Page 66 of Wrangled

Paul unfastened Lightning’s reins and handed them to me, and I mounted him. He led us out of the stable. “Remember what the boss said. No farther than the creek.”

I had no intention of going past that point—I wanted another look at that cabin.

The day was shaping up to be a good one as Lightning trotted through the meadow, heading for the trail. The sky was an unbroken blue, the pink and red hues of dawn already dissipating as I reached the creek. I rode along it, enjoying the sound of water trickling over rocks, a happy sound that seemed to fill my soul with contentment.

I could see why Zeeb loved this place.

Eventually, the little cabin came into view, and I brought Lightning to a stop at a hitching post. I hadn’t noticed it the first time, but I guessed they’d had to have somewhere to tie up the horses. The grass grew tall around it, camouflaging the mounting block beside it.

I stared across the creek at the little cabin.

Now I understand why this seems such a sad place.It was covered with an air of neglect. I tried to imagine how it might have been, full of laughter, and maybe other sounds too, sounds its occupants didn’t want overheard.

What’s that saying about getting back on the horse?

Maybe no one came here because there were demons—Robert’s demons—and he needed to face them.

I heard the sound of a horse approaching, and without turning around, I knew who it was.

Robert came to a halt next to me. “When I saw Lightning was gone, I had a feeling you’d be here.”

I smiled. “Maybe I came here expecting to meet you.”

His eyebrows went up a little at that. He glanced at the cabin. “Have you been over there? Did you go inside?”

My stomach tightened. “I wouldn’t do that, especially now I understand its… significance—and your reaction to finding me here the other day.”

Robert was like a statue. “I see.” He blinked slowly. “Who told you?”

“Does that matter? What’s important is that I know.” I lowered my voice. “I’m so sorry.” I’d never lost anyone in such tragic circumstances, so I couldn’t begin to have the slightest idea how he was feeling, or how badly Kevin’s death had affected him.

Robert dismounted, looped Rusty’s reins around the hitching post, then picked his way across the boulders with great care.

“You haven’t done that in a while, have you?” I called out.

He reached the other side. “First time in five years.” He approached the cabin, and climbed the steps with a caution I now understood. I watched, my heart racing.

He stood in front of the porch steps, staring at the front door. Then he turned his head and beckoned. “Come on over.”

“Look, maybe I should just leave you to—”

“Come over, I said.” He smiled. “I… I want you to. Don’t worry, we’re not going inside.” His smile faltered. “Don’t think I’m ready for that yet. But I’m not about to holler across the creek.”

I nudged Lightning closer to the mounting block, and dismounted. Once he was secured, I crossed the creek, stepping with care onto each boulder, feeling as if I was walking a tightrope. “If I fall into the creek—”

“You’ll get wet, that’s all. Clothes dry.” He walked back to the water’s edge, and extended a hand. “Here.”

I grabbed it, and he hauled me onto the bank. Robert returned to the porch steps, and just when I thought he was going to turn tail and leave, he climbed them, taking his time. When he reached the deck, he turned his head to gaze at me.

“I haven’t stood on this porch for five years.”

“Since he died.”

He nodded. “This was our hideaway.” He smiled. “We got caught once too often in the barn for my liking. This was Kevin’s idea. Dad never came here—too many memories of Mom, I guess. I didn’t have enough of those to make this an awkward place to be. I was three when she died.”

I breathed in the delicious, fragrant scent of pine. “It’s a peaceful spot. I can see why he chose it.”

“It was theperfectspot. No one came here. I used to marvel at that. How come not one hand ever happened across us?” Robert smiled. “Now I can guess why that was.”

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