Page 36 of Brett

“I’ll take this one.”

“You didn’t even look at Viggo.”

JoJo laughed. “Viggo?”

“For Viggo Mortensen. Ryder told me he’s Kelsey’s favorite actor.”

“And what is this one named?”

“Cinder, short for Cinderella. Her favorite fairytale.”

“Kelsey and Ryder are a wonderful couple.”

“I didn’t meet her, but Ryder is nice.”

“Yes, and he has beautiful Paints.”

“I had a rough time deciding. Let me get the tack.”

“Did you buy that too?”

“No. I brought it with me from Helena.”

JoJo watched him stride across the barn and enter a room she assumed was the tack room. A few minutes later, carrying a saddle and blanket, he walked out to the aisle.

“I can get something,” she said as she passed him and entered the tack room. She inhaled the scent of leather, then walked to the rails, where several saddles hung. They looked well worn. Running her hand over one, it was buttery soft. She frowned as she took in all the intricate stitching and felt she knew who had made it. She lifted the stirrup fender to seeConwaystitched there.

“Any saddle will work for you. Pick one, and once you’re seated, I’ll adjust the stirrups.”

“All right. Are all of them Conway saddles?”

He seemed surprised. “Yes. You know your saddles.”

“I knowhim.” She lifted the fender and pointed to the name.

“Seriously?”

“He lives in Clifton. Remember when I told you Scarlett’s husband’s name was Noah?”

“Yeah?”

“ThisNoah.”

“Damn. He is the best, in my opinion.”

“He has a two-year waiting period.”

“I can understand that.” Brett reached for the saddle.

“I can get it. Finish your horse.” JoJo picked up the saddle and blanket and then carried them out.

She hung them on the rail, strode across the barn to get Cinder, removed the halter, replaced it with the bridle, and then led her across the aisle. After she hooked the lead to the peg, she tossed the blanket onto the horse’s back, then the saddle. She loved to ride and looked forward to going with Brett.

JoJo smiled as she thought about seeing just how cowboy he was. She watched as he finished saddling his horse and then strode to her.

“Need a leg up, JoJo?”

“No, thanks.” She placed her foot in the stirrup, grabbed the saddle horn and cantle, then hoisted herself onto the saddle.

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