Page 68 of Holding The Reins

“Not six minutes,” CeCe says, feigning shock and still giggling.

Wade doesn’t find it funny.

“Time means something, there’s no reason for—”

The front door bell rings. We’re still laughing at his grumpy ass as he storms over to it, coffee in hand like he’s ready to lose it. He swings it open and a very pretty young woman with long raven colored hair is standing in front of him, disheveled and speaking quickly.

“I’m so sorry I’m late, I got lost coming in here. Y’all are really hidden. I took country road seventy-four but there was construction so I had to take the detour.”

Wade grunts as he lets her in. Her accent isn’t Kentucky, it’s more Tennessee.

“Leaving early to account for unpredictable instances is always a thing,” he growls at her, and her face shows her shock at his rude tone.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Mama Jo flops the last of the pancakes onto a plate and heads out to the entryway to calm Wade down and make a better impression.

“A few minutes ain’t a big deal, darlin’, welcome. I’m Jolene Ashby, this grumpy bugger is my son, Wade. That there’s my daughter, CeCe Rae and my almost son, Nash.”

“Good morning, y’all. Sorry to interrupt your breakfast, and I’m sorry I’m late. It’s really not like me at all,” she says, and I believe her. “I’m Ivy Spencer, I’m here to interview for your trainer position.”

“Where’s that drawl from, darlin’?” Jo asks.

“The smallest little town you’ve probably never heard of on the border, Jellico, Tennessee.” Ivy grins.

CeCe gets up and wraps her robe tightly around her.

“We’re pretty casual around here, we’re just about to eat, would you like to join us?” She shakes her hand.

I follow suit. “Nice to meet you,” I say as I take my turn shaking her hand.

“I have a busy day, so let’s just get to it, we can go to my office in the Silos,” Wade grunts out.

Ivy looks at us, then back to Wade, probably trying to figure out how we’re all so nice and he’s such a horse’s ass.

“Maybe another time then. I’m super pleased to meet you all. I read about your family online. Your father’s horse River Rising, came in third in the Kentucky Derby in ’06. Impressive.”

CeCe nods and winces like she always does behind her smile at the mention of Wyatt.

“And your ranch is so beautiful, whatta view of Sugarland.”

Wade clears his throat and I almost feel sorry for the nice girl. She seems young, not much older than CeCe.

“Well, have a nice day y’all, it smells delicious.”

“Nice to meet you!” CeCe calls.

We turn to each other and laugh as Ivy heads out the front door and Mama Jo whisper-yells at Wade before he follows her. “Be nice. Jesus, Wade, she’s had a good career with the American Quarter Association and she trained for Bellingham Ranch for the last three years. Don’t be such an old jackoff,” she says, as I snicker at Mama Jo saying jackoff. She almost pulled the words from my head.

Wade doesn’t answer, he just grunts again and heads out the door.

CeCe and I move back to the table with Jo and Mabel stacking pancakes onto our plates as we go.

“He seems extra crabby this morning,” CeCe comments.

“He signed his divorce papers yesterday,” Jo says.

I knew it but I didn’t know if he wanted the whole family knowing.

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