Page 59 of Christmas with the Cowgirl
But he needed time to think, to focus on it, to turn it into something more than just an idea.Fortunately he might be able to find that now, since Riley’s dad had gotten a call from their foreman that things had thankfully gotten much better and he and his two sons would be back to work on Monday.He’d been in the room when the call had come in, and there was no doubting the man’s sincerity when he’d offered to help with anything they needed.
Like father, like daughter.
As they walked around the many booths set up, with that uncanny knack she seemed to have, Riley appeared to know what he was thinking about.
“Well, as of tomorrow you don’t have to wear yourself out playing ranch hand anymore.”
“Was I?Funny, I thought it was something else wearing me out.”
He had the pleasure of seeing her cheeks go pink, and pulled her close as she laughed, deep and throaty.And suddenly he wanted out of here, wanted to be away from the crowd, wanted to continue the night they’d had last night.
This had been the most amazing ten days of his life, and he wanted it to go on forever.
Over the next week, Riley had some things to deal with that she hadn’t had time for with the hands gone, and now he had some time not spent being a ranch hand.He’d rather have spent it all with her, but told himself not to be too pushy.
So instead he started making some calls, reaching out to learn if his idea would garner any support.The results were encouraging.Encouraging enough that he thought he could risk asking the crucial question of the crucial person.
The crucial person for a lot more than just this idea.The crucial person in his life.And that was something he’d never expected.He was still reeling a little at it all, and almost let it all out at the wedding rehearsal Wednesday evening.Even on the cusp of his life changing permanently, Jackson noticed.
“What’s up with you?I’m the one who’s supposed to be nervous.”
“Why would you be nervous?”Miles countered.“You’re headed into a happy rest of your life.”
Jackson grinned.“That I am.But you’re acting like you’re a pot about to boil over, as Nic’s mom would say.”
“Just working on an idea,” he gave in and said.
Jackson lifted a brow.“In that case, have at it.”
I hope you feel the same way when you find out what it is.
Normally he would have discussed it with Jackson first, probably before anyone.And Tucker, too, since he was here.But now nothing mattered more than Riley.She had to be first, because without her, it was all pointless.
And if she agreed, it would be a great wedding present for Jackson.And they could discuss it all after he got things rolling.
On the Friday before the wedding on Saturday, Jackson and Nic dove into the final prep.Miles loaded up the ever-eager Maverick who, after carefully washing Miles’s face, hung his head out the truck window as they drove to pick Jeremy up from school on this last day before the holiday break.Miles thought it indicative of how well this marriage was going to work that they were staying here to be close to Jeremy rather than heading off to some exotic or trendy location for a showy Hollywood-style, month-long honeymoon.
Once he got Jeremy safely home, and convinced the worried dog he wasn’t leaving forever, he got back in the truck and headed for Riley.And found himself grinning all the way.The closer he got, the more perfect it all seemed.This would help everyone.And appease a lot of still-upset people.
He knew his mood was showing when he arrived, and Riley’s first words were: “You look pretty happy.The rehearsal went well?”
“Yes, it did,” he said.“But that’s not…I need to…”For somebody who thought they were prepared, you’re sure making a hash of this, Flint.“Can we go up to the overlook?”
She looked surprised, but said, “Sure.You want to drive, or ride.”
“Ride, please.”She was always more relaxed after a ride on King.“If I can borrow Sam.”The big but absurdly gentle horse had made him feel utterly comfortable aboard.
She smiled at him.“All the work you’ve done around here the last couple of weeks, he’s yours to ride anytime you want.”
“Thanks.”
It was a nice ride to the overlook but then, to him, it always was.And when they dismounted and walked up to the rock bench, he felt it again, not just the urge to do it right this time but to be a part of this place.
Just as they sat down Riley let out an exclamation.Her gaze was upward, and he immediately tried to track where she was looking.
“There,” she said, sounding delighted as she pointed.
It still took him a moment but then he spotted the two birds circling high above.Wings not moving at all, they’d clearly caught an updraft and were using it with innate efficiency.Big birds, hawks maybe?
