Good thing Elsie wasn’t a cowgirl. Nothing for her to fear. She offered Maggie a small smile. “Well, that was honest.” But hardly unexpected.

  “I really like you, Elsie.” Maggie nudged her sunglasses back into place. “While I think you and that charming, but extremely guarded, cowboy over there could be really good for each other, I also believe it’s good to be prepared. To know exactly what you are getting into.”

  Ryan strolled closer and lowered Gemma to the ground. His gaze shifted from Elsie to Maggie and back to her. “What are we getting into now?”

  They definitely were not getting into matters of the heart. Especially not ones involving a cowboy complication. And there would be complications with her cowboy. The kind caused by difficult goodbyes and inevitable heartbreaks. Best not to go there. Not now. Not ever. Elsie said, “We were about to get into proper horse care.”

  “And on that note, I’ll take these two lovely ladies to visit Sundancer.” Maggie grabbed Autumn’s hand then Gemma’s and added, “We’re going to talk about what Sundancer can eat. What he can’t eat. What his favorite snacks are. Then I’ll show you how he likes to be groomed.”

  “What about Midnight Rose?” Autumn frowned. “Doesn’t she get favorite treats too?”

  “We’ll let Ryan handle Midnight Rose for now,” Maggie said.

  “Because Midnight Rose likes Cowboy Prince the best. Do you know why?” Gemma lifted her arm, raising Maggie’s arm too. She spun in a quick circle beneath their joined hands then answered her own question. “It’s because Cowboy Prince makes her feel safe.”

  He certainly had a knack for that. Elsie tethered her thoughts before they spiraled away from her. Still, her gaze was hooked on Ryan. He was strong. Yet it was his confidence and certainty in how he carried himself that drew her to him. He knew who he was. Where he belonged. She envied that. But she was determined she would have it for herself too. In New York.

  Her gaze connected with his. That awareness spiked. And that was bad. She looked away before she got tangled up in that cowboy complication after all.

  Maggie spun Gemma one last time then wrapped her arm around the little girl’s waist. “Once Midnight Rose gets used to you and your sister and your goats, she’s going to like you best too.”

  That brought out Gemma’s ear-to-ear grin.

  Autumn scratched her nose. “Which goat do you think she’ll like the best?”

  “Smarty Marty will greet her first,” Gemma decided. “But Auntie calls him a rascal and she uses her mad voice when she says it too. Then she says he’s lucky he’s so cute.”

  “I’ll leave you two to it then.” Maggie waggled her eyebrows at Elsie and laughed. Then the trio walked toward the pasture, debating who was the friendliest goat in the flock. And who would make the best best friend for Midnight Rose.

  “Have something against rascals?” Ryan tapped the rim of his hat higher and studied her.

  “Yes, especially the cute ones that make me chase them around the backyard all night,” Elsie said.

  “You could just let him roam around,” Ryan suggested. “Save yourself the frustration.”

  “I tried that.” Elsie wiped her hand over her mouth, but her smile still broke free. “And found him standing beside my bed the next morning, chewing on my favorite pair of leggings.”

  Ryan’s shoulders shook. Then his laughter spilled free.

  “It’s not funny.” Elsie failed to sound admonishing. “I liked those leggings, but now there’s a hole in the backside. I’m still mad at him too.”

  “I’m sure he feels bad.” Ryan on the other hand hardly looked contrite.

  Elsie rolled her eyes. “I know he doesn’t. I caught him two days later trying to eat my scrunchie.”

  “Could be he just wants your attention.” His eyebrows twitched. His gaze warmed.

  Elsie’s cheeks heated. “Well, that’s not the way to go about it.”

  “Care to tell me what is?” His words came out in a slow drawl.

  This. Right here. Treating me as if I’m the only one who matters. Elsie blinked, batted away those butterflies and fluttery feelings tangling inside her. She fumbled for her phone rather than reach for his hand to anchor her. “Right. We should get to Midnight Rose.” She swiped across her phone screen, but her knees still felt slightly wobbly. “I was researching anxious horses in the car line earlier. Listen to this.”

