"But she owns a business. Her life is elsewhere, now."
Slim's expression darkened. "She could move down here, couldn't she, if she truly wanted? Once she realizes how much--"
Edna got up from the couch and sat in Slim's lap. She pulled his head to her breast, squeezed gently, and then pushed it back. "We're working on it, sweetie. Now, please, tell me about Elmo's part in all of this."
Pulling her into an embrace, Slim chuckled. "All right. He's an actor who does odd engagements. Elmo was just supposed to show up, startle Tiara so Jayce would get kinda protective, and they'd both realize they're made for each other. He's not really coming back for the horse."
She remembered something Jayce told her about the incident. "And that huge guy, he went with Elmo?
"Aw, darlin' he's no one to worry about. He's Elmo's baby brother. Peter won't do anything Elmo doesn't tell him to do."
Tapping the top of his head, Edna said, "There were quite a few aspects of the plan you didn't account for. You didn't expect Tiara to bring folks to fix up your place. The changes are long overdue, by the way. You didn't expect that Sarah would be here with a new horse. And, you didn't expect Tiara to be so insecure she'd fight Jayce the entire time."
"No. No I didn't plan on any of that," Slim said, frowning. "Don't worry, honey. Between the two of us, we'll revamp the plan and get our Tiara and Jayce a happily-ever-after." Giving a sly grin, Slim pulled her in for a kiss. "Then we can finish arranging ours."
Chapter Nineteen
TIARA WASN'T IN a rush to reach the corral where Jayce would teach her to train Majestic. Up ahead, the corral fence came into view, Tiara could see Jayce inside the barrier with Majestic. Two people sat close together on the top fence rail with their backs to her.
She recognized Craig as one, and had to assume the second to be Sarah. A smile came to her lips immediately. Craig, young and often childlike, was a good person, funny and loyal. Tiara wondered if Craig had figured out that Sarah and Juanita were the same person. After seeing the difference in responses of people when they thought they were speaking to Juanita compared to how they responded when speaking to Sarah, Tiara understood why the woman didn't immediately announce the deception to anyone, let alone Craig.
Tiara, though not experienced with relationships, did recognize that Sarah had strong feelings for Craig. Sarah would need to garner a level of trust between them to make sure he wasn't another Johnny, using her for what it could bring him.
Tiara stopped behind them. "Are you treating Sarah with respect, Craig? If not, Mr. Sparretti will turn the huge bald guy on you just to earn brownie points with Ms. Juarez."
Craig looked at Sarah before he turned toward Tiara. "Not that the big guy isn't incentive enough, but I would never intentionally hurt her."
She didn't want to be party to any games Craig had in mind. Since her talk with Sarah in the barn, Tiara remembered more details about Sarah. Mostly things learned from conversations between Jayce and her family, when the Mansfields spoke freely around her. Tiara waved Craig over. He jumped down from the fence and they walked a short distance away.
"What's up, Boss?" his voice slightly above a whisper.
"Craig, I know you're an adult, and I have no place in your business--"
"Do I hear a 'but' in there?"
Back in school, Sarah had always put herself wholly into any relationship and Tiara doubted that had changed, with friend or lover. "Sarah is a friend, and I wouldn't want to see her hurt."
"You're afraid I'm playing around while we're here, 'cause she looks like Juanita?"
"It's a possibility I can't ignore."
Craig grinned. "I see. Well, Boss, my intentions are honorable--at least where her heart is concerned." He shook his head and leaned in closer to her. "And, if you want honesty, here's some for you. I'd be more afraid of pissing off Jayce and you than I would be Elmo's henchman."
Tiara snorted. "As well it should be. As you were, young man." Craig returned to his place beside Sarah, and Tiara turned her attention to the corral.
Inside the corral, Jayce put Majestic through the paces, racing him in circles, forcing sudden stops, trotting him in zigzag patterns. Tiara felt the familiar leap in her pulse at catching Jayce comfortably herself, uncaring about anyone or anything other than the work she tended. She was more magnificent than mere words could ever capture. Joy was evident in Jayce's unguarded smile and the stately way she held her posture using her body to transmit commands to Majestic. Watching Jayce as she worked, Tiara recognized that the emotions churning within her were more than simple appreciation, or infatuation, for the handsome dark haired woman. Tiara loved her--always had despite her vocal denials to the contrary.
