“Good. Then eat up, because you’re going to need your energy for what I have planned in the shower.”
“I can’t tellyou the last time I’ve been out riding.”
“Really?”
Joey’s behind me on Lollipop while Storm and I lead the way. Thankfully, the main trails are fine after yesterday’s storm blew through.
It was still quiet at the barn when we got there, so I was able to send a quick text to the ranch hands that I’d be going for a ride with the horses. No one saw the two of us together—thank God.
Not that we aren’t together while working, but being together on our day off might raise some suspicion. And that’s the last thing we need right now.
“I worry about taking Max riding, so we haven’t gone. There’s never enough time in the day.”
“If you want to bring him out sometime, I’m happy to teach him.”
“You’re too good to me, Sam. You don’t have to do that.”
“Why wouldn’t I? It means I also get to spend time with you.”
With Max here to ride, I’d be able to spend time with Joey without anyone asking questions. And even though Georgia could easily take him, I know she’s always busy with her therapy clients.
I sneak a peek back at her and she’s grinning from ear to ear. A wide smile that does funny things to my insides. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this good. Like the weight ofmy past has lifted. She didn’t flinch when I told her how I failed Lennox as a parent. Joey has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met and I’m happy she took a chance on me.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
Joey breaks me out of my thoughts as Storm turns up the hidden path toward my spot.
“You’ll see in a few minutes.”
Shadows cross the trail from the Ponderosa pine trees lining the trail, the smell of vanilla wafting off them.
The trail opens with the sparkling lake ahead of us. There’s a few downed branches, but nothing major.
“What is this place?” Joey asks, pulling Lollipop to a stop next to me.
I hop down and help her off. “It’s my own little hideaway. Not many people know this is here.”
“It’s beautiful.”
Her eyes are moving fast, taking it all in. From the blue sky to the sun streaming through the trees with the mountains behind it all.
“I don’t like telling people about it because I don’t want it to be overrun. I like that I can come here and think.”
Grabbing the reins to the horses, I tie them up on the makeshift fence post I built. Storm doesn’t wander off, but I don’t want Lollipop to make a break for it.
Joey walks to the shoreline and kicks off her boots. She sticks her toes in the water, throwing her head back.
“Wow. This feels incredible.”
I follow her lead, kicking out of my shoes and socks and rolling up my pants to stand next to her.
The warm water laps at my ankles as the sun beats down on my skin.
“I can see why you want to keep this place to yourself.”
Joey wades farther into the water. Her white dress floats around her as she spins with her arms thrown wide.
My heart catches in my chest as I watch her in the water.
