Paige laughed when Ashley gave Justin a wicked grin before heading back into the barn. “Call me if you get into trouble,” she hollered over her shoulder. “I’ll ride to the rescue.”
“Everyone around here is a smart aleck,” Justin grumbled.
Laughing, Paige mounted her horse and nudged her into a slow trot toward the pasture. Justin had been right. It was beautiful out here. She could see why this dude ranch was fast becoming a popular destination site.
Justin trotted his horse up beside hers, and she had to hold in a grin as his seat bounced all over the saddle. “We should have had Ashley give you a few pointers before heading out on our own. Have you ever been on a horse before?”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “When I was a kid. Mom loved to ride, but I only joined her once. I didn’t like being way up in the air on a thousand-pound animal. I still don’t.”
“If you took some lessons and learned a little more, I bet you’d like it. It’s not near as hard as that darn tandem where neither one of us could so much as move without practically tipping the bike over.”
Justin shot her a ‘get real’ look as he pulled his horse back to a walk. “My insides feel jarbled.”
“Jarbled? Is that even a word?” Paige asked as she slowed her horse.
“I doubt it,” Justin answered. “Explain to me why people like riding these beasts.”
“Because you can race like the wind and not have to do the work?” she offered.
“We’re walking. Not racing.”
Paige kicked her mare into a trot. “This better?” she shot back over her shoulder.
He caught up to her, a frown on his face, and she slowed down. “It’s actually easier to lope than trot,” she said. “Not near as bouncy. You might as well prepare yourself for a sore butt tonight, but it’s so worth it.”
“Says who?” Why in heaven’s name had he agreed to this?
“I researched this place on the internet” Paige went on, ignoring his question. “The hot spring you mentioned looks great, and they’ll give you a ride on a tractor. That would feel great later tonight.”
“Too bad we don’t know where it is. If we did and it was dark, we could go skinny dipping in it. How about we come back in the fall?” Justin suggested. “Soak in the hot spring without the horse ride.”
“You sound pretty sure we’ll still be seeing each other this fall,” Paige said, wishing that could be true, but not at all sure that would be the case.
“I don’t know why we wouldn’t still be seeing one another,” Justin said with a frown. “Unless you know something I don’t.”
“Of course I don’t,” Paige said with forced lightness. She’d give anything to still be dating this man a few months from now. She pulled in the clean country air and forced herself to quit thinking about that and enjoy this time with Justin as well as the beautiful scenery. “It really is gorgeous out here.” She swept her eyes over the lush pasture and groves of oak trees and caught sight of the top of what looked like a steeple. “Do they have a church out here?” she asked in amazement.
“A chapel. Claire’s fiancé built it plus a really cool gazebo. Seems they are pulling people in from all over to get married here. I’ve only seen it once. Guess I’ll see it again this fall when Claire and Sam tie the knot. Plus, Jillian wants to baptize Jaxon here. Want to see it? It was featured in Architecture Digest.”
“Sure. I had no idea this little town had something as unique as that. Guess I need to get out and about more. I’ll race you there,” she said, shooting him a saucy grin.
He grabbed her reins. “Don’t you dare take off. My horse will run after yours and I’ll bite the dust.”
“Don’t be silly. Too much grass for dust.” She kicked her horse into a lope, felt the warm morning air whoosh against her face, making her hair fly behind her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so carefree and in tune with nature. Maybe there truly was something healing about the country.
She glanced behind her and saw Justin having a hard time holding Majesty back. Turning her horse, she loped back to him. “Sorry. I got carried away. I haven’t ridden in years. I’d almost forgotten how exhilarating it is to race across wide open spaces on a horse. There’s nothing like it.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Grinning, she forced herself to walk her mount beside his. “I think you should take a few riding lessons before we come back.”
“You think I’ll do round two of this? I may never be able to walk again when this day is over.”
She leaned over and patted his thigh. “I might as well warn you that when you dismount your legs will feel like rubber, so hold on to the horn.”
