Chapter 41: No SecretsBy three o'clock that afternoon, Caldwell Ranch had been restored to normal. Jenny helped Cole untack the horses and put everything away in the barn. The canopies and coolers were returned to their proper places as well. As they worked together, Cole was uncomfortably aware of the conversation he needed to have with Jenny. He wondered if he could put it off. It had already been a huge day for her. She'd faced her fear of being seen and he was proud of her, so proud. But this was one of those conversations best had sooner rather than later. He cleared his throat. "You know, I feel kind of sorry for Apollo and Dahlia. Everybody else got a nice workout today. They must be feeling a little left out." Jenny chuckled, hooking a thumb at Jade."Well, Jade, too. But I've been working her hard, so she probably appreciated the day off." He stepped toward Jenny. "Maybe we could take Apollo and Dahlia for a trail ride. There's a ridge toward the back of t

Chapter 43: Deliveries and Pick-UpsThe following morning, Cole drove to Alida and Jason Nicholson's house to drop off Jenny's masterpiece. On a parchment-covered cake board, she'd arranged the blue-swirl-topped cupcakes in the shape of a baby buggy, adding frosting and candy details to complete the effect. It looked magical, and Alida was beyond pleased."Does she have business cards? Because I know people will ask."Cole shook his head, smiling. "You can just have them call me. I know she'd be happy to get more orders.""Hi, Cole!" A blond boy clumsily made his way into the kitchen using a red posterior walker."Hey there, Charlie. How are you this fine morning?""I'm good. I'm ready to go riding again." "Good deal! Taco was just saying how he misses you."The boy laughed. "Horses don't talk.""They do," Cole grinned. "You just have to know how to listen. We'll see you next time?""You bet!"After Cole left the Nicholson's, he headed over to the saddle shop with somethi

Chapter 45: A Birthday RideAt the barn, they worked to turn out the horses into the pasture, saving Dahlia and Apollo for last."What do you say, Jenny? Are you up for a birthday ride today?"Grinning, she nodded, loving that her hat stayed put."Good. Let's get Apollo and Dahlia groomed and saddled."Happy anticipation thrumming through her veins, Jenny worked to groom Dahlia. Glancing over at Cole, she saw that he was working more slowly, and she wondered if her excitement had made her move too quickly. Mentally, she retraced her steps; no, she hadn't forgotten anything. As Cole worked Apollo's sleek black coat with the soft brush, he whistled the birthday song, and Jenny giggled. He looked up at her and winked.She dropped the finishing brush into the basket and scribbled a message on her board. Beat you! Cole pushed his hat back on his head and straightened up. "Well you did, didn't you?" He arched a dark eyebrow. "Did you remember to use the face brush?"Jenny nodded

Chapter 47: Giant SequoiasHalf an hour later, Cole backed Dahlia out of the trailer and handed the reins to Jenny. The horse stomped nervously, and Jenny nuzzled her huge jaw while gently caressing her nose. Once outside, Apollo pranced, anxious to be on his way anywhere that wasn't inside the trailer.Cole checked to make sure their cinches were tightened, and he helped Jenny up before he climbed onto the tall black stallion. Together they followed a trail leading from the mostly empty lot where they were leaving the truck and trailer. A few hundred yards into the forest, the temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. Jenny was glad of the jacket tied around her waist. She might need to put it on before long.Inhaling deeply, she reveled in the earthy scents of pine straw and moss. The trail turned, following alongside a shallow stream that rushed over smooth-worn rocks, adding to the soundtrack of the breeze in the treetops and the occasional call of birds, all punctuated by the

Chapter 49: A Beautiful SoulHeart still racing, Jenny stared after him. She could still feel his kiss, the tenderness of his lips on hers, the grit of his five-o'clock shadow on her skin. She also felt a sense of panic. He doesn't feel the same way about me. He thinks I'm dirty."I'm so sorry, Jenny." He didn't look her way, staring off into the distance instead. "I didn't mean for that to happen." He took another few steps further away and scuffed softly at the ground. "Dammit," he swore softly.Her pulse pounded in her ears and she pressed her palms into her thighs in an attempt to stop them from shaking. This was it. She had to try."C-Cole?" Her own voice sounded strange to her.Slowly, Cole turned toward her, eyes wide.Emboldened, she tried again. "Cole?""Jenny." He returned to where she still sat, sinking down beside her. "You're talking."She nodded. "I—I've been thinking I'm ready to try." Frowning, "Are you mad at me?""Mad at you? Jenny, I…" He took her