Page 3 of Eden's Dom

Eden sat and talked with Mary after she filled in the necessary paperwork. The two people she’d met were extremely nice, and she enjoyed talking to both.

“Supper will be ready at five, and it’s in the food barn. It’s the white one you passed. The other barns are all red.”

“Thank you. When does the class start tomorrow?” Eden asked.

“Eight o’clock tomorrow morning in the arena. You’ll pass it when you walk to the food barn.”

“Sounds good. I hope to see you again.”

Mary smiled. “I’m sure you will. My husband and I are in charge of the meals. We also do a few other things, like checking people in.”

“You’re busy people,” Eden said.

“That’s the way we like it.”

Eden grinned. “I’m like that, too. My family calls me Squirrel sometimes because I’m always rushing about.”

Mary laughed. “That’s hilarious. Are you married?”

Eden shook her head. “No, divorced.”

Mary patted her hand. “I’m sorry. I can tell you were hurt.”

Eden nodded. “Yes. He wasn’t a nice man.”

“Then I’m glad you’re away from him.”

Eden smiled. “Me, too.”

“You have some time to rest, but I hope to see you at the food barn,” Mary said.

“I’ll be there.”

Eden walked down to her cabin and took several breaths. Just taking in the scent of horses was enough to calm her. Being on a horse was her happy place, something her ex had hated. He didn’t like the smell or how dirty she got, but it wasn’t going tochange her.

She took one more look around and smiled when she saw several horses. She hoped it wasn’t long before she was on the back of one.

Chapter Two

A few hours later, Eden walked into the barn Mary told her about and was surprised at how big it was. It also felt cozy with real tables and cushioned chairs. The walls were adorned with horse memorabilia and pictures.

To the left was a long buffet table loaded with food, and Mary and a man stood behind it, serving people and smiling.

“There she is,” Mary said when Eden walked up. “Come and meet my husband, Clinton.”

Mary got the man’s attention. “This is the woman I was talking about. Eden, meet my husband, Clinton.”

Eden reached over the table to shake hands. “It’s very nice to meet you,” Eden said.

Clinton was a cowboy in every sense of the word. He was large-boned and strong, and his face was dark from being out in the elements for years. His persona was pure dominant male, but he had a gentle smile that drew her in.

“I’m glad to meet you, young lady,” Clinton said. He pulled Mary against him, holding her tightly, and kissed her temple. “My Mary talked about how sweet you are and how excited she was to have an adult woman on the ranch for a few weeks.”

Eden grinned. “I was equally excited to meet her, and I hope we can spend some time together.”

Clinton grinned. “I think she would like that. Now, come and eat.”

“It all looks so good,” Eden said as Mary filled a plate for her. Eden laughed. “Are you sharing this with me?”

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