Riding the horses back through the creek was twice as fun as the slow trail ride down to the mill. Lorri had gotten brazen and taken off, but Ryder had way more experience, splashing her and leaving her soaking wet.
“Hey! No fair! I don’t know how to do that yet.” Not that she really minded. It was warm enough that the cool water was refreshing against her skin.
They unsaddled the horses back at the Rest Stop.
“If you’re not in a hurry we can brush these guys down.” He propped his saddle up against the trailer.
“I’d love that. I’ve got nowhere to be.” Lorri was glad she had nothing else pressing to do today. Anything on her work calendar she could catch up on tonight.
He showed her how to hold the brush, and how much pressure to use starting at the top and working her way down the sweaty horse.
It was amazing how wet the horse was underneath where the saddle had been. She’d never thought of them building up a sweat as they ran. It wasn’t easy work, although it had sure seemed like it. She enjoyed feeling close to the horse that had just served her so well.
“I wasn’t scared for one moment.” She brushed Dottie like he’d shown her, in long sweeping movements. “Dottie seems to really like this. Can I brush her mane?”
“Sure.”
The thick, coarse hair was so shiny she was tempted to pull it into braids to keep it from getting all tangled again.
She glanced over at Ryder as he cared for Thunder, mimicking his movements. She could see how girls fell in love with horses. There was something so personal about being on horseback. She placed her hand flat against the warm smooth side of the paint horse where the black spot faded to gray against the lighter pigment. She saved that memory, hoping to translate it to canvas, imagining her brush fading and blending the colors almost too pretty to look realistic.
Lorri watched Ryder. He seemed like a good guy. Not just handsome, but genuinely kind. He’d even opened doors for her. That never went out of style. It was cute that he had to admit that he’d been showing off for her by telling her the secret about the wedding. Embarrassed by it too.
It had to have been a humbling moment. She was relieved he had though, because it had bothered her that he’d told her that secret. Maybe more than it would have since it was about Cody, but then Ryder didn’t know that she and Cody were friends. Not being good to your word was a character flaw. A serious one. Daddy had always said, if a man isn’t good to his word, then he’s good for nothing.
They finished tending to the horses, then Ryder took her home. The sun was beginning to set when they pulled into her driveway. She wished the day didn’t have to end.
He walked her to the door, not hesitating a single moment as he dropped an innocent kiss to her cheek just in front of her ear, then stepped back. “I’d like to do this again.”
The sweet gesture practically melted her. “Me too. Soon.” Please stay.
He didn’t ask to come in, but his face brightened when she said “soon.” Or maybe she’d just hoped it had. He turned and walked away, lifting his hand in a wave as he got into his truck.
She stood there as he backed out of her driveway, wishing she hadn’t already told him she’d be busy the whole weekend. Waiting until next week to see him again seemed like such a long time.
Lorri had just fed Mister when the doorbell rang. With her mind still on the day with Ryder, for a half second she hoped it was him, but she knew it would be Pam. Lorri ran to the door to let her in.
Pam stood there with a rolling suitcase in one hand and a large picture frame hanging over her shoulder with a roll of wrapping paper and a huge spool of white satin ribbon in the other. “I was so hoping you’d still be out.”
Lorri hugged Pam. “I haven’t been home long.”
“Good!”
“What all do you have there?”
Pam lifted her arms.
“Since you created their gift and Bobby crafted the frame, I thought I could at least wrap it really nicely.” She tapped Mister on the head with the tip of the wrapping paper tube. “I love this dog. He’s gotten even bigger.”
“You think?”
“Definitely.”
“Come on in.” She snagged the rolling bag from Pam and led the way to the guest room. “You’ll be in here.”
“I love what you’ve done with this place. It’s even prettier than when we toured it when it was the model home.”
“New start.” Lorri smiled appreciatively as she took the frame. “This is going to look great. The stain is perfect. Bobby does such great work.”
“I’m glad you like it. He had fun messing with it.” Pam walked over to the armoire in the corner. “I love the antique touches here and there.”
“Thanks. I’ve got kind of an eclectic mix going on, but I think it works.”
“It does. Now, enough of the small talk. Tell me about your date with Ryder.”
Lorri pressed her lips together unable to hold back her smile. “We went on a picnic, and then rode horses down to an old mill. It was amazing.”
“I can tell by the look on your face you had a really good time.”
“I did. It was so easy. Oh my gosh, gorgeous. Nature. The creek. He was a complete gentleman.”
“Well, don’t hold that against him.”
“Stop it. He earned points for that.”
Pam opened her suitcase and took a small bag from the top and handed it to Lorri. “Here. This is for you. A little hostess gift.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” Lorri held the shiny purple bag. “But thank you. What’s in here?” She reached in and lifted out a long box tied with a ribbon. Her brows pulled together as she lifted it and shook it. Something clanged around inside. “I have no idea what this is.”