“Remind me why I’m doing this.”
She scowled at him, but a smile broke through before she could stop it. “Because you owe me for risking my life on a tandem bike?”
“At least it had brakes.”
Laughing, Paige kept her horse to a walk as they headed for the chapel. She looked out over the land and sighed at the beauty that surrounded her. “I love the convenience of the city, but I can certainly see why someone would want to live out here.” She shot him a sideways glance. “Admit it. It’s beautiful.”
“It’s beautiful,” he said dutifully. “Claire lives right down the road. Her fiancé, Sam, has an old farm house he fixed up, and it’s pretty cool. Almost as cool as the chapel.”
“He wasn’t at the hospital the other day, so I haven’t met him.”
“He got there right after you left. He’s a good guy, even though I warned Claire about him before they ever went out.”
“Warned her?” Paige furrowed her brow. “Your sister is a grown woman. Why did you warn her?”
“She was in a bad space and not thinking too clearly.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want her to get hurt.”
Justin’s protectiveness warmed her heart, even though she figured he had done nothing but irritate his sister with his warning. “Guess Claire knew what she was doing,” she couldn’t refrain from saying.
“She got lucky, and she’d be the first to admit it. Sam is a great guy, and they fit. Know what I mean?”
Paige nodded, even though she, personally, had never ‘fit’ with anyone. Until now. She and Justin fit. Except for one major hitch. Her stomach fluttered with nerves. Someday soon she needed to have a heart-to-heart with Justin.
They rounded a corner and she gasped at the beautiful chapel nestled among a grove of trees. Morning sun glinted off glass windows on the roof. Birds flew from one tree to another, chirping to one another and singing. “Wow. This is really something.” She pointed to her right. “And you’re right about that gazebo. It’s picture perfect.”
“Yeah, I have to admit, it’s way cool.”
Paige got off her horse and wrapped the reins around a tree branch. Justin slid off his and sighed. “Solid ground never felt so good.” He wrapped his horse’s reins around a branch and took her hand as they walked to the chapel.
The minute they stepped inside, she almost wished she hadn’t come. This was the most breathtaking place she’d ever seen. She sat on a bench and soaked up the peace and tranquility. It was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
It was the dream place she’d always envisioned for her own wedding, and as different as it could be from the wedding she’d had in a judge’s chamber when she was three months pregnant. This beautiful chapel and the commitment of love it represented was as far from her own reality as it could possibly be.
She stood abruptly. “Let’s go ride some more.”
Justin glanced up at her and quirked a brow. “I’ll give you thirty more minutes on a horse, and that’s it, or I won’t be able to move tonight.”
She shot him a wicked smile, desperate to get out of here. “I bet I can get you to move.”
He rose, albeit slowly, and cupped her face in his hands. “Bet’s on,” he said, right before his lips touched hers in a kiss that, thankfully, shoved all thoughts out of h
er head.
* * *
Justin pulled into Jillian’s drive, grabbed the wrapped gift he’d brought for Jaxon, and headed for the front door, but before he could ring the bell the door opened, and a panic-faced Jillian and screaming baby greeted him.
Jillian grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. “Thank God another adult is here. Stan went for groceries, and Jaxon won’t quit crying. I’m about to join in for the biggest cry-fest ever.”
Justin handed her the gift and took the red-faced squalling baby. Propping him on his shoulder he patted his back. “Calm down, little fella. Your uncle Justin is here.”
Jillian sank onto the rocker with a loud sigh. “Rough night?” Justin asked, eyeing his disheveled sister.
“You have no idea,” she grumbled. “Stan took his shift, but I still couldn’t sleep. I’m about to call Jaxon’s pediatrician. He’s been crying on and off for hours.”
“Maybe he’s hungry.”
Jillian glared at him. “He’s been attached to me for most of the last twenty-four hours.”
