Page 56 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

“We would have been here to help collect flowers,” Owen said, good-naturedly yet not regrettably, it was clear. Excitement beamed from his face. “But Asher and River Run were jumping. Asher thinks River Run might be suited for hunter-jumper competitions.”

Kelley’s eyes widened. She did not bother to hide her surprise. “Is that so?”

Outed, Asher nodded. “I was only following River Run’s lead and going where he wanted to go.”

“Straight over the stream,” Owen added, his enthusiasm buffering his words. “Three different times.”

Big E frowned, yet there was affection in his words. “And that doesn’t include everything else that pair jumped along the way.”

After that first leap, Asher could not seem to stop. Sort of the same way he could not seem to stop wanting to be around his cowgirl. “River Run needed the exercise.”

Kelley’s eyebrows arched higher. She tipped her head and said, “You enjoyed every minute of it. I can see it on your face. Don’t try to deny it.”

“Old habits and all.” Although he sort of had a new habit. A cowgirl kind of one. Asher chuckled. “What can I say? You inspired me after you rode last Sunday.”

“That was nothing,” she said, brushing dried grass off the blanket. “It was a short, slow walk around the pasture. Hardly worth mentioning.”

Everything about her was worth mentioning. “It was more than that. We both know it.” Just as he suspected there might be more between them. Although, he supposed, if they did not acknowledge it, then there was no cause for concern.

“Well, I know we need to get ourselves down to the snack bar before the line gets any longer,” Lynette announced, her gaze fixed on the increasing crowd.

“It’ll be the first task for our extra helping hands,” Beatrice declared and turned Owen toward the long lineup. “You can help us carry our snack bar loot.”

Frannie jumped up and said, “I’ve been looking forward to s’mores bark all day.”

“Come on, Elias,” Lynette said. “I see Sully Connelly heading that way, too, with his son and nephew. Never hurts to find out what the competition is up to.”

“You’re not wrong about that.” Big E held his arm out for Lynette and said mildly, “However, I suspect they are loading up on snacks. Same as us.”

“Well, then, we best head ’em off before they get all the good stuff.” Lynette laughed.

“Wait for us,” Kelley said and started to stand.

“You two stay right there.” Beatrice waved her back into place, then pointed at the basket of wildflowers. “You’re both already comfortable and those flowers need to get sorted by color and size.”

Kelley shifted on the blanket.

“Don’t worry,” Frannie said. “We’ll get you something sweet.”

Asher wasn’t certain he needed any more sugar. He was already sweet on his cowgirl. Asher slid the basket closer and said, “We better get to work.”

Kelley scooped a handful of flowers carefully out of the basket. “You can go with them, if you want. I got this.”

“I’m fine right here.” He followed her lead and took out a bunch of flowers, then slanted his gaze toward her. He left the tease in his words. “Do I not look fine?”

She shook her head and chuckled. “You look really relaxed.”

“I guess that’s the thing about a good day. You just feel better all over,” he mused. “And it’s been a really good day.”

“You sound surprised,” Kelley said.

“I am,” he admitted and set a yellow flower to the side. “I checked my email today.”

Kelley laughed. “That can’t be unusual.”

“It wasn’t for work,” he said and watched Kelley reel in her amusement. “I checked my email for a coupon code after I signed up for the rewards program at Hearthstone Market.”

“Well, you have to be a rewards member at the grocery store.” Kelley’s laughter slipped free again. “They have exclusive BOGO days just for members. They’re not to be missed.”