“That’s why it’s in a box. So you’ll be surprised. That’s how it works.”
Lorri tugged the ribbon and peeked inside. Three very nice paint brushes lay nestled inside. “Thank you. This is perfect timing, too.” She took them out, enjoying the feel of the smooth wooden handles and the weight of the long brushes in her hand. “Nice balance. I love them.”
“You’re special. You deserve only the best, and I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to tell you about Craig before Stacy blurted it out over lunch. I really am. I hope you can forgive me. It’s really been bothering me.”
“Well, stop worrying about that.” She waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter. We’re divorced. He can do what he pleases. I really don’t care.”
“You seem far better off without him.”
“I am. I love my home. I’ve made friends—none as good as you, and I miss you, but I’m doing okay. And I’m trying new things. I rode a horse today.”
“I’ve never ridden one.” Pam snickered. “Unless you count the kind you put a quarter in for a ride at the grocery store. I’ve done that.”
“A real live breathing horse. With a name even.” Lorri sat on the bed next to Pam and poured out every detail of being with Ryder today.
Pam shook her head. “You don’t know how much I love seeing you like this. If I’d showed up a little earlier, would I have perhaps interrupted a kiss at the door?”
“No. He’s a gentleman. And it’s strictly friends. That’s why it’s so perfect.” Okay, he had given her a little kiss, but just on the cheek, and that was unique enough for her not to want to share it.
“So, he’s single? Divorced?”
“I don’t know, but he doesn’t wear a ring, and he was very clear he’s not looking for a relationship. It was nice. We don’t ask each other a million questions. I like that. It’s different.”
“Maybe that’s because this guy is genuine, and Craig … well, we know what he was.”
“I can’t wait to paint what I saw today. I hope I can do it justice. I’ve never felt so close to nature in all my life.”
“That’s because the closest we get to nature is watching Discovery Channel and even then you’re always curled up in a ball worried about who’s going to eat who next.”
“Those shows are sad. I don’t watch those anymore.”
They changed into their pajamas, chatting nonstop like a couple of schoolgirls, almost falling asleep, and then thinking of something else they had to talk about.
“Oh gosh. It’s after two,” Lorri said. “We’ve got to get some sleep. I’m going to my room so we can’t keep talking.”
“Party pooper.”
“The party will continue in the morning. Love you. So glad you’re here. If you wake up before me the coffee maker is ready to go. Just hit the start button.”
“Good deal.”
“Come on, Mister. Time for bed.” He lifted his head and then put it back down. “Looks like you have another best friend.”
Pam leaned over the side of the bed and petted him. “Fine by me.”
Lorri walked down the hall to her room and climbed into bed. She closed her eyes. This has been a perfect day.
Lorri woke up to the smell of bacon. Something that never happened. She got out of bed and went into the kitchen.
Mister sat to the right of Pam, his nose wiggling.
“It smells so good,” Lorri said. “Don’t you feed my dog bacon. He’ll expect me to start frying it up on weekends, and that is not going to happen.”
“Just one little piece?” Pam tick-tocked the spatula in front of him. “That’s what aunties are for.” Mister cocked his head, putting on his best begging face. “Seriously. How do you say no to that?”
Lorri poured a cup of coffee. “When he outweighs you, you keep the boundaries clear.”
“Fair enough. I’m almost done here.” She put a bowl of scrambled eggs on the table, then took the last pieces of bacon out of the frypan. “All set.”
“This is a treat.” Lorri sat down and made her plate. “I just bought fresh tomatoes. The produce at the market has me completely spoiled.” She went to the kitchen and brought one back, slicing it into wedges to split with Pam.
After breakfast they went upstairs to the loft to look at the wedding picture.
“Lorri, I know this is what you described, but this is amazing. Cody and Kasey are going to love it. I just got chills.”
“I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Pete sent over some pictures from Cody’s things, and I was able to find a ton of Kasey’s stuff online.”
“I love how you incorporated The Wedding Ranch into the ‘E’ of ‘Tuggle’ and then wrote ‘everlasting’ underneath it. Wow. You are so creative. You haven’t lost a thing, girl. I can’t wait to see what you end up painting from here.”
“Thanks.”
They matted and framed the picture, and then Pam wrapped it in the beautiful white-on-white damask-patterned paper. The satin ribbon was soft enough to be part of the bride’s bouquet and formed a perfect bow on top.
They carried it downstairs and set it by the fireplace. Cody could take it with him when he left. No need to tote it to the wedding.
The driveway alert rang. Both of them ran to the door. “It has to be Cody!”
“It’s a Mercedes,” Pam said. “I thought he was supposed to be all incognito. Yep. It’s him.” She opened the front door.
Lorri squeezed Pam’s arm. “It’s been too long since the three of us got together like this.”
Cody spread his arms open, a wide grin on his face. “How’re my two favorite girls?”
