nick handed an apple to Alison. “See how Mae’s ears perked up? She’s already seen the apple.”
“You’re right. She’s coming for it.” Although she felt more comfortable around Mae after last week’s lesson, the mare’s massive size still made her leery.
“Just hold it out flat in your hand. She’ll take the whole thing.”
“I’m used to giving Rufus treats. It’s just that Mae is a whole lot bigger and stronger.”
Mae wasted no time in swiping the apple out of Alison’s hand, the mare’s velvet nose tickling her palm. “Oh, you darling,” Alison crooned, running her hand down Mae’s long face, just as she’d seen Richie do.
“Here’s her lead rope. Don’t let her get away before you get it snapped on her halter.”
Before Alison could respond, Mae started backing away. Nick caught her before she could get far. “See what I mean? She’s smart. She knows her morning nap’s over.”
“Sorry about that, girl.” Alison hooked the lead rope to Mae’s halter and turned to walk her to the barn. On the way, she recognized the pregnant horse Richie had told her about. The mare was due in eight weeks, Richie had said. Well within the time frame of her contract for lessons. Alison sighed. What she wouldn’t give to be coming to the ranch a lot longer than that.
Nick caught his horse by his halter and led him toward the barn.
“Wow, he’s huge.” Alison said, stepping back.
Nick patted the horse’s neck. “Yep. About sixteen hands, maybe an inch more.”
“How tall is that, say, in feet and inches?
“Sixteen hands? It translates to about five feet, four or five inches. A hand is four inches. It’s a way to measure the height of a horse from the ground to its withers.” He touched the spot at the base of Sam’s mane.
“I love his white socks,” Alison said, pointing to Sam’s lower legs.
As if on cue, Sam’s right leg stuck out and he bowed as if saying thank you.
Delighted, Alison chuckled. “Did you train him to do that?”
“What do you think? He’s smart but not that smart. He has a couple of tricks up his white socks.” He pulled a carrot out of his pocket and fed it to Sam. “Time to saddle up. Did Richie show you how to do it last week?”
“I watched while he did it. So, I might not be able to do it on my own. But I’ll try. He did teach me how to put the bridle on Mae.”
“That’s good. We’ll do that last thing. For now, we’ll tie Mae and Sam to the rings we have on the doorpost of each stall and start with the saddles.”
They led the horses inside the barn. While Alison watched, Nick gave several flips of the end of Sam’s lead rope and knotted it around the ring.
Alison gaped. “I’m sorry, I missed how you did that.” She walked Mae to the next stall and lifted the ring.
“It’s called a quick release knot.” Nick showed her how to tie it in slow motion. “Now you try it.”
She took the rope, trying to remember the first thing Nick had done. Two moves later, Nick’s hands covered hers to correct her wrong move. Her breath hitched at the contact. With Nick’s hands guiding hers, she finished tying the knot, and laughed.
“Thanks. I knew I would mess up.” His face was inches from hers.
He stepped back and released the knot with a quick tug. “Try it again. You’ll get it this time.” Alison smiled, hoping she would mess up so she could feel his hands touching hers again.
~ ~ ~
It had been an impulse, putting his hands around Alison’s. A stupid i
mpulse. Mounted on their horses, Nick walked Sam behind Alison so she could practice stopping, starting, and reversing Mae’s direction at his command. What were you thinking, man? The recriminations came fast and hard. He would have to be more careful.
With a start, he looked up to see Alison riding toward him. He hadn’t given her the command to reverse. Had he? Nick licked his suddenly dry lips. The woman was messing with his head. He had to get control.
“Had enough?” He shifted in the saddle, trying unsuccessfully to get more comfortable.
Alison stopped alongside him, with Mae’s head at Sam’s rump. “More than enough. I want to do something besides walk around this ring. Can I try trotting?”
How could he resist those calf eyes? Nick huffed out a shaky breath. “It’ll jar your teeth, just so you know.”
“I don’t care. I want to try it.”
Richie’s warning about getting a waiver signed by Alison flashed through his head. He shook it off. “Okay, but it’s your teeth.”
