“That word alone tells me you’re not convinced.” One dark brow shot up in a handsome arc. “Going back to Trinity with me would be good for the two of you. Think about it?” He winked.
“Who’s Jay, Mommy?” Prisha looked up from the game on her iPad and asked through a mouth crammed with toast. “And what’s Trinity?”
Aria switched her gaze from Reece to her daughter. Glad the child was too young to remember Jay’s disgusting behavior, she heaved a small sigh. “He’s no one important, sweetpea.”
“Trinity is my hometown, sweetheart.” Reece chugged his beer then smiled. “It’s where us cowboys ride.”
“Ooh, is it pretty?” The little girl straightened in her seat. “Are there horses? I always wanted to ride a horse, but Mommy says it’s too dangerous.” Her tiny mouth puckered before she took a bite of her lunch.
Aria caught Reece’s gaze. He appeared to apologize for opening up a can of worms. “Yes, sweetpea, Reece’s home is on a ranch, and there are horses. I promised Reece I’ll think about it, okay.”
The little girl swallowed her chewed bread and nodded. Her daughter’s quiet acceptance didn’t fool Aria. Once Prisha got an idea into her head, it would stick, no matter what. And the more she heard about Trinity, chances were, her nagging wouldn’t stop until Aria agreed to go.
Chapter Twenty Two
Aria waited while Reecesaddled the golden Palomino he’d introduced her to, four days ago. She glanced around, loving the earthy smell of hay and the clean cobblestone stables. Her argument not to come proved futile. Going up against Reece and Prisha was a waste of time from the minute her daughter found out Reece lived with horses.
The Bentley Ranch, located in the small town of Trinity, Arizona, stood between a gorgeous mountain range and wide-open fields. The distraction of Reece’s happy family, the horses and learning to ride was exactly what she needed and gave her little time to think about Jay. Although Aria was still skittish, the gentle Palomino put her at ease.
Reece walked the horse out of the stall and stopped at her side. “You ready—”
“Mommy, Reece!” Prisha’s sudden shout startled her and Reece.
Aria turned then smiled. Her daughter, atop a horse the color of ash, rode beside Cody and Samantha as they entered the stables. The minute the horse stopped, Prisha vaulted off and raced to Aria’s side.
“Did you see me, Mommy. I rode on my own.” Her daughter’s flushed face matched her excitement. Prisha circled Aria’s waist and breathed hard.
“She’s a natural,” Cody said as he and Samantha approached. He’d spent the last few days teaching Prisha how to ride. Today the first day she was allowed to mount a horse all on her own.
“Like she was born to ride, huh?” Reece ruffled the child’s hair.
“Thank you, Cody, for teaching her. She became fascinated with horses ever since we visited Dubois for the annual fair, two years ago. But, I was scared she’d get hurt,” Aria said with a sheepish grin.
“My pleasure.” He chuckled.
“Looks like she was destined to mount a horse. You dating a cowboy says so.” Samantha winked and looped a hand with her husband.
