The kid’s eyes widened. “Did I make him do that?”
“You sure did.”
“That is so cool.” His excitement echoed from the rafters.
“When roping, a rider has to know how to control the horse without using his hands. We’ll work on that more next time.”
“Aw, we’re done already?” He reached for the reins, slapping them against his leg.
“Afraid so. I’ve got something I need to take care of in town.”
“Okay...” The boy reluctantly dismounted, the leather of the saddle creaking.
“Why don’t you take ol’ Sonic here back to his stall while I talk to your mom?”
“Can I give him some horse cookies?”
“A couple, yes.”
While Colton headed off with the horse, Noah made his way to the opposite side of the arena to talk with Lily. She was sitting alone in her usual spot on the bleachers.
“The kid’s a natural.” He hopped the fence.
“Really?” Lily stood, her long hair spilling over her shoulders. “He must get it from his grandmother then, because it certainly didn’t come from me.”
“Mommy?” An excited Piper skipped toward them, her ponytail bobbing, while Noah’s father followed a short distance behind.
“What is it, Piper?” Lily laid a hand on her daughter’s back as if to settle her.
“Mr. Stephens said I can have a soda if it’s all right with you. Can I?”
“Piper’s been working hard, helping me clean the riding helmets.” Dad grinned at the child. “Would it be all right if I rewarded her with a soda?”
“Of course.” Lily looked at her daughter. “But nothing caffeinated.”
“Okay.” Piper took hold of his father’s hand.
Noah couldn’t help smiling. She was a cutie with a personality to match. And just like his nieces, she brought out the best in his old man.
“Newspaper called.” Dad’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.
He looked at his father.
“They said you missed the deadline for advertising in the July Fourth edition.”
“No, I didn’t.” He shook his head. “The cutoff is tomorrow. I’m planning to drop the ad by the newspaper office in just a little bit.”
“The deadline was noon today.”
“Noon?” He looked at his watch. It was almost three. Then he remembered that they’d moved the deadline up a day this week due to the holiday. His stomach clenched. How could he have forgotten something so important? His life savings were riding on the success of the rodeo school.
He glanced in Lily’s direction to discover her watching him.
Just what he needed. Why’d his father have to bring that up in front of her?
“Mom, did you see me out there?” Colton approached, his smile wide.
“Yes. You looked very handsome.”
“Mr. Stephens said I could have a soda.” Piper peered up at her brother. “Maybe he’ll let you have one, too.”
“Can I?” Colton looked to the older man.
“Sure. Come on, you two.”
As the trio headed down the corridor, Noah sensed Lily was still watching him. But he didn’t dare turn around.
“You know—” he heard her boots against the bleachers before she stepped in front of him “—an interview with the newspaper might garner more attention than an ad. Besides, you have to pay for advertising. Interviews are free.”
He stared down at her, still frustrated. “What would they interview me about?”
Her expression went flat. “You’re a former rodeo champion who’s opening a rodeo school. And not just any rodeo champ, but one of the best champions ever.”
He studied her, his gaze narrowing. “How do you know that?”
She shrugged. “The internet.”
She’d googled him? Why? “Don’t believe everything you read.” He turned, ready to leave.
“Well, unless somebody made up those stats...”
He paused then and faced her again. “Do you really see me going to the newspaper and asking them to interview me?”
“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “First you have to create interest. Say, in the form of a press release.” She was talking way over his head.
He set his hands on his hips. “Lily, I don’t even know what that is.”
“Maybe not—” she inched toward him “—but I do.”
He wasn’t in the mood for games. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means—” with only a short distance between them, she dropped her arms to her sides “—that I’m willing to help you promote the rodeo school and get ready for its grand opening.”
“Why would you do that?”
Seemingly frustrated, she gestured around the arena. “My kids are completely enamored with this place. And you.” Her sideways glance hinted at annoyance. “Meaning we’ll likely be spending a lot of time here this summer. Especially now that Piper wants to take lessons. So I may as well make myself useful.”
A woman who was scared to death of horses wanted to help him promote the rodeo school? That had to be one of the craziest things he’d ever heard.
She was right about one thing, though. With both of her kids becoming more and more entrenched in events at the ranch, she’d likely be here a lot. At least helping with the rodeo school would give her something to do besides hover during the kids’ lessons.
He contemplated her a moment. What if she did help him? In the last two minutes alone, he’d seen that she knew way more about publicizing something than he did. Still, her fear of horses gave him pause.
“Perhaps I could give you riding lessons, too. I mean, if you’re helping me with the promotion.”
She straightened, her shoulders rigid, her expression pinched. “That’s highly doubtful, Mr. Stephens.”
Her quick response almost made him laugh. Because there was nothing he enjoyed more than a good challenge. And getting Lily comfortable around horses was a huge one.
Of course, he also knew when to loosen the reins. “Okay, then I will take you up on your offer, on one condition.”
One perfectly arched brow lifted in question.
“That you call me Noah. Mr. Stephens is my dad.”
