Rescuing Her Ranch, page 6
Lexi gasped. “Look, Daddy. It’s a kitty.”
She jumped off his lap and wrapped her arms around the cat.
Macey scooted off the love seat and sat next to her. “Lexi, you have to be careful. You don’t know if that kitty likes hugs.”
At that moment Mrs. Douglas entered the room holding a purple leash connected to a small black-and-white dog with wavy hair. “Not to worry. Hawthorne loves everyone.”
She brought the dog closer to them. Its little nose sniffed Lexi. “And this cutie is Polly. She’s a schnoodle.”
“Schnoodle? What’s that?” Cole leaned forward and ran his fingers over Hawthorne’s fur.
“A miniature poodle and a miniature schnauzer mix. She was surrendered to us recently when her owner moved into assisted living and could no longer care for her. Polly is about six years old, apartment friendly and she loves small children. Her previous owner had a large family with several small grandchildren. Unfortunately, none of them were able to take the sweet girl. She’s been with us for a couple of weeks, and our vet hasn’t released her for adoption just yet. But she will be ready in a week for a new home.”
Hawthorne left Cole and wound his way around Mrs. Douglas’s legs. Still holding on to Polly’s leash, she scooped up the cat and placed him on the tower in the corner.
Cole moved to the floor next to Lexi and waited for the dog to approach them again. “Hey, Polly. How are you doing?”
The dog’s ears perked, and she cocked her head at the sound of her name.
Mrs. Douglas opened a container on the desk in the corner and grabbed a handful of tiny dog treats. She gave a few to Macey, then handed the rest to Cole. “See if she’ll take these treats, one at a time, out of your hand.”
Cole placed a treat on his palm. Polly took a few tentative steps, licked her lips and took the treat.
Mrs. Douglas crouched and petted the dog’s head. “Good girl, Polly.” She looked at Lexi. “Would you like to try feeding her?”
Eyes wide, Lexi nodded. Then she looked at Cole. “Can I, Daddy?”
“Sure. Just do what I did. Put the treat in your hand and hold it flat for Polly to take.”
Lexi did as instructed, then giggled as Polly ate the treat. Lexi rubbed her hand on her shirt. “Her tongue tickles.”
“Yes, it does.”
They played with Polly for another fifteen minutes, allowing Lexi and Polly to get used to each other.
“I think we’ve found a match.” Cole pulled his phone out of his pocket and snapped a picture of his daughter petting Polly. “What’s the next step?”
“We’ll fill out some paperwork. Usually, we suggest a trial stay to make sure the dog is the right fit for your family. Then, you can decide if you’d like to make her a permanent addition to your household.”
“What do you think, honey?”
Lexi petted the dog curled in her lap. “Polly needs us, Daddy.”
His daughter’s tender heart never ceased to amaze him. He pushed to his feet. “Okay, then. Let’s fill out some paperwork. The week we wait for her to be released will give me time to get food and supplies for her.”
“Sounds good.”
Cole turned to Macey. “Would you mind staying here with Lexi and Polly while I fill out the paperwork?”
Smiling, Macey ran a hand over Polly’s fur. “Not at all. We’re good here.”
“Thanks.” He knelt in front of Lexi. “Hey, squirt, stay here with Macey and I’ll be right back. I need to sign papers so Polly can come live with us.”
“Okay, Daddy.” She didn’t take her eyes or hands off the dog in her lap.
As he followed Irene back to the front counter, the back door opened.
Wyatt Stone walked in, carrying a large bag of dog food. “Hey, Mama D. I stopped by the feed store, and Drake donated another bag of food.”
“Thanks, hon. Put it in the prep room, and I’ll call Drake later and thank him.”
Wyatt disappeared around the corner, then returned a moment later. He crossed the room, hand extended. “Hey, Cole. How you doing, man?”
Cole hesitated a moment, a little surprised by Wyatt’s pleasant attitude. He shifted away from the counter and shook his hand. “Good. And you?”
“Can’t complain.” Wyatt glanced around. “No Lexi?”
