“Yeah, I think I’ve got everything. I never noticed the sleigh in the barn before.”
“I usually have hay stacked in front of it when I’m not using it.”
“Was it here already?”
“No, I bought it that first winter. The snow got so deep that the wagon just kept getting stuck. Bolt enjoys the snow no matter what, so him pulling something in it is like a game. I saw the sleigh on a list for a local estate sale and bought it midsummer for cheap because no one else wanted it.”
“Have you had to use it yet?”
“No, but I need to fix the main brace where the harness hooks on before winter, just in case.”
Before I can say another word, he takes the basket out of my hand, putting it down before grabbing me by the waist, placing me in the saddle. I move my legs out of the way of the stirrups, and he swings his legs over, settling in the saddle before pulling me back against him. Handing me the basket, he moves the reins, and Rebel calmly walks toward the gate, unbothered by our combined weight. Grant leans down, unlocking the corral and Rebel twitches, like he’s ready for a good run. “Hold on boy, let me get this latch hooked, then you can enjoy your freedom.”
“Do you think Star would follow us?”
“No, but Bolt sure would. I am convinced he’s a big damn dog. I was throwing the last of the hay down out of the loft yesterday, and I swear more landed on him than it did on the ground. No matter how many times I moved him out of the way, he would come right back because he wanted to see what I was doing. He even reared up on his hind legs so he could look into the loft. Never seen a horse that curious.”
“He just wants to be included, like you said, he’s a big, gentle giant. Where is this pond?”
“Over the ridge; I found it hunting the first year here.”
We ride for about thirty minutes through the thick forest, Rebel effortlessly picking his way through the trees and their roots on the ground. We’ve just started down a rather steep hill when I notice water sparkling ahead.
“My goodness, look how beautiful the water is … it’s so clear.”
“I believe it’s fed by a natural spring. It has a slight dirt taste if you get it in your mouth.”
Grant stops Rebel a few feet from the edge of the water before swinging his legs over. I lean down slightly so that he can lift me down. “Give me the blanket, I’ll spread it out over here in the shade while you look around.”
“Oh, my Grant, I feel like we are the only people in the world. I thought the cabin was remote, but this is … this is just magical. The trees are so tall they look like sentinels guarding this little paradise from the world.”
“That’s crazy, I thought the same thing when I first saw it.”
Because I’m distracted looking around, a splash in the water startles me, and I turn, only to find Grant gone. Before I can say his name, he resurfaces in the water, playfully splashing me in the process.
“Strip!”
“What?”
“Little Mouse, you heard me, don’t make me come out there and do it for you.”
“Grant, we are outside.”
“And your point is?”
“You want me to just get naked and walk in the water?”
“Yep, that’s the plan. What were you planning on wearing, your dress?”
“I was going to ask you what to wear and then just got caught up in the things we needed and forgot.” I know my cheeks are blood red as I can’t believe what he wants me to do.
“I would have told you what you had on was fine, because it was all coming off one way or another. Lauren?”
“Yes, yes … I know, will you at least turn away until I’m all the way in?”
“If it gets you in the water, yes, I will, but don’t expect me to stay that way; you’ve been warned.”
My fingers fumble with the buttons on my clothing, suddenly clumsy and slow, knowing he can turn anytime. I shed each layer slowly, half expecting him to grow impatient. I no longer think that when he says…
