Page 24 of Declan
“This saddle is so soft,” she said as she rubbed her hand over the dark leather with intricate stitching.
“It’s a Conway saddle. Noah Conway is the best saddler in my opinion. It’s the only saddle I’ll buy.”
“He does this by hand?” she asked in a shocked voice.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s amazing and a good friend.”
“How long have you been riding?” she asked, trying to mask her admiration.
“My grandfather would put me on his horse with him when I was in diapers,” he replied easily. “You?”
“I—” she hesitated, glancing down at her feet in the stirrups. “I’m not as experienced.”
He slowed Scout to match her pace. “Ever been bucked off?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Don’t make today the first time,” he warned, tone wry.
She laughed, a little nervously. “Now I’m scared.”
“Don’t think about it,” he advised, voice steady. “Tensing up only makes Marigold nervous. Just breathe and enjoy.”
She exhaled, settled her shoulders back, and let the gentle sway of the mare guide her forward. Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, washing her in warmth. It was a perfect day—made even more so by the man with her.
****
After an hour, they rode into the barn, the horses’ hooves echoing on the floor. The sharp tang of hay and leather rolled in on the cool air. Declan paused, watching as Elise sat unmoving in the saddle, and he saw her take a deep breath.
“Do you need help getting down?” he asked, his voice quiet against the stillness.
Elise’s mare snorted, releasing a small puff of steam in the dim light. “I think so.” She tipped her chin toward the floor. “It’s farther down than I remember.”
Declan dropped lightly from his horse; boots thudding on the straw and dropped the reins. “Okay, hold on.” He reached up sohis hands hovered at her waist. “Swing your right leg over and keep your hand on the saddle horn. I won’t let you fall. I’ve got you.”
She blinked and exhaled, the tension trembling in her chest. Obediently, she did as he instructed. Her fingertips clutched the horn like a lifeline. He watched her every movement, ready to catch her if she slipped.
“It’s okay,” he murmured. “I promise.” He slid his arms around her waist. “Come on, Elise. I’ve got you.”
Her breath shuddered out as her foot finally found the barn floor. She turned to grab onto his shoulders and his arms tightened around her. She sagged, the muscles in her legs giving out, until Declan guided her to sink onto a nearby bale of hay.
“Sit here a second while I move Marigold,” he said.
Elise nodded and leaned back. Declan took the reins and led the mare toward her stall, the animal’s tail flicking in tired dismissal. Then he returned, squatting before Elise.
“You okay?” he asked, resting his forearms on his thighs.
She swallowed. “I think so.” She gave him a small, embarrassed smile. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I thought I’d be more prepared.” She dropped her gaze to the straw-strewn floor and sighed; the sound almost lost in the barn’s hush.
Declan chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “It’s fine. You just haven’t ridden in a while. You’ll be back in the saddle soon.”
“My knees feel like jelly.”
“I’ll cool the horses down.” He stood. “Just relax.”
