When she turned to pick up the saddle, Jess reached it first. Their hands collided, and Kate nearly jumped back at the contact.
“Um, sorry,” she said. “I can handle this.”
“I’d like to help you. That arm’s got to be a little weak first day out of the cast. I’m guessing Einstein would appreciate my help, as well.”
She sighed. “You’re right. No use slapping leather on his back because my arm isn’t up to the task. Thank you.”
Once he’d put the saddle on the gelding, he turned to Kate. “Mind if I ride with you?”
“If you want to.”
He was silent, overanalyzing her answer. “Maybe you want to be alone with Einstein. Quality time. I don’t want to horn in.”
“Jess, have you ever known me to be anything but forthright? If I wanted to ride alone, I would say so.” She faced him. “I’d love to ride with you if you can stop hovering. And no back seat driving. I don’t want to hear a word of critique or a single suggestion. I’ve been riding as long as I’ve been walking. You mind your horse, and I’ll mind mine.”
He grinned. “You drive a hard bargain, but it’s a deal.”
Kate walked Einstein out of the stable and waited in the sunshine. When he approached with his own mount, she glanced at him with hesitation.
“I’ll need a boost,” she eventually said. “I’m a little nervous about my arm.”
“My pleasure.” He waited for her to fasten her helmet and then offered his linked hands. It didn’t escape him that weeks ago, she’d have used a mounting block rather than ask him for help. They’d come a long way in a short time.
“Thanks,” Kate said as she sat victoriously astride the gelding. She looked around and smiled. “There was a time when I wondered if I’d ever be in the saddle again.”
Jess mounted his mare and adjusted his hat to keep the full sun off his face. “How are you feeling about not being on the circuit? We’re heading into summer. Isn’t that the busiest time of the year in rodeo? This summer marks a new season for you.”
“I’ve had to sit out before due to injuries, but it was always with the knowledge that I would be back in the saddle or the barrel, as the case may be.” Kate lifted the reins. “I guess you’re right. This time is different.” She paused. “A new season? I like that. Perhaps that’s the correct way to look at things. Along with thanking the Lord that I’m alive.”
Kate leaned forward to stroke Einstein’s mane. “I’m trying to think about this time as being a second chance to decide what I want to be when I grow up instead of looking at the situation as a limitation.” She waved a hand in the air. “The options are endless. Except for being a chef. I’ve crossed that off my list.”
“What about Pete’s offer?” he asked.
“It’s one of many options that I’m exploring.”
“Many? Care to elaborate?”
“Franny asked me to be her assistant.”
Jess frowned. He didn’t like the sound of that. It was yet another option that would take her away from Rebel Ranch.
Kate looked at him. “What about you, Jess? When your mother gets well, are you going back to Montana?”
“I can’t think that far ahead. There are so many obstacles to her health.” He pointed toward the right. “Let’s go over by the pond.”
She nodded and directed Einstein toward the water. “You know,” she said, “your mom just needs a donor.”
He released a slow breath and met her gaze. “Let’s not spoil your first ride. I don’t want to talk about my mom’s kidneys right now.”
“Sure. Sure,” she said.
“And you, Kate. Now that the cast is off, you are officially the equine manager.” He eyed her quickly. Was it too much to hope that they’d reached a silent understanding, the rules of which were still a work in progress?
“Reporting to you. Are you asking if I mind that you’re my boss?”
“Yeah, I guess I am. How are you feeling about that? Is it as distasteful as you thought it would be?”
“Not at all. I don’t see you half as much as I feared.” She laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “I mean, as much as I thought I might.”
Jess couldn’t help but grin at her good humor. “Thanks a lot.”
“It’s the truth. I do the books and handle the horse situation. I’m in the admin building or the stables. You’re out there on the ranch. I saw the records. You’ve nearly doubled the cattle since you’ve been here in Rebel and hired a few more wranglers to help. That’s enough to keep you busy.”
