Her cousin Jake walked out of the stables, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Boy, am I glad to see you back in one piece.” Jake had been hesitant to let her get on a horse when she showed up begging to go for a ride.
She’d assured him she had approval from her physical therapist to ride if she didn’t trot or gallop. Thank goodness she’d remembered to ask Gabe about riding on the phone last night, because she was way too keyed up after breaking off her engagement to go home and face her mother.
“How was your ride?”
“It was great, but I think I need your help getting down.”
Jake reached up to her waist and help her off the horse. “Did you spend this whole time in the saddle? No wonder you’re stiff.”
Paige had no idea what time it was, but she’d been riding for hours.
“No, I got off and walked a little here and there. But the ride back was the longest stretch, and my muscles all tightened up.” She shook first one leg then the other as the pins and needles hit.
Paige had also spent nearly an hour at one of the prettiest spots on the ranch. Where she enjoyed the fresh air, listened to the water rushing over the small waterfall, and poured out her heart to God.
She prayed everything would go well when Gabe talked to her dad and Dr. Stoker. She truly believed Gabe was the reason God brought her home. Now, she needed to have faith that He would work everything out.
At least Gabe’s mom knew the truth now. She was certain her parents would be happy for her when she told them she was in love with Gabe, but she couldn't guarantee the doctor side of her father would approve. And she’d never met Dr. Stoker, so she had no idea how Gabe’s talk with him would go, but she’d prayed that both men would be understanding.
Jake started unsaddling Honey. “I was beginning to think I’d have to call in a search party to help find you. I didn’t look forward to telling your parents I let you go and hurt yourself.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I should have called or texted to let you know I was okay.”
“You probably wouldn’t have had any service, you know how the ranch is. Jake gave a sheepish grin as he shrugged. “And you know me, I would have worried anyway, even if you’d checked in.”
He managed it well, but Jake had always had anxiety.
Paige patted his shoulder. “I really appreciate you letting me ride. It was exactly what I needed today.”
“I’m glad to see you making a full recovery.” He studied her face for a moment. “You’re starting to look like your old self. You look happy.”
“I am happy.” Paige beamed. She couldn’t wait to tell everyone why she was so happy.
She helped brush Honey down before saying goodbye to Jake and getting in her car. Her phone dinged before she made it to the highway. She picked it up to find a text from her mom.
Dinner at Charity's at 6:30. Don't be late.
Paige glanced at the clock on her dash. It was already after six, and she had a twenty-minute drive to town. She’d make it, but she wouldn’t have time to go home and shower first.
It wasn't unusual for her parents to decide to go out to dinner at the last minute, but Mom demanding she not be late was odd. Had Gabe had a chance to talk to her dad already, or did he have to stay late with patients tonight?
She didn’t want to step on Gabe’s toes, but she vowed not to leave Charity's Diner without telling her parents the truth. Even though she didn’t look forward to it, she needed to come clean about everything. She'd rather not do it in a public place, but she was committed to coming clean as soon as possible.
The closer she got to Providence, the tighter her stomach clenched. So much so, she lost her appetite which was surprising since she'd skipped lunch.
She was only a few minutes late by the time she parked beside her mother's car at the diner. She was almost to the entrance when she spotted a familiar blue car that looked like Gabe's.
Did he plan to talk to her dad over dinner in what was usually a crowded restaurant? The prospect made her stomach churn.
Maybe that’s a good thing. Dad will be less likely to get angry in public.
She hurried inside and came to a screeching halt. There was no mistaking the broad muscular shoulders and black, wavy hair of the man who sat across the table from her parents. A table smack dab in the middle of the restaurant. Where everyone could see them.
"Ah, there she is now." Her mom's voice rose above the low din of the diner as she waved at Paige.
Gabe stood and faced her. The broad grin on his face sent her heart racing. He winked at her, his impossibly long eyelashes dipping, as he closed the distance between them.