What the hell was she supposed to do with that? She had a good life, even though it wasn't in Silver Waters. She was not sticking around. A couple of weeks, then she'd be gone. Right? She sighed heavily.
A ghastly honk started Tiara.
She couldn't put this session off any longer, especially after that ridiculous goose announced her arrival. Pasting a smile to her lips, her insides churning like a storm about to erupt, Tiara said, "I didn't realize there'd be an audience."
At the sound of her voice, Jayce stopped Majestic and faced her. Tiara hadn't realized she'd spoken so loudly, though she expected Jayce had been anticipating her arrival. Jayce pushed her cowboy hat back and raised a hand in greeting. "Hey."
Hearing what she thought was a nervous tremble in Jayce's voice, Tiara understood they were both anxious about this undertaking of job reversal they'd agreed to. As the first of three, this task would be the most telling. "Hey, you." Tiara climbed up the fence rails and jumped into the ring, after a pointed glare to the goose. Jayce had dismounted and stopped a foot back.
"I can send them away," Jayce said quietly. "They can take Majestic's babysitter."
Tiara was tempted to do just that, but she feared being alone with Jayce more. Only now, she feared what she'd do, not what Jayce might do. Not to mention, there was no telling how Majestic or the goose would react if separated. "No, they're fine."
Jayce seemed to relax a little, her body lost some of its tension. Tiara fought the urge to laugh at the skittish Jayce before her, responding like a teenager on her first date. "So, what do I do first?" Tiara asked, squinting a glare in Majestic's direction from under her ball cap visor and silently begging him to be on his best behavior. Her look at Majestic encouraged another honk from the goose, this one seemed more of a gentle warning than open displeasure. Tiara turned back to Jayce. "I can guarantee there is no way I'll be able to do what you were doing when I arrived."
"Oh, honey, I wouldn't expect that of you, or anyone," Jayce said.
Tiara wondered if Jayce was aware of the spoken endearment, if it meant anything to her. Leave it alone, she chided herself. "So what are we going to do, cowgirl?"
Jayce beamed her pearly-whites at Tiara, and Tiara had to stifle the urge to rush into Jayce's arms, bask in the warmth and comfort promised with that smile. The woman was uniquely compelling, Tiara realized. "Just some basic ground manners, first. A horse needs to respect you, as you should the horse. This is a companionship, a partnership between you and Majestic."
"Well, we're done with training already, then," Tiara said with a smirk. "Majestic doesn't like me."
Nodding, Jayce said, "I understand your position, but that's not entirely true. He toys with you because he senses you're afraid of him."
"No kidding, Jayce, he's about two thousand pounds," Tiara said, slamming fists on her hips in a show of stubbornness. From the corner of her eye, Tiara noticed the goose begin to pace. Stay where you are, she silently pleaded.
"Then you'll see him coming before he squishes you," Craig hollered from the fence, before busting into laughter. Sarah promptly elbowed him roughly in the side. "Ouch."
Sarah smirked, raising an eyebrow daring him to respond.
"Okay, I get it. Shut up, Craig," Craig said, eyeing Sarah.
; Sarah reached over and squeezed his cheek as if he were a fouryear-old. "You're so cute when the light bulb goes on."
Jayce chuckled and shook her head. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you, if I could prevent it." With a serious tone, Jayce asked, "Don't you trust me, Red?"
Despite the teasing tone moments ago, Tiara didn't miss the hurt in Jayce's eyes in expectation of a negative answer. Before she could stop herself, Tiara clasped one of Jayce's hands in hers. "I do trust you, Jayce." She just didn't trust herself. "Let's do this." With a quick squeeze, Tiara released Jayce's hand. "Teach me those ground manners," Tiara said, then cleared her throat loudly, "and preferably with me staying in a standing position."
"You pick up tasks quickly," Jayce said, "so this will be a lot easier than you're expecting." Jayce walked to the fence with the reins in her hand and Majestic casually followed. She took the rope Sarah held out, removed the bridle and attached the rope to his harness. Then Jayce walked Majestic back to where Tiara stood. "First you need to recognize the horse's mood." Tiara started to comment, but Jayce held up a finger to her lips. "Shush. We're going to imagine you both adore each other."