“And out of your hair?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Are you attending the hoedown on Friday?” he asked.
“It’s required. Aren’t you?”
“Yeah. Sure. All the staff will be there and then some. Like Finn Hardy. He’s not staff, but he’ll be there.” He paused. “Nice guy, that Finn.”
Kate didn’t respond to his bait. Instead, she slowed Einstein and nodded toward the rows of lazy weeping willows that guarded the pond. “Look through the branches at the sunlight on the water.”
The Rebel pond was a misnomer. The pond was actually a stocked man-made lake for ranch guests. At this time of day, only a few guests sat on the pier, fishing. Ducks glided along the surface of the water, a few bobbing for lunch. The dappled sunshine on the lake was a prism of color shooting fractions of light onto the trees.
Jess turned to her, and she smiled. Together they slowly made their way around the pond, enjoying nature. Somehow they’d managed to return to their easy friendship of years ago, and he was grateful. For now it was enough.
He’d worry about Finn Hardy later.
* * *
“Where’s your date?”
Kate whirled around at the sound of Jess’s voice. “My what?” She nearly spewed her sweet tea. That was the last question she’d expected to come from the mouth of this particular cowboy. He had joined her at the back of the entertainment tent and stood close so she could hear him above the noise.
“Where’s your date to the hoedown?” He glanced around with a frown.
“Have you been sniffing the enchiladas?” Kate cocked her head and assessed him, which was a very bad idea. All cleaned up and wearing a long-sleeved black Western shirt and crisp jeans, he was a very fine eyeful.
Jess laughed. “No. I thought Finn escorted you tonight.”
“Finn Hardy?” Kate looked around the crowd in search of the tall, good-looking vet. “Our Finn? What are you talking about, McNally?”
Jess took off his hat and scratched his head. “You know, we’re both well-educated people. Conversation shouldn’t be this difficult.”
This time, it was Kate who laughed. “Maybe we should try a simpler topic.”
“Okay, you first.”
“Is it my imagination, or is Saylor Tuttle channeling Dolly Parton?” Kate asked. “I’ve come home for a wedding three years running, and every year, her hair gets a little bigger.”
“She’s the pastor’s wife, so I think it’s understood that the bigger the hair, the closer to—”
“That only counts in Texas,” Kate interjected.
“Saylor is from Texas.”
Kate opened her mouth to respond, but the music started up with a fiddle solo, which had them both paying attention.
“Who’s the band?” Jess asked. He stepped around a few people to get a glimpse. “They sure sound familiar. Isn’t that an L.C. Kestner song? If I close my eyes, I might think the band was here in Rebel.”
“You’ve got a good ear.” She grinned. “That is the L.C. Kestner.”
“You’re kidding, right? How did the ranch snag them?”
“Reece has friends in high places. Low places too,” she said with a chuckle. “L.C. is an Okie.”
“I’d heard that. She’s from T
ishomingo, right?”
“That’s right. Reece used to work for her daddy in his previous career. L.C. and her band come here in the off-season to rest. My brother provides all the anonymity they need.”
“How about that?” Jess stared as the fiddler flawlessly moved from a deep tone to a high-pitched note. Folks nodded and tapped their feet to the catchy tune as the music sparked smiles of enjoyment.
“Reece didn’t tell anyone L.C. was playing tonight, and she’s only doing one set. So it’s a real treat, all the way around.”
When the fiddler finished and applause filled the room, the band transitioned to a slow oldie. Overhead, the lights dimmed, and twinkling strings of curtain lights lent an intimate, dreamy atmosphere to the tent. Jess nodded toward the portable dance floor that awaited. “Would you like to dance?”
“I haven’t danced in so long,” Kate said with a nervous chuckle. “I think the last time was one of those square-dance fundraisers that the FFA held on Friday nights.”
“Future Farmers of America. There’s a trip down memory lane.” He took her hand. “Come on, before the song ends.”