  Silence swirled between them.

  Her breath caught. His smile was tender. Affectionate. Unguarded. And aimed directly at her. Her voice was no stronger than a puff. “What?”

  The corners of his mouth curved into his beard as if he had more than one really good secret and no intention of sharing. Then one of his eyebrows arched. “You were going to tell me something you read.”

  Elsie blinked.

  “During your horse care research,” he added.

  Horse care. Right. Elsie came to her senses. What could she possibly tell him about horses that he didn’t already know? Silly Elsie. He wasn’t the one complicating things. She was. Turning this into something it wasn’t. Time to stop. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

  “But you thought it was important.” He crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance as if preparing to wait her out. “So, I’d like to hear it.”

  He didn’t mean that. Couldn’t mean that. She waved her hand. “I’m sure you’ve already covered it on your spreadsheet.”

  “Spreadsheet,” he repeated, not bothering to mask his confusion.

  “You must have made a spreadsheet for the horses and their care for me,” Elsie explained, letting her own frustration roll through her words. “As my brother’s business partner, you would know he puts everything on spreadsheets, especially for me.”

  “I’m only supposed to be a silent partner.” He scratched his cheek and frowned. “But there doesn’t seem to be anything silent about it.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, finally calling him out. Just as she should have earlier. Then she wouldn’t have gotten lost in his warm gaze. Or his charming ways. Or let herself get carried away.

  He shrugged. “I didn’t think it was important.”

  Or rather he didn’t think she was important. At least not enough to be let in on the secret. One more reason not to read between those lines. It was past time to get back to matters other than her heart. There was a festival booth to build. Honey to sell. A competition to win. And an anxious horse that she felt compelled to help. “I already turned music on in the stables for Midnight Rose. It’s supposed to help soothe horses. But I should warn you. The stables aren’t as nice as the ones your family has.”

  “The stalls here open to individual paddocks,” Ryan said, his words reassuring. “That will allow Midnight Rose to come and go for her food and water when she wants. On her own terms. I’m hoping she won’t feel so trapped.”

  “That’s good.” Elsie started walking toward the stables. “It’s important to know where you stand, isn’t it? Even for a horse.”

  “Elsie.” Ryan touched her arm and stopped her. “You’re upset I didn’t tell you about the partnership with your brother.”

  I’m upset I thought, even for a second, I could matter to you. Elsie shook her head. “It’s fine.” I’m fine too.

  After all, sharing things wasn’t what they did. And nothing she wanted to do. Not with him. That implied things like a relationship. That she was part of a we. But she was comfortable on her own. Preferred it like that, in fact. “Let’s get Midnight Rose settled in. I’m sure you have more important things to be doing.”

  He opened his mouth then closed it. His gaze searched hers, sharp and alert, then finally he said, “I’m right where I want to be.”

  And for a second time those lines blurred. Until Elsie checked herself. Tethered herself back to the facts. He was there because he’d delivered Sundancer and Midnight Rose. Reminded herself his priority was the horses. As it should be. As was hers too. The horses and the bee farm linked them. Nothing else. She said, “I’m going to have her eyes checked. I was reading about equine eye issues causing some horses to spook.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Ryan said. “I can handle her care.”

  “She’s living on my family’s property,” Elsie argued. “I will look after her.” You too if you let me.

  “Why would you do that?” Ryan asked. He set his hands on his hips. “You have more than enough going on already.”

  Because she was inexplicably drawn to the mare. The same as she was to him. She nudged that realization aside. “It’s important to know you are wanted, Ryan. Everyone, including horses, needs to feel that.”

  “I agree,” he said softly.

  Maybe it was the sincerity in his expression or that tenderness in his eyes, but Elsie let her words slip free. “I want Midnight Rose to know that she can belong here if she chooses.” She inhaled, tried not to fidget under his unrelenting stare then exhaled, revealing another truth. “If I can help Midnight Rose find her place, then maybe I can find...”