Jayce rubbed Majestic's nose. "How do I know he's relaxed?"
Tiara shrugged.
"His head is low, eyes are hooded, and ears are back. If his head was high, ears forward or twitching, then it would be best if we both left him alone."
"He needs to look post-orgasmic." Craig chuckled, before another, "Ouch."
Tiara and Jayce glared in his direction. The goose loudly added his two cents, with a quick peck at Craig's ankle.
"Okay, look for the lowered head to know he's in a good mood."
Jayce nodded. "You need to be the alpha-horse here. The minute a horse realizes he can be aggressive with you, push you around, you have a major problem."
Tiara frowned. "But he can push me around, he's huge." Not that she wanted to bring up her embarrassment from her second day in front of Sarah and Craig, but Tiara reminded her, "Majestic proved his strength by dragging me across my yard, Jayce."
"Horses are playful, Red. Plus, you're being too literal. He has the strength to overpower you, yes. That's why you can't be afraid, why you have to be the alpha." Jayce pulled a pair of leather gloves from her back pocket and handed them to Tiara before glancing down at the lead rope. "Now, you never want to wrap a lead rope around your hand, as that's the fastest way to lose a finger or worse. You don't want the rope to drag the ground, as it could be harmful to both you and the horse. Make sure you don't hold too tight, as Majestic will need free head, which means the ability to move it freely and not feel confined. Both of you need be relaxed and comfortable in each other's company. Go ahead and put the gloves on." As Tiara did as told, Jayce continued. "Should Majestic get spooked, the gloves will help. Bare hands would mean rope burn, and that's not fun. Not to mention you'll need your hands in great shape for your real work."
Tiara smiled playfully at Jayce. "And the second part of my instruction in the kitchen?"
"Yeah, there's that too." Jayce handed the rope over, and moved to stand behind her. Tiara felt the warmth of Jayce's body against her back. As if unaware of the distracting sensations she created, Jayce wrapped her arms around Tiara and tugged at the rope in Tiara's hand. "Okay, loosen the grip just a tad. Great." Jayce adjusted the rope so it had a bit more slack and Majestic had his free head. "How's that feel?"
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Tiara wondered if Jayce could feel the quickening of her pulse from her position against Tiara's body. She managed to whisper, "Feels okay," without too much tremor in her voice. She refrained from leaning back into Jayce and increasing their contact. "What next?"
Jayce shifted her left hand and rested it against Tiara's waist, her other hand moved to Majestic's shoulder. "When you need him to move backward, giving you some space, just nudge him here." Jayce tapped the shoulder area below his neck that she'd pointed out a moment ago, and Majestic took a step back. "See how easy that is?" Not trusting her voice, after a flutter of goose bumps ran across her skin from Jayce's warm breath in her ear, Tiara nodded.
"You try it," Jayce said and stepped away. Her absence was immediately evident to Tiara. Hopelessly lost, Tiara realized she'd never be able to maintain a platonic relationship with the handsome Mansfield woman.
Tiara did as instructed. Docile, Majestic took a step back, and Tiara gave a pleased giggle before doing it twice more. The look of pleasure on Jayce's face made this instruction worthwhile. "What next?"
From a step away, Jayce said, "Practice walking forward and then backward." Tiara did this for about five minutes, and then Jayce had Tiara walk Majestic around the circular corral. No matter how quickly or slowly Tiara's pace, Jayce kept up with them. Tiara felt relieved to have her close, not because she expected Majestic to do anything harmful, but because she took comfort in knowing Jayce was prepared to protect her.
She was so relaxed and enjoying herself that she was surprised when Jayce called a halt. Perspiration had plastered her cap to her head, and her clothes adhered to her body, yet she felt more happy and alive than she had for nearly a decade. An unexpected euphoria came over Tiara and she clasped Jayce in a tight hug of appreciation. "Oh, Jayce, thank you."
Gently returning the hug, Jayce asked, "What for, honey?"