Chapter Four
Lily aimed her SUV north on Highway 550 just before noon the next day. Passing the Ouray city limits sign, she tried to figure out what had compelled her to take on the role of promoter for the rodeo school. She’d even gone so far as to talk Noah into it. And, in the process, she’d taken a giant step out of her element. What did she know about rodeo? What about the panic that threatened to set in whenever she was around horses?
She eyed the rushing waters of the Uncompahgre River to her left. Perhaps it was the pride in Clint’s eyes when he talked about Noah’s dream that had persuaded her. Or maybe it was the tough-but-tender manner Noah had with Colton. Encouraging him and gently correcting, instead of belittling him the way Colton’s father so often did.
Her grip firm on the steering wheel, she maneuvered her vehicle past the red sandstone walls to her right. She’d seen the sadness in Noah’s dark eyes on more than one occasion. Yet it couldn’t have been the sudden knowledge of what he’d gone through that had spurred her.
No, she simply needed something to keep herself occupied while the kids were busy at the ranch.
“Mommy, when am I going to start my riding lessons?” In the rearview mirror, she noticed Piper watching her.
“I’m not sure, honey. Noah had to check his schedule.” A schedule that seemed to be getting fuller all the time, making Lily wonder when she’d be able to sit him down for a little Q and A. Because whether she wanted to or not, she was going to have to learn more about this rodeo school. Something that inevitably meant spending way more time with Noah a
nd those horses than she cared to. However, if she was going to tackle this job to the best of her ability, she had no other choice. Her reputation was at stake.
That’s it!
Smiling, she bumped her vehicle over the cattle guard at Abundant Blessings Ranch. She’d simply think of this job as a challenge. Something that would stretch her and help hone her skills. After all, she’d already been thinking about turning her enjoyment of event planning into a business. This would be one event she could add to her résumé that would be different from anything else she’d ever done. However, she prayed she’d never have to do anything with horses ever again.
Excitement filled her as they pulled up to the stable. If she could bring about a successful launch for the rodeo school, she should be able to tackle anything.
Under a cloudless sky, she shifted her SUV into Park, turned off the ignition and exited, noting the numerous other vehicles parked in the area, even overflowing the small gravel parking lot onto the grass. Why were they so busy?
She released a frustrated sigh. Busy didn’t bode well for her plans of a meeting with Noah.
Inside the stable’s rustic lobby, at least a dozen people stood waiting while Noah passed out paperwork and pens.
He spotted her. “Colton’s practicing in the arena.” He nodded in that direction before disappearing into the office.
She followed him. Watched as he added paperwork to two more clipboards. “I have several questions I need to ask you about the rodeo school.”
“Such as?” He grabbed a handful of pens from a small basket.
“For starters, I’d like more information about your rodeo days so I can start getting some interviews set up. I could take the kids to get some lunch and come back. Perhaps things will have slowed down.”
“Sorry, Lily, but between lessons and fully booked trail rides, I’m busier than a termite in a sawmill.” He nudged the brim of his cowboy hat, tilting it up ever so slightly as his eyes met hers. “Any chance you could come back this evening? Say around six?”
“Oh.” Disappointment had her gaze falling to the concrete floor. “Sure, I can do that.” Lifting her head, she sent him her best smile. “I need to do some more research on media outlets, anyway.”
He grinned then. “Great. I’ll see you this evening.”
While Lily had every intention of doing that research, those notions came to a screeching halt once she and her children returned to town. Suddenly, Colton was the one ready to do some exploring. It was an opportunity she wasn’t about to pass up. So, after a quick round of sandwiches at the mountainside cabin she’d rented for the summer, the three of them went to Box Canyon, where they hiked deep into the gorge to see a powerful waterfall, then climbed up the hillside to the high bridge that not only spanned the gorge but offered the most incredible view of the town she was quickly growing to love.
By the time she was finally able to drag Piper away from all the chipmunks that called the area around Box Canyon home, it was almost four o’clock, leaving them just enough time to grab an ice-cream cone and enjoy the views on Main Street before heading back to the ranch.
Clint was there to greet them when they pulled up to the stable at six o’clock, and she couldn’t help wondering if he was there to run interference for a still-busy Noah. He waited beside the front door as they got out of the SUV.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you all this late in the day.” He tipped his hat in greeting.
Shielding her eyes from the sun, Lily tucked the electronic tablet she used to take notes under her arm. “I’m here to meet with Noah.”
“Well.” The older man chuckled. “I was just coming to get him. We’re having a family cookout up at the house tonight.”
Noah hadn’t said anything about a cookout. Then again, he had been pretty busy when she stopped by earlier.
“Why don’t you and the kids join us for supper?”
While her children’s eyes went wide, Lily hesitated. “We don’t want to interrupt a family meal.”
“Nonsense.” Clint waved off her objection. “We just call it a family supper, but that doesn’t mean other people can’t come. There’s always plenty of food.” His gaze moved between the children. “Besides, my granddaughters are here, and they’d enjoy having someone else their age.”
“How old are they?” Colton appeared as curious as he was apprehensive.