Cole jerked his head toward the office. “Actually, she’s in the other room with Macey and our new schnoodle, Polly.”
“Macey, huh?” Wyatt grinned.
Shrugging, Cole ignored his friend’s implication. “Lexi invited her.”
“And no one can say no to Lexi, am I right?”
“One of my greatest struggles.”
Wyatt gave him an understanding nod. “Oh, I hear you. I’m there myself with Mia. Thank God for my family. Hey, listen—I gotta get back to the ranch, but the offer to join my single fathers support group is still open. Or give me a call any time with questions or concerns. I don’t have all the answers, but the group has men from all walks of life. They’ve been a great support system.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Cole looked over his shoulder as Macey and Lexi walked hand in hand into the reception area with Lexi holding Polly’s leash. “We’re doing fine, just the two of us.”
But even as he spoke, his words sounded hollow. His daughter needed more than what he could offer. She needed a woman’s touch.
Someone like Macey.
But that wasn’t going to happen. Especially with this land sale building a wall between them.
Wyatt crouched and petted Polly. “Hey, Polly. Looks like you found a new home.”
Lexi’s eyes widened as she knelt beside him. “You know Polly?”
“Sure. Polly and I became buddies after I took her for a couple of walks.” Wyatt straightened, then glanced between Macey and Cole. “Why don’t you stop out at the ranch? I’m sure Lexi would enjoy seeing the horses.”
“Horses? Really?” Lexi scrambled to her feet, nearly rolling Polly onto the floor. “Can I ride one, Daddy?”
Cole shot Wyatt a “Thanks, pal” look, then turned back to his daughter. “I don’t know, Lexi.”
“Why not?” She pointed to Wyatt. “That man said I could. I heard him.”
“I believe he said you could see them.” Cole’s gaze shifted between Wyatt and Macey, whose tight smile signaled she was less than impressed with her brother’s suggestion. “Wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest, considering I’m working for my uncle?”
Wyatt lifted a shoulder. “Doesn’t have to be. You grew up with us, man. You’ve been to the ranch more times than I can remember. You’ve been like family before you ever worked with your uncle.”
And that was a part of the problem.
Lexi dropped Polly’s leash and grabbed his leg. “Please, Daddy?”
“What do you think, Mace?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Wyatt invited you. This is between you guys.”
Staring down at Lexi’s big blue eyes, Cole felt his resolve slipping. He gripped the back of his neck. “Okay, fine.”
Even though Lexi clapped and danced with Polly spinning in circles next to her, Cole didn’t share her enthusiasm.
In fact, his clenched gut said it was a very bad idea.
But how could he say no to his daughter?
Chapter Five
Macey needed just an hour or so by herself.
Time to think and come up with some way to combat Crawford’s attempt to gain access to their land.
Once word had spread about the council’s desire for the strip mall, many of their friends and neighbors had expressed their outrage and promised to stand with the Stones.
But was it enough?
Because for all who wanted to protect their property, an equal number—or more—were in favor of the strip mall.
Even a week later, Bear still remained a little cool toward her. Macey kept her mouth shut because she didn’t want to add to Mom’s growing fatigue.
Before her mother left for the hospital this morning, Macey suggested taking her place so she could rest, but Mom had said if she stopped, she was afraid she’d fall apart. She needed to be strong now and could rest later.
But what was that strength costing her? Costing all of them?
So Macey spent the last week doing what she could to help ease her burdens at home, like doing Mom’s barn chores, housecleaning and getting dinner on the table. Although sitting at the dining room table still didn’t feel right without Dad at the head.
Now she wanted a quick ride before returning to the ranch house to make lunch for everyone.
Since coming back from Denver, she’d been surrounded by people. And she loved it, especially being with her mom again.
When she wasn’t caring for Lexi, helping on the ranch, or working on the plans for the ball, she lent a hand at the diner and chatted with customers, getting their views about the proposed strip mall.
A quick getaway by herself would refresh her enough to face the upcoming week.
Morning sunshine warmed her face as she headed to the barn. With temperatures above freezing and the sun shining over melted snow, today seemed like the perfect day to ride and clear her head.
