Page 15 of Rescued in Maple Bay

Blaze slowed and halted, and Trace rewarded him by releasing the tension in the lunge line.

“Good boy,” Lilah cooed. When Trace released his hand from her hip, she missed the warmth of his touch, but she didn’t have long to linger on that thought because Trace reeled in the rope slack again, and the big red horse took easy, sweeping strides straight to them. Trace rubbed Blaze’s forehead, brushing aside his thick forelock.

“I think I misjudged you,” Lilah said to Blaze, slowly reaching out. She scratched under his chin. He leaned into her touch, blinking his brown eyes until she felt like she was holding up his head with just her fingers. “You just needed some time to open up and trust us.”

Trace stood inches from her, praising Blaze with unhurried forehead rubs. “Some need more time than others . . . to open up.” The timbre of his voice was low, causing Lilah to look up at him. With his slate-blue gaze on hers, she got a feeling he wasn’t talking about horses any longer.

“Hey, Mom?” Andy’s voice sounded from behind them. Lilah looked over her shoulder to find her son leading Sugar to the barn. Ben was just behind, guiding Sweetie with the help of Randall. “Grandpa is going to help us take off their saddles and brush them, but after, can we go for a swim in the lake?”

“Please?” Ben added, stretching the word into a whole paragraph.

There was a good hour before sunset, and Lilah wouldn’t mind a cool dip in the water herself. “Only if you guys promise to take showers right away when we get home, and you don’t give me any flack about bedtime.”

“We promise!” the boys called in unison.

Ben did a little jig. “Good! Cause I’m hot, and Trace can help us jump off the rope swing!”

Lilah glanced apologetically at Trace. “Don’t feel like you have to go. I’m sure you have other plans.” It was Friday night, after all. “I don’t want you to feel obligated just because they’re giving you their puppy-dog eyes.” Lilah didn’t even have to look at her boys to know they were doing so.

“They are.” Trace laughed. “But a swim sounds pretty great.”

The boys both cheered again, and Lilah tried to wrangle her mixed emotions. Another evening with Trace . . . was she giving her boys the wrong impression? What about Henry’s parents? What did they think of how much time she and Trace were spending together?

Maybe there was no ignoring what happened. Their kiss had to be discussed. Even if it was just to clear the air.

“Okay, I’ll gather swimsuits and life jackets,” she said, hoping she and Trace would get at least a few minutes tonight to talk.

But how was she even going to start that conversation?

Chapter Eight

Tracedippedunderthewater and propelled himself forward with a breaststroke, leaving today’s sweat and dirt in the cool lake. When he surfaced, the boys were still shouting about the cannonball he’d shown them.

“I want to do it next!” Andy yelled, fists in the air.

“Me too! Me too!” Ben wiggled and jumped.

Both boys stood on the wooden dock, which was shaded by a big oak tree. The tall branches curved over and canopied Maple Leaf Lake. A long rope dangled from the tree, swaying back and forth over the water and dock. Andy caught it when it slowed.

“All right.” Trace stepped out of the lake and onto the shore. He ran a hand over his face and hair, swiping away droplets. “You guys remember what I said about how to do a cannonball?”

“Knees to chest!” Andy said.

“Hug your knees!” Ben added.

“And let go of the rope when I tell you to. Okay?” Trace stepped onto the dock, water dripping from the swim trunks he kept in his truck. The boys loved to go to the lake, so Trace had learned to keep his trunks handy. Otherwise, he ended up going for a dip in his jeans.

“Okay!” the boys agreed.

“Andy goes first.” Trace took hold of the rope.

Andy stepped back, preparing to run. Before he took off, he asked, “Do I have to wear my life jacket? I can do a cannonball so much better without this thing on.” He scrunched his face and tugged at the vest that covered his chest.

“You know the rules,” Trace reminded Andy.

“But how come you don’t have to wear one?” Ben asked, backing up his brother.

“Cause I’m old,” Trace countered, and Ben giggled. “When you’re old you can do whatever you want too.” He winked and the boys smiled, accepting his answer.

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