Page 30 of Moonlight Over Montana

The horse snorted and Jed fed him the last carrot. “Then it’s a lesson—you, me, Nahla, and Susie for a short ride.”

“Can anyone else come along or is this exclusively a riding lesson?” Maggie reached his side and ran her hand the length of Tonks’ neck. He leaned into her gentle touch.

“Sure, there’s always room for another horse lover on a trail ride. I know it’s been a while since you were in a saddle.”

She gave him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. That phone call had to be more distressing than he realized.

Maggie patted Tonks again before saying, “It has. Maybe I could have a very docile mount.”

“That I can do and some of the other horses need exercise. Annie brought some in for the guests and they don’t get enough access to the trail. This will work out perfect.”

“Then it’s settled. Horseback riding for three after three.” She paused, “Susie gets home after three and it was my sad attempt at humor.”

He laughed this time. “I knew what you meant. I was just tugging your reins.”

She gave him a firm punch in his bicep. “Watch out, cowboy, I might just leave you in the dust.”

Jed wished he had it in him to ask her on a date and heck if he had his druthers, she’d be right by his side and maybe even for the long haul.

15

Maggie studied her reflection in the narrow mirror hanging on the back of the door. She had dressed carefully for the horseback ride with Jed and Susie after doing her best to process the call from Cora Davis, the manager of River Junction Bank. There had been some sizeable withdrawals from her personal savings account, and Cora was letting her know that she was tracking them down. For now, the account was frozen so if she needed any cash, Maggie would need to come into the bank and make the transactions personally. She was baffled since no one had access to the account since Cash left. It had been a joint account, not that he had even contributed to it, but when she was in town tomorrow, she’d have to swing by the bank and straighten this mess out. Just one more thing to deal with.

“Mom, are you coming?” Susie poked her head around the edge of the door. “If you don’t hurry, we’ll only be riding in the paddock.”

She grabbed a down-filled vest from the bed and grinned. “I’m ready. Will you be warm enough?”

“Mom.” Her tone was filled with exasperation. “I’m not a toddler. I do know how to dress myself.”

“I didn’t say that. You’re my little girl and I—”

“I am sixteen years old, and I stopped being your little girl years ago, so can we please just go riding and have a good time?”

Before Maggie could answer, Susie stomped out the door, allowing it to slam behind her. Stunned at her daughter’s outburst, Maggie followed behind her only to see her sprinting across the road in the direction of the barn. “At least there’s something she’s excited about.” She dropped her chin to her chest. Just wait until I tell her we’re going to stay on the ranch until the diner is rebuilt. In the distance she could see Jed standing outside. He held up his hand in greeting and she lightly ran down the steps, eager to start the ride.

Jed had three horses saddled up and ready to go. Tonks was tethered to a hitching post while the horse Susie was sitting astride was pawing at the ground with a snort. The third horse was a pale-gray color.

“This is Birch. She’s gentle and is designated to be one of the horses for guests of Grace Star Dude Ranch.”

Jed handed her the reins before cupping his hands to give her a leg up. Inwardly, she groaned; she wasn’t a light weight like Susie.

With a twinkle in his eyes, he said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”

“On three, I’ll swing my leg over.” Maggie held on to the saddle horn with the reins resting on the mare’s neck. Her other hand was on the cantle, the part that supported her tush.

She stepped into his hand, and he said, “One, two, three.”

Seconds later, she was sitting tall in the saddle, feeling like she’d always been there. Grinning, she pointed to Tonks. “Care to join us?”

In a flash his foot was in the stirrup, and she couldn’t help but notice how his jeans curved his backside as he mounted Tonks. Feeling the heat flood her cheeks, she looked away and caught Susie staring at her. If she could have said, oh Mom, she would have. Instead, Susie looked at the cowboy.

“Which way are we headed, Jed?”

“If it’s okay with your mom, I thought we’d ride toward the river. There is an easy path and at this time of day, we shouldn’t encounter any wildlife.”

“Like bears and mountain lions?” A quiver filled Susie’s voice.

“There’s nothing to worry about.” He touched the side of his jacket. “I’ve got my sidearm but most likely we’ll deer. They like to come out this time of day.”

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