Her worn cowboy boots hugged her feet like old friends, and the hat she dug out of her closet took her back to riding South Bend with Grandpa. Maybe that sudden feeling of nostalgia was why she was so intent on heading out to her grandparents’ property. Especially if Crawford got his way and took over the land.
She entered the barn, allowing a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the changes in light. After breathing in the sweet scent of hay and the rich scent of saddle leather, she exhaled slowly, forcing her shoulders to relax.
Heading to Cheyenne’s stall, she slid the door open and stepped inside.
Her quarter horse lifted her head and eyed Macey.
“Hey, Chey. Wanna go for a ride?” She ran a hand over the mare’s gleaming chestnut coat and rested her cheek against Cheyenne’s neck. Taking the mare by the halter, she led her into the aisle. She cross-tied her by clipping the lead straps to both sides of Cheyenne’s halter for her protection as well as Macey’s.
After taking the hoof pick out of the grooming basket, Macey moved to Cheyenne’s side and ran her hand down the mare’s leg. Cheyenne lifted her foot.
Macey removed a couple of small stones from the horse’s hoof, then repeated the same process for the other three hooves.
She exchanged the hoof pick for a brush. With a hand on the horse’s hip, Macey talked to her in soothing tones as she removed bits of hay and debris from Cheyenne’s coat.
Macey tossed the brush into the basket and headed to the tack room. She draped the reins over her arm and lifted her saddle off the rack. She grabbed a pad and carried everything back to the aisle where the horse stood patiently.
Macey set everything on the bench across from Chey’s stall. She reached for the saddle pad, settling it on the horse’s withers.
A childish giggle followed by low-toned male voices outside the barn caused Cheyenne’s ears to twitch. The barn door opened, sweeping in chilly air, and shadows spilled across the floor. Wyatt, Cole and Lexi headed inside.
Even though Wyatt had invited Cole and Lexi to come and see the horses last week while they talked at the animal shelter, Macey was still surprised he’d actually shown up at the ranch.
So much for her quiet retreat to South Bend.
“Hey, Mace. Whatcha doin’?”
She straightened the saddle pad and lifted her head. Wyatt and Cole stood in front of Cheyenne’s stall. Wyatt’s arms rested on the door as he grinned like an annoying little brother. Macey glanced at him, then lifted an eyebrow at Cole, who wore a buckskin-colored cowboy hat with a black band that shadowed his face.
She forced a casual tone in her voice. “You came.”
Before Cole could speak, Wyatt pushed away from the stall and folded his arms over his chest, feet shifting apart, every bit the former marine. “I invited him here, remember? So be nice, sis.”
“I’m always nice.” She eyed Cole, daring him to challenge her words, then swiveled her attention back to her brother. “What are you guys doing?”
“We’re going to take Lexi for a ride.” He lifted a chin at Cheyenne. “You riding too?”
Macey lifted the saddle onto Chey’s back. “I planned to ride to South Bend and shoot some photos of the waterfalls.”
“Glad to hear you’re getting back into your photography. Mind if we tag along?”
Macey cocked her head and lowered her voice. “Seriously, Wy?”
He lifted a shoulder and glanced at Cole. “Sure, why not?”
Macey swallowed a sigh. “Don’t you think it’s a conflict of interest?”
Wyatt shook his head and shoved his hands in his back pockets. “I see it as old friends taking a ride together.”
“Apparently, my vision’s a bit cloudier than yours.” She turned back to the mare and cinched the saddle in place. “Suit yourself. I can’t tell you what to do.”
“Great. You lead, and we’ll follow. That way, you can get the shots you want and I can help Cole with Lexi.”
Seeing Cole in worn jeans with a threadbare, navy pullover hoodie that stretched across his chest messed with Macey’s concentration. Not to mention the morning scruff on his unshaven chin. Why did he have to look so good, no matter what he wore? Then, he settled his hat back on his head, shadowing his face once more.
Macey’s heart thunked against her rib cage. She needed to leave the barn before she did or said something stupid.