Alison turned Mae in a wide circle while Nick moved Sam to the middle of the ring. “Woe, Mae girl,” she crooned, pulling back gently on the reins as she’d been taught. Suddenly nervous, she looked at Nick. “How do I start?”
“Keep your posture straight, and let your body go with the motion. Trotting doesn’t have to bounce you around, if you go with it naturally. So, start by walking Mae like you’ve been doing. And then, to get her to trot, give her a little touch in her sides with your heels, nothing too hard. Keep the reins held lightly. And don’t lean into her.”
“Why does this feel like a performance? Or maybe a test?” Alison joked, clicking her tongue and brushing her heels along Mae’s sides. The horse began her usual pace, walking around the ring. Alison’s heartbeat quickened, and she tightened her grip on the saddle horn. After a minute, she took a deep breath, and did as Nick had told her, gently touching her heels to Mae’s sides and clicking her tongue. The response was immediate, causing her to bounce, but exhilarating, too. In seconds, or so it seemed, she had made it halfway around the ring. She concentrated on relaxing and looked over at Nick. In a split second, Mae took off. Alison panicked and jerked back hard on the reins. Too hard. Mae reared, the motion causing Alison to fall backward. Only her death grip on the saddle horn kept her from falling off.
In an instant, Nick and Sam were alongside Mae, Nick’s hand stopping Alison’s movements as she tried instinctively to keep tugging back on the reins. She hadn’t fallen off, but she was shaking badly. Underneath her, Mae fidgeted, unnerving Alison further. “What’s happening? Make her stop!” Alison cried out, adrenaline rushing through her.
“You’re okay. Easy now.” Nick’s soothing voice broke through her frightened state. The pressure of his hand on hers and his leg pressed up against hers steadied her. Mae quieted finally.
“Why’d she bolt like that?”
“She didn’t bolt. You leaned forward as you looked at me. That signaled Mae to move into a canter.”
“But, but, I didn’t kick her or anything. She just took off.” Desperately trying not to cry, Alison drew in a shaky breath. “I think I’ve had enough for today. I want to get off.”
Still pressed close beside her, Nick shook his head, his voice gentle but firm. “That’s the last thing I’m going to let you do. See how nice Mae is now. You’re okay, Alison. You had a scare, but you can’t give up. Not if you really want to learn how to ride.”
Alison looked away, wanting to yell at him. To make him do what she wanted. She took a deep breath, very aware of Nick’s closeness. Panic gave way to resentment at how calm he was, and then embarrassment at her own panting breaths. Her hand tingled where Nick’s still touched her. Drawing a deep breath, she turned back to him and nodded. “Okay, but will you stay beside me this time?”
“Good. Now let’s walk before you try trotting again. Sam and I will be right beside you.” He let go of her hand and moved Sam away from Mae, but only the least bit.
~ ~ ~
Richie closed the lid of the washing machine, set the controls, and left the laundry room. He crossed to the sliding glass door and stared out at the riding ring. Nick sat in the middle of the ring watching Alison. Richie clamped down on his lower lip with his teeth, still angry at his brother. He should have been out there riding with Alison, same as last week.
The smell of apple pie reminded him that he could use a snack. His mouth watered. Ma probably had plans to invite Alison in again after her lesson. Richie pursed his lips, his gaze glued on the girl who had occupied his thoughts all week. With a start, he saw Mae break into a trot. Unaware he was holding his breath, it came out in a gasp a few seconds later as Mae broke stride and Alison panicked. In a rush, Richie had the door open and was out onto the veranda. But he stopped short when he saw Nick’s lightning-fast response, and his hand close over Alison’s. Mae settled, under control again. Richie cursed, but he stayed on the veranda. His big brother would be more likely to yell at him than to thank him if he tried to help. Richie turned, his fright for Alison easing. Determined to find another time to be with her, he went back into the house.