The scent of sandalwood and juniper drifted to her as she settled a hand on his shoulder. “You smell good.” Kate nearly stumbled when she realized that her mouth had engaged without her. She could have kicked herself.
“Ah, thanks,” he said.
An awkwardness settled between them, and for minutes, they both concentrated on the dance. When she missed a step and then recovered, their eyes connected. Humor lit up Jess’s gray eyes.
“So, do you come here often?” he asked.
“What?” When his words registered, Kate laughed and found herself finally relaxing in his arms. “If you ask me my horoscope, I’m going to lose it,” she returned.
He offered a lopsided grin. “Ever had that happen to you?” he asked.
“Worse. Oh, the lame pickup lines I could tell you about.”
“I’d have thought rodeo cowboys were smooth,” he said.
Kate shook her head. “Oh, they’re smooth all right. Except they have a hard time with the fact that I’m asleep by 9:00 p.m. and up at five to ride Einstein. I’ve never had time for those games.”
They did a quick whirl around the dance floor before the song concluded, and she reluctantly released his hand. “That was fun,” she said.
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“I’m pleasantly surprised. Is that better?” She didn’t give him a chance to answer before she turned. “I’m going to grab another tea. Want one?”
“I can get us some,” he said.
“Jess, I am capable of getting tea. Do you want a glass of tea or not?”
“Yeah, sure. Thanks.” Jess stepped outside the warmth of the tent and took a deep breath as he stood in the cool June moonlight. The scent of roasting hot dogs teased him.
If someone had told him two months ago that he’d be dancing with his first crush come summer, he’d never have believed it.
“Look at you, dancing with Miss Kate,” Willard said with a knowing grin.
Jess turned to see the old cowboy approach. “A two-step isn’t really dancing. It’s only slightly better than shuffling your feet.” He glanced at Willard’s attire. “You’re dressed up tonight.”
Willard straightened the silver bolo on his crisp white Western shirt and offered a wicked grin. “You gotta polish the feathers if you want to impress the chickens.”
“Is that so?” Jess chuckled. “Any chickens in particular?”
“Pshaw. A gentleman never tells.” Willard paused and blinked with surprise. “Well, I’ll be.”
“What?”
“Lookee there,” Willard said. “Over by the firepit in those rockers set close together.”
“What am I looking at?”
“Your sister and Finn.”
“What?” Jess’s gaze followed Willard’s. Sure enough, Nicole and Finn Hardy each sat in a rocker, talking and smiling. And here he’d thought Finn was talking about Kate.
“Ain’t love grand?” Willard said the words with a smile.
To his knowledge, his sister hadn’t looked at another man since her husband’s defection. She’d been gun-shy for the last two years, steering clear of romantic entanglements. Jess shook his head. He didn’t know if he should be thrilled or concerned.
“Looks to me like he’s wooing your sister.”
Jess jerked back at the comment. “He’s what?”
Willard chuckled. “Wooing. You even know what that is? Most of you young ’uns think romance has to do with phones, computers and dating apps.”
“Okay, I’ll bite. Tell me, what exactly is wooing, Willard?”
The cowboy pushed back his black Stetson and gave a musing smile. “Wooing takes a whole lot more energy than dating. It’s about gaining someone’s trust and confidence. Wooing is all about the long haul. It’s like preparing the soil and planting, and being willing to wait for what’s going to grow because you know it’s going to be something special.”
“Wooing.” Jess rolled the word on his tongue. Would wooing have any effect on Kate? Was she even interested in the long haul? She’d been here since early spring, and it was now closing in on summer, yet she’d given no indication that she’d be around come autumn.
“Miss Kate is worth that. Don’tcha think?”
Jess stared at Willard. Was the cowboy reading his mind?
“You know, you’re an interesting guy, Cornell. Most of the time, what comes out of your mouth rides a stream of malarkey. Though every now and then, you sound almost wise.”
