Page 11 of Heart & Hope

I huff a laugh, not sure if I’m disgusted or amused. Addy stands as trotting hooves head toward us.

I grab her arm with a gasp when a guy trots over to the car on a horse, bringing with him another saddled-up mount. His brilliant blue eyes fall automatically to Addy.

“Oh wow, you must be Hudson!” I grin, waving a hand.

He tips his hat, giving me a happy but somewhat confused glance.

“Hudson Rawlins, this is Ruby Robbins, my best friend,” Addy says.

“Hey Ruby, it’s a pleasure to meet you. This is Rocket, and this here is Addy’s current loaner, Sergeant.”

“Hello, boys,” I gush.

“Why is he all saddled up and looking like he is about to head some place big and open?” Addy says.

“’Cause he is, Howard. Sorry, Ruby, I didn’t realize you were coming, otherwise I would ha?—”

He calls her Howard?

Must be a country guy thing.

“Addy! How’s it going?” A younger guy swings an arm over Addy’s shoulders and tips his hat to me. When his brows shoot up and his mouth gapes, he extricates himself from my friend and shoves his hands into his back pockets. Okay...

His face slackens before he raises an eyebrow. Clearing his throat, he holds out a hand to me.

“Ah, Reed Rawlins. You must be Addy’s friend from the Big Apple?”

“Ruby. It’s nice to meet you.” I press my hand into his.

He takes me in, releasing a breathy huff and then my hand. “If these two are riding off into the sunset, I can give you a tour of the Montana mountains. If you’d like.”

“Um, is that okay with you guys?” I ask Addy.

A cheeky smile pops up on her lips. “Sure. Looks like I have plans.”

Addy takes the stirrup iron in her hand and mounts like an absolute pro. I cover a hand over my mouth for a moment. She really did it.

She flashes me her happiest smile and waves as she turns the horse to follow Hudson and Rocket.

Reed shuffles a little closer, and I turn, offering a smile. His face is lit up by his green eyes as he returns the gesture. Shaggy dark blond hair flips in his face and he sweeps it away. His biceps flexes as it moves. I purse my lips and shove my hands in my back pockets.

“So, first time in Montana?” he says cautiously.

“First time out of the city, actually.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, wow. Well, in that case, let me take you on thedeluxetour.” He crooks his arm as his happiness grows into a grin that splits his face.

He’s gorgeous.

I huff a small laugh and watch as Addy and Hudson disappear behind the barn and into the field. “Sure, show me what you’ve got out here.”

“It would be my pleasure.” He nods to his arm.

I roll my eyes and weave my arm through his.

“This way, mademoiselle.”

When he takes off at a high stepping walk, I laugh. He’s funny and so friendly. I like him already.

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