Jake led them to the fence of a large pasture where a dozen horses grazed. She wrinkled her nose. She appreciated the beauty of the magnificent animals much more than their smell.
Knowing Debbie wouldn’t be able to in her heels, Amy climbed onto the middle rail of the fence, and swung her right leg over the top. Reaching a hand out to Jake’s shoulder to steady herself, she watched Debbie shoot daggers at her.
If looks could kill...
Perched on the fence, Amy admired the horses that came near, occasionally reaching out to stroke their necks. She fired off question after question to Jake, monopolizing his attention.
“Is there a significance to the brand?” she asked, pointing at the interlocking diamonds on one horse’s flank.
“My grandfather created the brand. The W is for Winters, and the inverted W that completes the diamonds is meant to represent future generations.”
The story touched something deep inside Amy. She sensed Jake’s pride in his forefathers, and judging by the ranch’s apparent success, she figured they would be equally proud of him.
She wished she could provide a heritage like that for her daughter. Would Kallie ever look back at Amy’s life and be proud of the life her mom had led? Maybe not to this point, but Amy was determined to change that.
Debbie’s annoyance manifested itself in her stony silence and her glare aimed at Amy.
Amy did her best to ignore her. Eventually, her leg grew numb and the foot she’d hooked over the rail fell asleep. Deciding it was time to get down, she shifted her body and swung her leg back. Teetering, she grabbed Jake’s shoulder for support.
He raised a hand to her waist in response.
Debbie gave an exasperated huff, spun on her spiked heels, and walked away.
Amy aimed a smile of triumph at Debbie’s back as she lowered her numb, right foot to the bottom rail. Her smile faded when her well-worn tennis shoe slipped from the middle rail. Off-balance, she shrieked and flailed her arms as she went down.
Jake’s other hand flew out to steady her, but it was too late. She barely managed to get her foot under her before hitting the ground. The toe of her right foot landed first, taking all her weight. Another cry burst from her lips as searing pain lanced through her big toe and into her foot. Helpless, she crumpled at Jake’s feet.
Lying on the ground, Amy was vaguely aware of Debbie glancing back and giving a disgusted grunt before marching off. Amy rolled onto her back, half laughing at her clumsiness and half crying from the pain in her toe.
Laughter bubbled out of Jake as he dropped to one knee beside her. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t think so.” Still laughing, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
“I have to say, your method is a little unorthodox, but effective.” He watched as Debbie’s shiny red Porsche roared to life and sped out of the yard.
“Okay. Time to be my knight in shining armor and rescue me from my clumsiness.” She reached out hand for him to help her up. Once on her feet, pain shot through her toe again. She whimpered and grabbed Jake’s arm for support.
“Are you hurt?”
She grimaced. “I think I broke my toe along with my pride.”
Jake chuckled. “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” Amy admitted, her cheeks growing hot. She squeaked as Jake swept her up in his arms and started toward the house.
“I can walk. I just need an arm for support.”
He stopped walking and glared at her. “Stop squirming, or I’ll drop you.”
With a scowl, she shut her mouth and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. The subtle scent of his cologne hit her, and she forced herself to keep her arm loose, instead of pulling her face into his shoulder and inhaling.
Jake started walking again. “I take it falling from the fence wasn’t part of your act?”
“Not at all. My right leg fell asleep, and my left foot slipped.” She giggled again. “Did I look as clumsy as I felt?”
He chuckled. “Yeah.”
“Man, Debbie missed the best part. Wouldn’t she be upset to see you carrying me in your arms right now?”