“That’s some kind of backhanded compliment.” Willard gave a hearty laugh. “You put your boot in your mouth like that with women too? It’s no wonder you spend your free time with cattle.”
“Hi, Willard. Having fun?” Both Willard and Jess turned at Kate’s voice.
“I am now. By the way, Miss Kate, you’re looking lovely tonight. I suppose all the cowboys already mentioned that.” He stared pointedly at Jess before tipping his hat. “I best grab some food before it disappears. ’Scuse me, you two.”
“What was that all about?” Kate handed him a tea.
“I’m never really sure with Willard, but he’s right about one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I haven’t mentioned how nice you look tonight. I apologize for the omission.”
She glanced down at herself. “Seriously? It’s a skirt and a denim jacket.”
“That’s right, and you’re the prettiest girl in a denim jacket at the Rebel Ranch hoedown. Accept the compliment.”
“I, um, thank you.” She paused. “Did you notice Finn and your sister?”
“I did, and then I glanced away.”
“Why?” She smiled. “It’s so sweet. They’re a good match.”
“What makes you say that?”
Kate shrugged. “I don’t know. You can just tell. There’s a specialness between them.”
“A specialness?”
“I can’t define it. It’s a connection. The way they look at each other and communicate without words. You can just tell.”
“Humph, all I can tell is that if he hurts my sister, he might inspire me to show him my own brand of specialness.”
“Oh, cut it out. Now you sound like my brothers. There isn’t a man alive that they approve of.”
“No one?”
“Well, maybe one. Willard Cornell would pass muster.”
Jess chuckled. “I fully side with your brothers.”
Kate’s eyes rounded and she perked up as the band struck up another number. “Listen. Do you hear that? I haven’t heard that song in years. Probably since high school.”
“Face it. We’re getting old, Kate.”
“You are,” she said. “I’m still a kid.”
/>
“I’m only a few months older than you.”
“And yet you already have those tiny little lines around your eyes.” She touched his face, and he took her hand. Time froze as he continued to hold her hand, liking the feel of her soft skin against his.
“Those are laugh lines,” he finally said. “I’m a happy guy.” Yeah, he was a happy guy. Happier than he’d been in a very long time.
Kate released a small gasp. “Oh my, Jess. Will you look at who just showed up?”
Jess turned. “There’s about half the town here tonight. You’re going to have to be more specific.”
“Franny Cox. Over by the registration table. Talking to Reece.” As she said the words, Reece pointed in their direction. Franny waved enthusiastically and started to weave through the guests toward them.
“Franny!” Kate grabbed the older woman in a hug. “What are you doing here? Where’s Rex?”
“At the last minute, my dear husband decided to stay home.” Franny reached out to shake Jess’s hand. “Good to see you, Jess.”
“You too, Ms. Cox.”
“Franny.” She grinned, tipped back her cowboy hat, and looked Kate up and down. “Rebel Ranch agrees with you. I’ve never seen you looking so good. Why, you’re positively glowing, young lady.”
“Thank you, Franny. I feel good too,” Kate said. “What’s going on? I thought you weren’t taking off for another week or two?”
“I got antsy. Decided to hit a little rodeo outside OK City. Thought I’d hang around until Sunday or Monday and maybe talk you into coming with me. You know, the assistant position I mentioned.”
Kate shot Jess a quick glance, and in that moment, he saw the guilt on her face. He realized he’d been right all along. She was going to leave.
“I can’t make any promises, Franny,” Kate said. “I told you that. I haven’t had time to think that far down the road yet.”
“I get that. I’ll give my sales pitch, and you do what you’ve gotta do. Then I’ll be on my way. Fair enough?”
Jess observed the exchange in silence as a dark cloud of foreboding settled over the evening.
“I’ll let you two catch up,” he said to Kate. “Miss Franny, I’m sure I’ll see you again before you leave. In the meantime, be sure Kate takes you to the mess hall for a taste of Chef Luna’s kickoff menu.”
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