Page 58 of The Cowboy's Promise

With only her clothes, a television set and her trophy, Heather’s move had been quick and easy. Blake had been using the small second bedroom for storage, and he’d taken great pleasure in clearing it out so she could have a dressing room and closet.

Most of the boxes were filled with old clothes, but there were also some books and household items he never used. While she’dbeen visiting her parents, he’d stopped at the church to deliver the load and help Emily, the minister’s wife, sort through it all.

“This is just wonderful,” she exclaimed. “There are so many needy people and everything here will find a grateful home.”

“To be honest, Emily, I didn’t realize how much I had. I cleared out the room because my girlfriend is movin’ in and I want her to have a closet and dressin’ room.”

“Ah, I see,” Emily said with a nod.

She was still smiling, but he could feel her disapproval. A short time later, driving on his way to pick up Heather, he felt a twinge of doubt. Though he loved her and wanted them to be together, he wondered if living together was right.

* * *

Blake had started riding Henry shortly after the drama at the lake. Watching from the viewing platform, Heather had been amazed how relaxed Blake appeared to be and how easily Henry transitioned between gaits. But whenever Henry suggested she climb on board, she’d shake her head and say,I’m not sure I’m ready.Now arriving home, he rolled to a stop and turned off the engine, but didn’t climb out.

“Heather, wait,” he said as she started to open her door. “I want you to change into your riding gear. The time has come for you to sit on Henry.”

“Uh, you mean now?”

“Yep. By the time you get back I’ll have him saddled and we’ll be waitin’ in the ring.”

“But—”

“I made you a promise,” he said, lowering his voice. “I told you I’d support you, and I did. I also said you’d ride Henry, and now you will.”

* * *

A short time later Heather stood in the middle of the arena while Blake lunged the big dapple grey for a few minutes, then led him over to the mounting block.

“He’s very much like Apollo. You can ride him with a light rein. His stride is bigger, but it’s comfortable. You won’t have any trouble.”

Though still nervous, she moved to the top of the mounting block while Blake adjusted the stirrup lengths, then swung her leg over and sat down.

“Oh, my gosh, he seems even bigger up here. Are you sure about this?”

“Of course I’m sure. You wouldn’t be up there if I wasn’t. Walk around the arena and relax.”

“Okay. Here goes nothing.”

To her surprise and relief, in just a few minutes she was confident enough trot.

“You’re right,” she called as she circled. “He’s really smooth and so responsive. This is fantastic. Buying him was a leap of faith, but I’m so glad I did.”

By the time she finished riding and led Henry back to the barn it was dusk. As Blake and Doug brought the horses in and fed, Heather took care of Henry then returned to the house for a shower. Elated, she washed off the day, then wrapped a towel around herself and stepped into the bedroom—only to find Blake sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her.

“You and I have some unfinished business,” he declared as she ambled towards him.

“We do?” she asked, noticing two stacked pillows in the middle of the bed.

“We do. Decidin’ to confront Joe was a really bad idea.”

“I know, but we’ve been through this!”

“Heather, I have to make sure you never…and I meannever…put yourself at risk like that again. Drop that towel and bend over the pillows facing the headboard.

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope.”

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