  “Your place,” he finished for her.

  He understood her.

  She nodded. “I know what it’s like for her. It’s unsettling and scary shuffling from one home to another. Not knowing where you fit. Then realizing you don’t and probably never will.”

  “Was that what it was like after your parents’ divorce?” he asked, his voice gentle.

  “My dad didn’t know what to do with me. Dresses, braids and tears mystified him,” Elsie admitted. “He was brilliant at solving a math equation. But faltered when it came to soothing a scared little girl.”

  His only daughter who’d only ever really wanted a warm hug from her father. To have someone hold her and tell her it would be alright. Even if it’d been a lie. That was all Elsie had ever wanted growing up. Instead, her father kept her at an arm’s length, providing the material things she needed growing up but without the affection.

  Ryan stepped closer to her, but he didn’t reach for her. “What about your mom?”

  “Mom let me go to the theater with her as long as I stayed quiet backstage.” Elsie lifted her shoulder as if her past wasn’t of any real consequence. Yet still she shared it with him. “So, I stayed out of her way too. I would read in the prop room until the final curtain dropped.” And lose herself in the pages of her books. Chapter after chapter. Book after book.

  “Did you ever feel like you belonged someplace?” he asked.

  “Here.” Elsie lifted her arm and motioned around her. “With my aunt and uncle during our summer visits. They made me feel like I belonged.” Like I was truly wanted. She’d forgotten just how much her time spent on the farm had meant. Until now.

  His smile was soft and sincere. Surprise skimmed over his words. “There’s something about this place, isn’t there?”

  “You feel it too?” Elsie closed the distance.

  “Always.” He lifted his hand.

  Elsie held her breath.

  “Auntie. Cowboy Prince.” That shout came from Gemma.

  Followed by Autumn’s excited command, “Hurry up. You gotta see this.”

  Ryan’s hand landed on his hat, smashing it lower on his forehead.

  Elsie jumped away, spun around and hurried toward the pasture. Ryan kept pace beside her. Autumn hopped up and down and waved them on.

  Gemma decided they weren’t moving fast enough and sprinted toward them. She grabbed Elsie’s hand then Ryan’s and tugged them both forward. “Butter-Belle and Midnight Rose are friends now. You gotta see.” Gemma steered them toward the pasture gate and pointed through the fence posts. “See.”

  Sure enough, Midnight Rose stood at the far end of her paddock. Her graceful black head stretched over the fence posts, grazing on grass. Butter-Belle grazed not inches from her.

  Ryan set his arms on the top rung of the fence and leaned toward Elsie. “And look who’s not all that far away either.”

  Sundancer was grazing in the main pasture. Only ten feet from the gate that opened from Midnight Rose’s paddock into the pasture. Elsie smiled at Ryan. “This just might work.”

  “Yeah.” His warm gaze skimmed over her like a caress. “It just might.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  EVEN THE DEVIL knows when to walk away, Ryan.

  And that was the problem with Ryan, according to his Gran Claire. Despite knowing he should walk away, he never did.

  Like right now.

  “I’m going to head out and get in some practice before dinner.” Maggie pushed away from the pasture fence and pulled her keys from her pocket. “Ryan, are you joining me for some roping practice?”

  Here was when he walked away. He shook his head. “Can’t. I need to build a festival booth with Elsie.”

  Elsie aimed a surprised look his way. “How did you hear about that?”

  “I got a text message from Bryce earlier to check my email.” He tugged his phone from his pocket and waved it at her. “Then Breezy and Gayle called to give me a direct order. I was told to help Elsie with whatever she needs for as long as it takes.”

  Elsie pressed her lips together as if fighting back her smile.

  “I’m definitely not messing with an order from the Baker sisters.” Maggie chuckled and lifted both her hands, palms out. “We can practice tomorrow. Should I tell Tess to expect you for dinner this evening?”

  Ryan watched Elsie and waited. Here was her out. Her chance to decline his help. And send him on his way. That would’ve been the sensible thing.

