Page 21 of The Cowboy's Promise

“I already planned to do just that.”

“See? You know what you’re doin’. You and Henry will be just fine,” he said confidently, then pecking her on the cheek, he turned and headed towards the barn.

He’d sounded so sure of himself, and as she watched him walk away she almost believed him.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Courtney and Joe had been staying at the Moonshine Campground along with many other competitors, but the show was over and most of the visitors had left. Walking into the dining room at lunchtime he was able to sit at a window table with a view of the distant mountain peaks. But the moment was bittersweet. Courtney was still locked up. Her hearing at the Fairview Courthouse had been scheduled for the following morning and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to convince the judge to grant bail. Sheriff Cooper had told him the small community was determined to keep the scourge of drugs at bay, and selling them was considered a heinous crime.

“Would you like some coffee?”

The waitress hadn’t served him before, but he’d noticed her on previous occasions. She was one of the prettiest servers in the dining room.

“Yes, thanks, Heather,” he said, glancing at her name badge, but as he spoke a sudden thought flashed through his mind. Was it possible she was the same Heather who bought Henry?

“This is such a beautiful place,” he began, trying to keep his voice measured. “I’m with a friend who was at the three day horse show over the weekend. Fortunately she has some business in Fairview so I’ll be here a little while longer. Did you go? To the show I mean.”

“I did, I competed.”

“Wow, that must have been exciting.”

“It was. I won my first trophy,” she said proudly. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. So…do you know what you’d like to order?”

“Yes, the Spanish Omelette. I’ve tried your pancakes the first day, then eggs with sausages yesterday, so today I’m going for the omelette.”

“It’s one of my favorites. I’ll get this into the kitchen right away.”

“Could I have an order of tortillas while I wait?” he asked, hoping for a second opportunity to talk to her.

“Of course.”

As she walked away he racked his brains. There had to be a way to find out if she was the same Heather who’d bought King Henry. A few minutes later, as she returned carrying a covered plate, he had a sudden thought.

“Here you are,” she said with a smile, placing it in front of him. “There are small containers of salsa and butter on the side.”

“Perfect, thanks. So, Heather, I have a niece looking for a ranch in this area to take some lessons. Is there a place around here you could recommend? By chance do you have a trainer?”

“I do and he’s terrific. His name is Blake Coleman and his barn is called Three Oaks Ranch. It’s only about a mile or so from here. When you leave turn right, you can’t miss it.”

“Great. I’ll definitely check it out.”

“Tell him Heather from the Moonshine Campground sent you.”

“Will do.”

“I’ll be back shortly with your omelette.”

Though he wanted to laugh out loud in triumph he contained himself. Not only did he now know she was the same Heather who had bought King Henry, he didn’t have to hunt for the ranch. Later that day he’d find somewhere to park out of sight and follow her home. Courtney would have the address in the morning.

* * *

When Heather finished her shift she changed into her barn clothes and drove straight back to Three Oaks Ranch. As she rolled down the driveway she could see Apollo and Henry calmly grazing.

Before she’d left for work she’d followed Blake’s advice and stayed in Apollo’s paddock. Whenever Henry would come to the fence Apollo would amble over to visit. She’d watch while they snorted and communicated in horse-speak, then join the interaction. Apollo stayed close to her, and as she’d left she’d wondered if she’d ever find that special connection with Henry.

---