SEVENTEEN
Bright and early inthe morning, Zack rode his horse alongside Joe. The sun was just barely making its way up in the sky. The clouds were tinted pink and blue. The scene was surreal. He wished Whitney could share it with him.
Today Joe didn’t bring the other ranchers, and he didn’t intend to bring in the cattle either, so Zack wondered why Joe had invited him on this early morning ride. As they made their way through the woods, he became uncomfortable. Joe had brought his rifle, but Zack felt helpless without a weapon. Of course, it had been years since he took a hunter’s safety course, so he might not be the best person to carry around a loaded weapon.
Joe was silent for the first little while as they galloped their horses along a path in the woods. Zack was alert to everything around him, and he prayed the shooter hadn’t been watching him when he left the house this morning.
When Joe slowed his horse, Zack hoped the other man would want to talk now. If not, Zack would come up with a topic. Something needed to be done to break up the silence.
Joe glanced over his shoulder at Zack. “You’re probably wondering why I wanted you to come riding with me.”
“Actually, yes.” Zack slowed his horse to a stop and waited for Joe to do the same. “Especially, when nobody else came with us.”
Sighing, Joe’s gaze moved around them slowly as a soft smile bracketed his mouth. “I’ve always loved the outdoors. It’s so calming out here.”
“I have to agree with you. In fact,” Zack chuckled softly, “I’m thinking of buying my own ranch.”
Joe’s eyes widened. “You are? Right here in Maine?”
Zack shrugged. “I was thinking more like Montana.”
“Well, with your money, I’m sure you’ll find a nice place and hire the best people to run it for you.”
“Unless I want to run it myself.”
Joe adjusted his hat. “Are you a hands-on kind of guy?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good to know, especially since I’ve read about you in the tabloids.”
Zack snorted a laugh and rolled his eyes. “Don’t believe everything you read in those magazines.”
“I’m glad to know that.” He leaned forward. “One more question.”
“Okay.”
“Are you going to take care of my daughter?”
Love swelled in Zack’s chest. “As much as she’ll let me. But yes, I plan on doing all I can to take care of Whitney. I’m in love with her, sir. I told her last night.”
