“Define okay!”
“Still on the pony?”
“Technically!”
I pulled up and trotted back.
“Use your thighs more.”
“Thanks for the tip, John Wayne.”
She was hanging on like a damn champion. Okay—maybe more like a stubborn girl who refused to admit her leg hurt. Either way, she stayed on.
The trail curved down through the cottonwoods, golden leaves catching the sun like confetti. She was quiet, but I could feel her watching me.
She looked too damn perfect in that old hat of mine. Like she belonged here. Like she’d always belonged.
By the time Hope’s house came into view, Willa had figured out the rhythm—mostly. Her jeans were dusty, cheeks pink, and eyes lit up with something that looked suspiciously like pride.
“So… do I look like a real cowgirl now?”
I looked her over, slow and shameless.
“If I wasn’t already on a horse, I’d be on my knees.”
Willa tugged at the reins, her eyes narrowing.
“So you’re really not gonna give me a heads-up on what I’m about to face?”
I pretended to think.
“Hmm… I believe in the power of surprise.”
Before she could protest, I hopped off Shakespeare and walked straight up to the front door.
Hope opened the door with that signature scowl of hers.
“Oh, great. You and your little fiancée again.”
“Yep,” I said, grinning. “And why exactly does that bother you?”
She huffed. Gave me the gate key like she was handing over state secrets.
I turned back and shot Willa a wink.
“Stay right there, sweetheart. I’ll be back in a minute.”
She looked confused as hell. Honestly, fair.
A few minutes later, the back gate creaked open… and out came McKenzie.
Big. Loud. Mooing like she owned the damn ranch.
Willa’s eyes went wide.
“Is that…?”
“Yep,” I said, holding the lead rope. “That’s McKenzie.”