Lexi ran up to her and wrapped her arms around Macey’s jean-clad legs. “Hi, Macey. I’m so excited to ride a horsey today.”
Looping the reins around her wrist, Macey leaned over and hugged the child, who was dressed in jeans with embroidered butterflies on the thigh and a pink hooded puffy coat. An oversize pink cowboy hat sat on her hair, which framed her face in two lopsided braids. “Hey, sweet girl. It’s so good to see you. I like your hat.”
Lexi patted its crown. “My Piper let me borrow it. She said cowgirls needs hats. Do you know her?”
Macey nodded as she put herself between the child and Cheyenne’s muscular legs. Not that the gentle horse would kick, but with Lexi’s sudden movements, it was better to err on the side of caution. “I know your Piper. She’s friends with my sisters.”
Cole scooped up his daughter. “Lexi, let’s leave Macey alone, okay?”
“She’s never a bother.” Macey’s eyes connected with Cole’s.
His eyebrow arched as if to ask if he was the one who bothered her.
Needing space between them, Macey closed the stall door, snatched her camera bag off the post, then led Cheyenne out of the barn.
She squinted against the morning sunshine and lowered the brim of her hat to shield her eyes. Holding on to the saddle horn, she put her left foot in the stirrup and threw her right leg over the horse. The leather squeaked as she settled in her seat. She gathered the reins and gave Cheyenne a gentle nudge with her knee and clicked her tongue. “Come on, girl. Let’s get out of the way so these guys can saddle up.”
She lifted her face and breathed deeply, allowing the sun’s rays to warm her skin against the cool air that cleared her lungs. Guiding Cheyenne toward the gravel road that led away from the ranch, she glanced over her shoulder to find the doorway to the barn empty.
Maybe she could snag a few moments of quiet before they joined her.
As Cheyenne trotted through the open Stone River Ranch gate, Macey glanced over her shoulder once again. This time, Wyatt rode Dante, his black stallion, while Cole followed on Patience, Mom’s mare, with Lexi seated in front of him.
A gentle breeze whisked over her heated cheeks as she guided Cheyenne down the dirt road toward South Bend.
“Go faster, Daddy!” Lexi’s giggles competed with Patience’s hooves thundering against the road, kicking up melting snow and mud.
The man seemed quite comfortable in a saddle.
Macey pulled up on Cheyenne’s reins and tied them loosely around the saddle horn. She removed her camera from her bag and attached the lens, manually focusing the men in her viewfinder. After snapping a few pictures, she zoomed in on the joy lighting up Lexi’s darling face.
Then Macey dismounted and snapped a few shots of Cheyenne against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
“Whoa.” Wyatt pulled on Dante’s reins and brought his black stallion to a stop next to Macey. Cole flanked the other side of her.
“Look, Macey, I’m riding a horsey.” Lexi pulled off her hat and waved it, her cheeks pink from the weather and the excitement.
Macey grinned and lifted her camera one more time. “You sure are, sweetheart. Are you having fun?”
The child nodded and leaned back against Cole. “Daddy said I can take lessons when I turn five.” She held up a splayed hand. “Someday I can ride all by myself. He said until then I have to ride with him to stay safe.”
“Yes, it’s so important to stay safe. I learned how to ride with my daddy too. Just like you’re doing.” Macey framed Lexi and caught Cole’s profile as he leaned down and kissed the top of his daughter’s head.
Dismounting, Wyatt nodded toward the path that cut through the trees. “Let’s take the trail to the homestead.” His eyes volleyed between Macey and Cole, then he nodded to Lexi. “Cole, want to ride Dante? Lexi can stay on Patience, and I’ll walk the horse.”
A look of apprehension flashed across Cole’s face, but at Lexi’s high-pitched squeal, he replaced it with a laugh. “I guess we have Lexi’s answer.”
Wyatt held on to Lexi while Cole dismounted. After instructing Lexi how to hold on to the saddle horn, Wyatt picked up Patience’s reins. He led them slowly down the rutted trail through the grove of pines frosted with snow.