Chapter 8
Seated in the hair salon waiting area on Tuesday, Alison couldn’t hide her surprise when a text popped up on her phone. Richie wanted her to come out and ride with him tomorrow. She glanced at Emma in the salon chair, her new hairstyle nearly complete, and texted Richie back.
“Wow, Emma! You look fantastic!” Alison crossed the salon to voice her approval. The black streaks were gone from Emma’s sandy blond hair, replaced with lighter highlights that complimented her blue eyes. “Do you like it?”
Emma nodded, a smile escaping as the stylist removed the cape from around her. “I have to get used to the bangs, but I think I like them.”
“You can always let them grow out if you decide you don’t. Listen. I just got a text from that guy I told you about—Richie. And he wants me to go riding with him tomorrow. Do you want to go with me? He said it would be fine.”
If Alison had any doubts about taking Emma riding with her, they were immediately squelched by the girl’s shriek of delight. “Oh, I would love that! I haven’t been riding in months and I miss it so much.”
Alison’s jaw dropped. “You know how to ride?”
“Oh, yeah. Since I was ten.” Emma’s eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, boy.” Alison mumbled under her breath. She turned to the stylist with her credit card. How was it that she knew so little about Emma’s life before she had landed on the street? She would have to ask more questions. “Well, it’s settled then. Let’s go have some lunch and see about some riding boots for you. I know just the place to get them.”
Emma grinned and got out of the salon chair. “That would be perfect. I used to have a pair, but they were gone when I got back home that one time.”
Puzzled, Alison took back her credit card from the stylist and turned with Emma. “Tell me more about that,” she said evenly. If Emma was ever going to have a future, it looked like she would first have to deal with her past. Hadn’t Alison learned that in her own therapy sessions?
~ ~ ~
A lone black truck sat in the driveway at the Reid’s ranch. Alison parked behind it as Spade came loping out from the back of the house to greet her. “The dog’s name is Spade,” she said to Emma. “He’ll be our escort to the barn.” She got out of the car and met Emma at the path leading to the corral. Three horses were saddled and waiting. “It looks like Richie’s way ahead of us.”
“Wow!” Emma said. “Can I ride the Palomino?”
Alison nodded. “Fine by me. I wonder what her name is. So far, every horse I’ve met has a person’s name. Richie rides Max. Their dad, before he died, rode Dotty. Nick’s horse is Sam. His mother is Molly, but they sold her last year.”
Emma laughed. “They sold Nick’s mother?�
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Alison laughed, too, and shook her head. “That came out wrong. I’m talking about the horse’s mother. See how crazy it is to name horses after people.”
“Well, a horse’s mother is called its Dam.”
“Oh. Well.” Alison huffed. “I knew that. Let’s find Richie.”
Alison led the way to the barn just as Richie came around the corner.
“You made it.” Richie’s eyes lit up and darted from Alison to Emma.
“Emma, this is Richie. Richie, Emma. She knows how to ride, so you two better not leave me in the dust today.”
“Wouldn’t think of it, would we Emma?” He grinned at Emma, color heating his cheeks. “You’ll be riding my mom’s horse today. Her name is Lucy.”
Alison grinned. “See, I told you so.”
Emma nodded, her gaze still on Richie, her lips turned up in a teasing grin.
Alison looked from Richie to Emma and back again. Clearly smitten, Richie hadn’t moved, just stood staring at Emma. Alison nodded. With her new haircut and tight jeans, she did look amazing. She tapped down jealousy. Two weeks ago, Richie had eyes only for her. It hadn’t been that long ago that she was in high school, but somehow, she’d forgotten how quickly a guy’s head could be turned by a pretty girl. Then she laughed. What did she care if Richie liked Emma? As long as they didn’t gallop off into the woods together.
“Well, let’s get riding.”
Richie started. “Oh, sure, yeah. The horses are ready.”
“Where’s your mom today?” Alison asked as they walked out of the barn. “Does she ever ride?”
“Oh, yeah, she’s a great horsewoman. She’s at the animal shelter. A couple of months after Dad died, she started volunteering there three or four times a week. She loves it; brings home new kittens or puppies every once in a while, too.”