  Elsie chewed on her bottom lip, looking indecisive and adorable.

  “I’m really doing you a favor and saving you a call.” Ryan leaned toward Elsie and kept his voice low. Only for her. At her raised eyebrows, he added, “Now you won’t need to call a cowboy like the Baker sisters instructed you to do.”

  Her smile finally broke free. Followed by her soft laugh as if the joke was theirs to share alone. And that indecision disappeared. He really should leave now. Before he decided he wanted to share even more with Elsie.

  “Unfortunately, I don’t think we will be done before dinner, Maggie.” Elsie counted off the list of items on her fingers. “We still have to go through the feeding schedule for the horses. There’s the seedlings to water. The goats to gather. The honey inventory to locate. Homework to complete. And that festival booth to design.”

  “Sounds like a busy evening for you two,” Maggie mused then jingled her keys. “Don’t forget to stop and eat at some point. If the Baker sisters find out that tonight was all work and no play, they just might send you two on a real date.”

  Elsie blushed and knocked the brim of her baseball cap lower on her forehead.

  Maggie didn’t bother to hide her amusement. She hugged the girls, wished everyone a good night and strolled away. Her laughter trailing behind her all the way to her truck.

  Autumn tucked her hair behind her ear and studied Ryan then Elsie. Finally, she asked, “Auntie Elsie, are you and Cowboy Prince dating?”

  “No. We’re working together.” Elsie looked everywhere but at Ryan. “And we’re going to need your help and your sister’s tonight.”

  “But, Auntie, don’t you want to date Cowboy Prince?” Gemma’s nose scrunched up. Confusion coated her words. “Everybody wants to date a prince.”

  Ryan stilled. Held his breath. And waited on Elsie.

  Elsie fidgeted. Tightened her ponytail. Touched her cheek. Then finally caught herself and jammed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans.

  But the girls had already moved on. To Ryan.

  Autumn tipped her head and assessed him as if she was a matchmaking understudy of the Baker sisters. Her words clear and clever. “Cowboy Prince, do you like Auntie Elsie?”

  “I do.” Very much. And much more than was wise.

  “Then you and Auntie should go on a date,” Autumn announced. Pleasure brightened her expression.

  “Autumn, thanks for finding me a date.” Elsie’s hand landed on Autumn’s shoulder. A hint of alarm leaked into her words. “But now isn’t really the time for this.”

  Ryan couldn’t think of a better time for this. And judging from the resolve on Autumn’s face, the little girl was just as undeterred. He kept his focus on Autumn. “I can take your aunt on a date, in fact.” At Autumn’s cheerful double fist pump, he asked, “When do you think we should go on this date?”

  “Tonight,” Gemma declared and sashayed between Autumn and him.

  “It’s a school night, Gem.” Autumn frowned at her sister.

  “We never get to have fun on school nights.” Gemma’s shoulders deflated. She nudged the toe of her boot into the dirt.

  “Speaking of which, we have that work we should really be getting too.” Elsie motioned toward the main house as if urging them away from a hazard zone.

  “But you could go on Saturday night,” Autumn offered and held her ground. Gemma clapped and jumped back into dizzying twirls. Autumn added, “That’s when dates happen on TV. But then Dad always changes the channel, so we don’t know what happens.”

  Elsie’s chin dipped toward her chest. She reached up and pressed her fingers against her forehead as if she wasn’t sure what was happening. And she required a moment to reset her thoughts. Or perhaps her plans.

  But Ryan had plans of his own. He stifled his amusement and said, “Saturday it is.”

  Elsie gaped at him, then her eyes narrowed as if to warn him the conversation wasn’t over.

  He grinned at her and said, “Now that date night is settled, we should get on with our evening. We have lots of work to do after all.”

  Elsie shook her head. Her exasperation more than obvious. She spun on her boot heels and headed toward the main house.

  “What about dinner?” Gemma poked her finger into her stomach. “My tummy gets hungry when we gotta do lots of work.”

 

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