Page 57 of About Time You Noticed

Acres of lush pasture and roads lined with golden Aspen trees came into view. The sun lowering behind the mountain made a glorious backdrop. Stunning. Who did Tommy know out here? Had he hired an Airbnb for the evening?

God's Country played through the car speakers, and Sarah exhaled a contented sigh. Clear Creek County offered so many delightful towns and spectacular views.

Dust swirled around the sides of the Toyota as Damien turned into an open-gated property. Balloons flapped in the breeze, anchored to posts. As they passed the letterbox, she read the overhead engraved sign. "Sarah's Equestrian Center."

She choked on air. "What?" Her lungs constricted. "Did you see that?"

Damien gave a cheeky grin. "See what?"

"Who's Sarah?"

Laughing, he pulled down the visor and flashed the mirror.

She snapped to face him. His cheeky grin told her he was teasing. "Come on. The sign. Who lives here and owns this place?"

Damien shook his head slightly. "I'll let Tommy explain. We're nearly there."

Horse paddocks, sheds, equine equipment, and a gorgeous home with an amber roof and matching picket fences had her head spinning. Tommy couldn’t have chosen a more perfect place.

Rows of cars lined the circle driveway and a dirt parking lot to the left. Jake's pickup, Paul's BMW, and about forty other vehicles filled the space. How many families did Tommy invite?

The front living room curtain moved, and a flood of people poured from the front door within seconds. Tommy led the way, and he waved.

Damien parked the Toyota, and Tommy opened the door, immediately scooping her into his arms like a bride.

"What are you doing? This isn't the wedding day, you know."

He chuckled and swung her around. Family and friends gathered around, laughing at Tommy's enthusiasm.

"Congratulations, baby." Tommy kissed her cheek.

Sarah held onto his neck tighter when Tommy shifted her higher, getting a firmer grip under her knees.

"Congratulations to you, too." She giggled.

"You don't get it, do you?"

Emily raced toward them and grabbed Sarah's wrist. "Isn't it amazing? Utterly perfect."

Sarah looked around at all the glowing faces, waiting for her response. "Yeah. It's a great location. Especially for such a huge crowd." She gestured to the empty paddocks. "Where are all the horses?"

Emily frowned and stared at Tommy.

"Sarah, did you see the sign?"

"The sign?" She wrinkled her nose. "At the gate? Yeah. And who's my competition? At least it's in Evergreen, but still."

Dad and Mom laughed. Tommy squeezed her shoulder, led her over the threshold and placed her feet on the floorboards. Balloons filled the open-planned house. A massive sign dangled against the kitchen windows blasting the words, ‘Happy Engagement.’

"Gorgeous, Tom," she whispered.

Exposed wooden beams matched the square oak table in the dining room covered in an abundance of finger food. Church family and friends came in from the back porch, and mumbles of conversation buzzed around them as people approached, giving Sarah hugs.

Tommy took her hand and led her out to the back veranda. A double-seated swing overlooked horse paddocks outfitted with hurdles, obstacles, and large water troughs.

"What a place." She met Tommy's sparkling eyes. "It's a pity they put the horses away." She squinted toward the sheds but couldn't see any horses staring back. Maybe they didn't like strangers. Her horses were always curious, sticking their heads out of the bays at the slightest noise.

Tommy pulled her to his side. "We'll bring your horses over tomorrow. I didn't want to give it away or freak you out."

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