Being held in Jayce's embrace, referred to as honey, and the surge of comfort that coursed through Tiara were too much to handle. Before she knew it was happening, Tiara felt the tears pour down her cheeks. With a nervous sob, Tiara replied, "For just being you, you big lug." She stepped away from Jayce's arms and playfully punched her on the shoulder.
Startled concern spread across Jayce's face. "Are you all right? I'm the chauvinist and the beast, remember?"
Those questions started her sobbing in earnest. Tiara glanced toward the fence, uncomfortable with the thought of an audience witnessing her breakdown. Only the goose remained, and he appeared to be asleep. "They left about twenty minutes ago," Jayce said.
"How long have we been out here?" Tiara asked, lengthening the space between she and Jayce, roughly rubbing the tears from her face.
"Almost two hours." Jayce said. "Red, what'd I do to make you cry? We don't have to do this, you know. Let me take the blame. I'll just--"
"No, Jayce, please don't say you'll stay out of my way." Tiara said pleadingly as she turned to face her again. "That would be worse."
Jayce nodded. After a minute, Jayce grinned. "Actually, I was gonna tell you I'll just quit calling you Red."
That was the moment for Tiara, the epiphany of her life. The instant she realized how in love with Jayce she had truly fallen. What was she to do now?
FROM BEHIND A stand of trees marking the entrance to the forested area of the tall woman's land, Peter Sparretti lowered the binoculars. As they left the corral with Majestic in tow, he wondered what had made the short woman, Slim's daughter, cry. She seemed to have had a good time exercising his brother's horse, but then she just lost it. "Maybe she has problems like me," he whispered. It didn't matter, he reminded himself. Elmo had looked after him his whole life, never abandoning him as their parents had, and Peter was determined to do the same.
Elmo had told them Majestic was his property. Elmo had even given them time to hand the horse over, being more than polite, too. It didn't look like they were going to do as asked.
Peter realized he would have to make sure they didn't cheat his big brother. He'd seen a little place in the woods that he could use. Maybe he could take the goose, too. He never had a pet before. Yeah, but he'd have to do a lot more thinking, try to make sure he didn't do anything too stupid. Usually Elmo did all the thinking. Elmo wasn't simple like Peter. Elmo was smart. Elmo took care of him. It was Peter's turn to take care of Elmo. That's what brothers were for, to take care of each other.
"I'll get Majestic back, so you can be proud of me, Elmo." Despite his size, Peter quietly slipped back into the forest.
Chapter Twenty
A COOL BREEZE blew through the kitchen screen door. Jayce, leaned against the sink counter, a mug of coffee clutched in her hand and enjoyed the feel of the early morning breeze against her skin as she waited for Tiara to arrive. It was nearly three weeks since Tiara had arrived. Their time together had become more relaxed, each encounter proving less stressful than the last. Both had agreed to break the time up with their real work. Darla's dinner night the week before had them agreeing to give their best to the tasks set before them. Their time working with Majestic had gone quite well. In fact, last night it was unanimously agreed upon by Darla, Sarah and Edna that since neither had so much as threatened one another, they could try to go without chaperones this morning. Jayce hoped the cooking lesson would be as amiable.
Gazing at the counter, Jayce did another mental inventory ensuring all the items they'd need, minus the refrigerated stuff, was already out and ready. She had decided to start small, picking a single item at a time, rather than attempting an entire meal preparation. She didn't want to put that much stress on Tiara. So, they would start simple, with homemade biscuits, a staple of rural America. Once she'd evaluated Tiara's comfort level and ability, Jayce would plan the next phase.
A soft knock came at the door. "Come in."
Tiara entered in her standard worn jeans and t-shirt, with an expression similar to the one Jayce wore when called to the principal's office. Jayce chuckled, "How 'bout a cup of coffee?" At Tiara's nod, she poured coffee in to a mug and handed it over. She shifted a bit so Tiara could have access to the sugar. "This isn't an hour of torture, you know. You just may find you like to cook."
Tiara smirked. "Yeah, as much as having teeth pulled at the dentist office when they're out of Novocain."
Jayce guffawed. "Aw, it's not gonna be that bad, honey." She swallowed, hoping Tiara hadn't noticed the endearment. The same one she couldn't stop yesterday while they worked with Majestic.
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