Clint rubbed his chin. “Let’s see. I believe Megan is eleven now—she’s turning into quite the horsewoman—and Kenzie’s five.”
Right about her kids’ ages. And while it would be nice, they hadn’t come for dinner.
“Can we, Mom?” Colton’s interest had definitely been piqued. “We haven’t had dinner yet.”
“No, but we’re here so I can meet with Noah.”
Just then, the wooden front door creaked open, and the cowboy exited the stable. “I thought I heard voices out here.”
“I was just telling Lily and kids they should join us for our cookout,” said Clint.
Noah eyes seemed to narrow. “What cookout?”
“Son, you know we always have family dinners.”
“Yes, sir, but they’re usually on Sundays.”
“Or any other time that suits us.” Clint scowled. “Especially when the weather is as nice as it is today. So, if you all would care to join me back at the house...” With that, he started up the gravel drive.
Colton and Piper sent her pleading gazes.
“Go ahead.” Lily watched the two kids rush after the older man. They were growing more fond of him by the day.
“We’d better join them, you know,” said Noah.
She reached for her tablet and clutched it in both hands. “What about our meeting? Unless you think we could talk over dinner.” Far away from all those horses. That would be the best of both worlds. She’d get the information she needed and a good meal, too.
Noah shrugged. “We could try, but with the whole family here, an in-depth conversation isn’t likely.”
“I see.”
“Of course, we could always slip back inside the stable and talk. The kids would be occupied—”
“No way.” She held up a hand. “I’m not going to be responsible for keeping you from a family meal.” Nice cover.
“All right then.” He eyed the single-story house that sat farther up the drive. “I guess we’d better join them.”
She thumped the tablet against her leg, still torn. “Let me put this in the car.”
Though it wasn’t a long walk, she decided to seize the only opportunity she’d had all day. “What drew you to rodeo?”
He stared out over the green, cattle-dotted pasture as gravel crunched beneath their steps. “I suppose it was a combination of things. To a boy growing up on a ranch, it looked like the coolest job ever. So I started honing my roping skills. Calves at first, then I worked my way up to steers. Mama taught me everything she knew about horses. Next thing I knew I was bronc riding, then bull riding—”
A gentle breeze had her hair brushing against her cheek.
She tucked it behind her ear. “Weren’t you afraid?”
He lifted a shoulder. “At first, I suppose. But once I got good at things, I wanted to be even better.”
“’Bout time you made it, bro.” A tall, dark-haired man who looked very much like both Noah and his father stepped off the expansive wooden deck as they approached the cedar home. “We’re getting hungry.”
The corner of Noah’s mouth lifted. “Lily, this is Andrew. The annoying brother.”
“Hey...” Andrew smiled her way. “It’s nice to meet you, Lily.”
“Good to meet you.”
“You must be Colton and Piper’s mom?” A woman with blond curls and a definite baby bump approached and reached out her hand. “I’m Megan’s mom, Carly Stephens.”
Lily br
iefly took hold.
“And my wife,” Andrew was quick to add, his pride as evident as it was heartwarming. Every woman should be so blessed.
“When are you due?”
The woman smoothed a hand over her flowing shirt. “September 17, give or take. You know how that goes.”
She recalled her son’s past-due arrival and Piper’s earlier-than-expected appearance. “I certainly do.”
Colton came toward her then with a cute strawberry blonde girl she guessed to be Megan. “Mom, can I go to the stable with Megan? She wants to show me her horse.”
Lily shared a glance with Carly. Saw the stealthy head shake that would have gone unrecognized by anyone except another mother. “Has Megan checked with her mom?”
The grinning girl stepped toward Carly. “Can we?”
“Can you what?” Clint joined them then with the blonde from the restaurant at his side.
Lily smiled her way. “Hello, Hillary. Good to see you again.”
“Are you overwhelmed yet, Lily?”
Noting about a half a dozen people still unknown to her, she had to admit—“A little, yes.” And while she would have welcomed this type of event any other time, tonight it only meant that the meeting she needed to have with Noah wasn’t going to happen. Her questions would go unanswered. And if Noah continued to be as busy as he was today, she might never get the information she needed.
* * *
Noah usually enjoyed family dinners. But this one was different. Because according to his brothers, the invitation had only gone out today, after Noah offhandedly mentioned to his father that Lily would be coming by tonight.
He eyed the old cowboy sitting on the opposite side of the wooden picnic table. It seemed ever since Andrew and Matt both got married last year, his father had grown increasingly eager to marry off the rest of his sons. And for whatever reason, he seemed to have his sights set on Noah.
But as far as he was concerned, his father was wasting his time. Noah already had a wife. And even though Jaycee had left this world, he’d vowed to love her forever, and that’s exactly what he intended to do.
His gaze inadvertently drifted to Lily sitting beside him. With her reddish-blond hair and sparkling green eyes, she was, indeed, pretty. Just not Noah’s type. Even if he were in the market for a wife, Lily was too much of a city girl for his tastes. Not to mention her less-than-enthusiastic feelings about horses and that she was only in Ouray for the summer.
Her Colorado Cowboy Page 4