“Feeling like we’ve become number two and number three on your list, but we’re okay with it,” Lorri said. She skipped out to meet him halfway on the sidewalk. “It’s so good to see you.”
He wrapped his big arms around her. “It’s been too long. You both look great.”
“You’re bigger than I remember,” Lorri said.
“That’s blubber. My bride-to-be has learned to make all of my favorite meals, and I just can’t say no to them. That, and being on the road is more than my metabolism can keep up with.” He patted his belly which still looked completely flat.
“Well, you look great. We’re so excited for you. Thank you for making time for us.” Pam stepped up for her hug.
“I’d have made time for y’all if I had to do it in the middle of the night. Man, it’s good to see you. I’m beat though. The last week has been nonstop. Scrunching the tour dates for the wedding was a real pain, but we managed it.”
“Come on in,” Lorri said.
“I like it a lot better than your other house. This is more my style.”
“I never knew it was mine,” Lorri admitted. “I’m loving it though. So tell us what to expect at the wedding. Is it going to be fancy? Traditional? Are you going to sing?”
“I am. I wrote a song just for it. I love that gal so much, and Jake, that child is a real gift from God. I couldn’t love him more if he were my own.” His eyes shimmered with the unmistakable sheen of joyful tears.
She had to ask. “Think you two might have one of your own?”
He grinned. “We’ve been talking about it.”
“Oh my gosh. That’s so great.”
“Will you play the song for us?” Pam pleaded.
“Where’s the guitar,” he said with a groan. “I know you’ve got one around here somewhere.”
“I do. Always just in case you show up.”
“My kind of girl.”
She got the guitar and handed it to him.
He strummed a few notes. “It’s even in tune. Here we go.” He sang a love song that was sure to make everyone at the wedding cry, then capture the hearts of his fans. As he played the last chord, they applauded with gusto.
“You know that’s going to be the next big wedding song, don’t you?”
“Well, that’d be nice, but all I want is to make Kasey happy.”
“And that’s why it’ll be a hit. It’s real.”
“How about this one.” He played their college favorite and Lorri and Pam sang along.
“Are you hungry?”
“You’re not cooking, are you?” Cody teased.
“No, but I did do the shopping for Pam.”
“I am hungry, but I have to see Kasey. We want you both to come to the cookout on Friday night.”
“We’ll be there.”
“I’ll text you the details. As for Saturday, just come and enjoy yourself. Wear whatever you want and prepare yourself for a good time. Mom will be there. She’s dying to talk to you, so be ready.”
“It’ll be great.” They walked him to the front door. “Wait, Cody. We have your wedding present. Take it with you so there’ll be one less you have to deal with at the reception.” She ran over and got it. “It’s from the both of us.”
“You didn’t have to do this.”
“We wanted to,” Pam said.
He tucked the long frame under his arm like a surfboard. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. By the way, you know,” Pam added, “that Mercedes isn’t exactly low-key.”
“Hey, I’m trying to keep up with this Walker girl.” He gave Lorri a wink. “The Pinto was already rented. It’s all they had.”
“Right,” Lorri laughed. Her first car had been an old Ford Pinto. It had been her grandmother’s and she’d put less than thirty thousand miles on it before Lorri ever got it. It was like brand new, and she knew she should’ve appreciated it, but the other kids had teased her mercilessly about it. “Real funny.”
As soon as Cody backed out of the driveway, Pam practically melted. “Please tell me you are okay with taking a nap. We did not get enough sleep last night!”
“I’ll race you.” Lorri scooted past her and didn’t stop until she reached her bedroom door. She poked her head back out. “Pam. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too. I miss you, but I feel so much better seeing for myself how happy you are here.”
Lorri slid across the bed and hugged her pillow. I am happy.
Funny how her life had changed since the divorce from Craig. There’d been a time when she was dressed up more often than not. Now she chose blue jeans and pulled her hair back. No makeup. No jewelry.
I have better things to do with my time. She glanced over at Mister, who sat next to the bed with his head held high.
“You’re the best thing Craig ever did for me, even if his intentions had been less than honorable.” She brushed her left hand over the mask of dark hair surrounding his eyes and ears. “Good boy.”
She’d be glad when the telltale notch on her ring finger finally went away. Pulling her hand into her lap, she twisted the skin at the seven-year indentation. It wasn’t noticeable to anyone else, and hopefully soon she wouldn’t notice the wedding ring missing or why. Like it had never happened.
She questioned now if it had ever been love, or rather the expected natural progression of steps since they’d been together from their school years. Time served. Companionship and being able to afford things—two paychecks were easier than one. Feeling like adults by moving out onto their own. She’d landed the graphic design position right out of college; he’d hopped from job to job. Playing more than planning.
With him off her back financially, and the extra cushion from the sale of their home, she was living more comfortably than ever.