Totally out of his element, Justin searched for something to say. “Go lay down. Jaxon and I will bond while you sleep. Won’t we?” he held the baby out and cooed to him, even though he felt pretty ridiculous. Within seconds, Jaxon pursed his tiny lips and gave a slight hiccup. “See? He’s calming down already.” He smiled at the tiny infant. “What’s wrong little guy? Tell your uncle Justin about it.” Dark, wet eyelashes did a slow-motion blink. Justin smiled. “You’re pretty cute when you’re not screaming.”
“Good thing,” Jillian said as she picked up his gift and shook it.
Justin sat on the couch and Jaxon puckered up again. He quickly stood. “Do you have to walk with him all the time?”
“Either that or listen to him cry.”
“Does he hurt?” Justin walked around the room, the fussy baby on his shoulder.
“He’s colicky. I ate chocolate last night without thinking. The doctor said that’s probably what did it.”
Justin laughed, then quickly swallowed it back at the look Jillian shot him. “So? You going to open my gift?”
Grinning, Jillian tore the blue paper, then popped open the box and pulled out several soft picture books and a gift certificate to a steak house. She waved the certificate in the air. “You babysitting while Stan and I go to dinner?”
“Unless I have to fight off Dad and Dottie. I figure I might as well practice up for when my time comes.”
Her mouth flew open. “Do you have something you want to tell me?”
He held up a hand, palm toward her. “Don’t get carried away. I’m looking down the road. But I have to tell you, this little guy has made me think about what it might be like to be a dad someday.”
Jillian smiled at her now-quiet son. “I’d say you have a way with babies, if you can get Jaxon to quit crying.”
Justin smiled down at the infant, who was now asleep. “Want me to put him in his crib?”
“Don’t you dare so much as touch him. The silence is total bliss.” She dropped her head on the back of the recliner and closed her eyes on a tired sigh. “Did Paige help you choose the gift?” she asked, cracking open an eye.
“I invited her to go with me, but she said she was too busy. Go figure. I thought women like to shop.”
“Don’t put us all in one slot, little brother. Paige has a hectic schedule. She probably needed some down time.” Jillian grew serious. “Go easy with her, Justin. I have a feeling her ex was hard on her. Be grateful she finds time to go out with you.”
“You underestimate my powers of persuasion, sis.”
Jillian rolled her eyes but, for once, didn’t have a smart aleck response. “Did Paige tell you I saw Mom the evening I had Jaxon?”
“Yeah, she did. I wanted to ask you about that, but decided to wait and see if you brought it up. Paige swears it’s not that uncommon.”
“It was incredible.” Jillian leaned forward in her chair, her eyes bright with tears. “At first I thought I might be dying, but then she told me everything was fine and she would always be close by to keep a watch over Jaxon. I’d been so scared, but the minute she came, I felt a calmness enter my body, and I knew everything would be okay. Jaxon was born immediately after that.”
Justin felt goosebumps pop out all over his body. “Did Stan see her?”
“He never said anything if he did, but I know she was there.” She wiped away a tear. “I haven’t had the guts to ask Stan about it if you want to know the truth. It was a very special moment, and I didn’t want to give him the chance to ruin it.”
“But you told Paige,” Justin murmured.
Jillian nodded. “Paige is very understanding. She would never say anything to ridicule me. Neither would Stan, but he’s a pretty black and white thinker.”
“That’s not bad. I’m the same way. Paige believes in that kind of stuff. At least I think she does. She’s had several patients who’ve had that experience.”
Jillian smiled and reached out to stroke Jaxon’s cheek. “I really like her, Justin. Don’t do anything stupid to scare that woman away, but please don’t lead her on.”
Irritation bubbled up in Justin. “I’m not leading her on. She’s a very special lady. We both know where we stand, so no lectures from you.”
Jillian held up her hands. “Don’t get riled. You’ll wake the baby and I’ll have to hurt you.”
“Then don’t insult me. I know I’ve been a player. I haven’t been ready to settle down, but Paige is different. She might be the one who can change my mind.”
