Dennis patted his knees and stood. “AnnaJane called. The kids are just eatin’ breakfast, and they’ll be right over. I’ll go get dressed so I can help you load up the horses.”
Colton nodded. “Thanks, Pa.”
Dennis winked at me before disappearing down the hall, into his bedroom.
It was just Colton and me now. He finally pushed himself away from the wall. I stood, his presence pulling me to my feet. “How did you sleep?” Colton asked, his voice low and heavy.
I was suddenly aware of my lack of makeup and sweat-drenched clothes. I was also painfully aware that I was wearing nothing under my jacket but a sports bra. I thought about his no-shirt boxers look and crossed my arms over my chest. “I slept great.” I motioned toward the hall. “I’d better get dressed so we can get going.”
He nodded quickly. “Yeah, uh, for sure. I’ll go get everything ready.”
We were face-to-face, inches apart, in the middle of the hallway. He gave me a soft smile, his fingers brushing mine, before he stepped out of my way.
I took the quickest shower of my life, let my hair down, and dressed in a floral blouse. I did more makeup than I usually would for a horse ride, hearing Martha’s teasing voice in my head.
By the time I was finished in the bathroom, it was seven o’clock.
I rushed down the hall and outside.
The Nash property continued to amaze me with its impressive size and beauty. The yard itself was huge and perfect, but it was the countless pastures, corrals, and the black barn that floored me.
I was dying to see what was in the barn. It was enormous.
“Can I help?” I asked as the screen door slammed behind me.
Colton was trying to saddle horses and keep the kids contained. He looked up, a wide grin on his face. “Kids, introduce yourself to Allegra while I finish this up.”
The little boy, Cash, ran up to me, his arms outstretched in an expected hug. His tiny cowboy hat was flapping in the wind,threatening to fall off at any moment. I crouched to his level and let him throw his little arms around my neck. “Ally, do you get to go horse ridin’ today?” He screamed.
I nodded. “Yes, I am so excited.”
“Well, I’m Cash. You know that. This is my sister Ellie, and my brother Hunter.” He leaned back to point at his siblings.
I smiled at Ellie. She was wearing a flannel button-up, floral cowgirl boots, and her hair in twin braids, making my heart ache. She was the cutest little girlI’dever seen. “I believe I’ve had the privilege of hearing your voice, Miss Ellie.”
She grinned, revealing her missing top two teeth. “Really?”
“I think it was in Arizona. You sang the National Anthem at a rodeo, didn’t you?”
Colton had just finished saddling the last horse and wiped the sweat off his brow. “Ellie will sing anywhere that’ll have her.”
“Well, you have a beautiful voice,” I said with complete honesty. “I would love to hear you sing again sometime.”
She nodded enthusiastically and looked at Colton. “Like now?”
He laughed. “Not now. We gottagetgoin’. It’s gonnarain later, and we want to be home before then.” He nodded at the boy, who couldn’t have been older than two, digging in the dirt. “Hunter, can you say hello to my friend?”
The boy waved without looking up, wearing his own matching cowboy hat and boots.
I waved back. “Hi, Hunter. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Alright, let’s get goin’,” Colton said excitedly.
“Alan’s kids aren’t coming?” I asked as he picked up the little boy and set him on the jet black Murgesehorse.
“Nah, Erin is taking full advantage of him being home, and she went to see her folks so Alan could watch ‘em.” He lifted Cash up and onto his saddle, making the muscles in his arms jump excitedly. I could practically hear the stitching in his shirt pop against the strain.
“I’ve got you on Gracie,” Colton said, throwing me a hesitant look. “She’s a great horse, real gentle.”
