Page 33 of Loving Decker

“No, but I think I’d like to go see him.”

“Can I come?”

She nodded. “I’d like that.”

He picked her up, right at her hips, and set her up on her horse.

She laughed. “I forgot how easy it is for you to do that.” Her cheeks blushed with an adorable charm. He stood there, just looking at her for a moment.

“You want me to help you up on yours?”

Then he laughed. “Uh, no.” He leapt up on Thunder, and they both took the pasture at a run back to the Haws house.

Chapter Thirteen

The visit with Grandpa was comforting. He didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He didn’t even squeeze her hand. But seeing him there, knowing he was fine, knowing she had time to make her decisions, helped.

And Deck was the best. He obviously loved her grandpa. He stayed at her side until she was ready to go home. And he said all the right things, and some awkward ones. She smiled.

When he’d dropped her off at home, he left her at the doorstep, and for one moment, she thought for sure he was thinking about kissing her, like they’d been on a date. But she just couldn’t have that day be their first kiss. It was too full of everything else, and she wanted their kiss to mean something.

So she’d gone in for the awkward hug and escaped inside her house, closing the door as soon as possible.

Thinking about it now, on the way to the benefit rodeo, made her laugh.

“What?” Grace was in the truck with her. Bailey had gone somewhere, something about having meetings to set up the benefit concert for the Willow Creek Fair, but Grace was not missing this rodeo.

Faith was not about to tell her she was thinking about kissing Decker. “Nothing. I guess I was just thinking about barrel racing.”

“You gonna ride today?”

She grinned wider. “Yes, I am.”

Grace squealed. “I knew it! I’m so excited!”

“Well, I’m glad you are, because I haven’t told anyone yet, and I’m kind of nervous to be honest, but more than anything I’m just happy.” Electric was already at the rodeo grounds. She was gonna be on her horse, riding in a rodeo again. And for some reason, that made everything else better for just a little while.

“Are you gonna win?”

Faith grinned again. “Now, I just don’t know. But either way, I’m happy to be up on my horse, rounding those barrels.”

“Do you think I could start barrel racing?”

“If you want to. You’re in the right family.” Faith laughed.

“That’s true. Did you know I won a blue ribbon at my first rodeo?”

“Did you! That’s incredible!”

“Me and Nash the pig took first place in our 4-H competition.”

“I think I heard that, and of course the ribbon is still up there above Nash’s pen.”

“He’s proud of it.”

“He should be. It’s kept him alive all these years.”

Grace smiled, but a slight worry crossed her eyes, and Faith regretted teasing her. “Really, Grace. That pig is not going anywhere. Mama won’t allow it, and I don’t think your dad will either.”

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