“I hope so,” Jillian said. “I think she’d be good for you and a great mom to any kids you all have.”
“You’re getting a little ahead of things, Jillian.” Justin glanced at Jaxon and smiled. “For now, I’m perfectly content to be a good uncle to this little guy.” And a good friend to a woman who made him think about what it might be like to have his own family sometime in the distant future.
* * *
Paige applied lipstick and waited for Justin to pick her up for a family barbeque at the dude ranch. The last two months had been wonderful. Justin was easy to be with and very attentive. They were enjoying one another’s company and having a lot of fun, and she wished she could quit worrying about what came next.
The doorbell rang and she smiled. Pressing her palm against her fluttering tummy, she forced herself to not run to the door and fling it open. Taking a calming breath, she walked to the door and opened it.
“Hey.” Grinning, Justin stepped inside and pulled her against him. “I’ve been waiting two days for this.” She leaned back and smiled. Seems that’s all she did around this man—smile and laugh. He gave her a tender kiss. “Have I told you that you have great legs?” She shook her head. “You have great legs. Now let’s get out of here, or we might not ever leave.”
“I doubt that,” she said, tapping him on the chin. “Your entire family is waiting on us.”
“My family doesn’t wait on anyone. They’re too busy giving each other a hard time.”
“I’m looking forward to getting to know them. Plus, I’ll get to hold Jaxon. I’ve never held him, and he’s already two months old.”
“Thank God he finally got over his colic. I volunteered to watch the little tyke next weekend so Jillian and Stan could get out. Feel free to join me, but I won’t hold it against you if you opt out.”
“Why would I opt out? I’d love to help you babysit.”
“Either I’m a lot sexier than I ever realized, or you are a total sucker,” he responded.
She opened her mouth to answer, but he kissed her and she forgot what she’d been about to say. “You’d better stop that,” she finally murmured. “Or we’ll never get to your family picnic. Which reminds me, I made enough potato salad to feed an army.” She forced herself to step out of his arms and retrieve her food.
“Salads must be your specialty,” he said with a grin.
“That and take-out.” She breezed by him a
nd out the front door, then handed him the bowl of salad so she could lock up.
He ran a hand down her backside and over her bare thigh and she leaned back into him. “I used to be a woman with will power,” she said, turning around and wrapping her arms around him. “I was hard working and practical. Now look at me.”
“Trust me. I’m looking.” He ran his gaze over her, slowly and thoroughly, and she felt herself blush. “I can’t seem to quit looking. Or touching.”
She took her potato salad from him. “We’ll be with your family most of the day, so I hope you can behave yourself for a few hours.”
“I’ll give it my best shot, but it would help if you didn’t have shorts on and quit looking at me like you wanted to gobble me up.”
“We’re a mess,” she muttered as he opened the passenger door and she scooted in. He rounded the Suburban and slid into the driver’s seat. “You ready for all the rowdy?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Best get in line to hold Jaxon as soon as we get there. If I know my family, they’ll be fighting over him.”
Paige smiled at the thought, wishing like always that she’d grown up in a big family with a mother and father who loved one another. No wonder Justin wanted that someday. She glanced at his profile and fought back a wave of longing. She’d always wanted a big family. Had imagined a house filled with children and a husband who would grow old with her.
She stared at the rolling hills as they headed south out of town, determined to be thankful for what she and Justin had and enjoy this day. It would be nice to be around this close-knit family, and she vowed to make the most of it and not feel sorry that she’d never had a big, happy family. After her dad left, it had only been her mom and her and an occasional aunt or uncle who she barely knew. She and her mom were close, though, and that’s more than a lot of people had.
A while later, they pulled in front of the long white porch of the dude ranch’s main house. Justin cut the engine then turned to Paige. “You’ve been awfully quiet on the ride over. You nervous? There’s no need to be, you know. The Coleman crew has already pronounced you wonderful.”
Since I Found You (Crystal Springs Romances: The Wedding Chapel Book 2) Page 8