Page 94 of Welcome Home, Cowboy
Julie laughed. Lawson had installed all the safety procedures to make sure his niece couldn’t get out without an adult and yet Sabrina’s strong will got past them all. She was so much like her uncle in that way. “Where is your mother?” Julie asked.
Sabrina grinned and pointed to the barn.
Brow furrowed, Julie turned to see that, yes, the barn doors were open. “Then why are you out here all alone?”
A woman stepped out onto the porch and called Sabrina’s name.
“That’s my babysitter,” Sabrina said. “I’ve got to go! Bye!”
Now Julie was thoroughly confused. If the babysitter was here, why did Beth call her to come?
Julie headed toward the barn to go find out. “Hey,” she said a moment later.
Beth was running a brush over Jax’s brown coat, talking softly to the horse as Julie walked up. Beth turned and smiled brightly. “Jax is ready for you. I’ll take Bon-Bon.” She pointed at a pair of riding boots and a helmet nearby. “You need to wear the proper gear.”
“Gear?” Julie glanced between the boots and Beth.
Beth wasn’t paying attention to her, though. She busied herself preparing the horses. “Better go ahead and get the gear on. The sun will be heading down in an hour or so.”
Julie did as she was asked. “I don’t understand. You wanted me to watch Sabrina, but her babysitter is here.”
Beth turned, looking sheepish. “I actually really needed you to take a ride with me.”
“Oh.” Julie shook her head. She and Beth were friends. Beth didn’t need to trick her to get her to come over. “You can call me anytime, Beth. And I like horseback riding.” Even though it would always remind her of Lawson.
“Great.” Beth started leading the horses out of the barn. “Now let’s get moving,” she ordered.
Julie pulled the awkward helmet onto her head.
“Do you need help mounting?” Beth asked.
“No. I think I can do it.” Julie placed one foot in the stirrup and jumped, pulling with her arms at the same time. She was amazed when she found herself sitting snug in Jax’s saddle. She guided the horse up next to Beth’s and they started toward the dirt path that Lawson had led Julie down once.
Don’t think about him.
“How’s Sabrina?” Julie asked instead, a little disappointed that she wouldn’t be spending girl time with her tonight. Being with Beth was good, too, though.
“She’s learning to play piano.” Beth laughed. “I think I have a future entertainer on my hands. She loves the spotlight.”
Julie nodded. “I don’t know. She’s pretty good at yoga, too.”
Beth glanced over, her expression turning serious. “Lawson misses you, you know?” she said.
Julie’s breath stilled. His words reverberated through her.I don’t love you, Julie.“We’re over, Beth. Really over.”
“Are you sure?” Beth asked.
“Ask your brother how sure he is.” Because he’d been sure when he’d broken up with her. He hadn’t flinched or hesitated. He’d just ended things like what they’d had never meant anything. And maybe it hadn’t—to him.
The pathway opened up to a field of dandelions ahead. Julie remembered how breathtaking the scenery was.
“Let’s not talk about Lawson, okay?” she said, sucking in a deep breath.
“No talking about Lawson. Got it.” Beth nodded. They entered the field and then Beth turned her horse around. “I hope you won’t be mad at me,” she said, soliciting Julie’s attention.
Julie looked over. “Mad?”
Beth pulled on the reins at her horse’s muzzle. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you soon, okay?” she said with a bright smile.
