The Cowboy's Girl Next Door: A BWWM Cowboy Romance Page 6

  She returned to the quilt to find him seated next to Pauline, the two of them eagerly tucking into the iced tea and Carmen’s famous chicken salad sandwiches. They were laughing over some story from Pauline’s time at Bar None, and Claire felt a bit like an outsider as she joined them. She quietly took a sandwich and poured herself some of the tea while she listened to the story.

  “Remember that one berry picking when Jasper bet Big Hank he could out-eat him?” Pauline laughed as she told the story and directed her attention to Claire. “The whole town was there for the picking, so we set the two of them down with a couple of gallons of berries.

  “Lacey gave them 20 minutes on the clock, and when the time was up, Jasper had nearly gone through both gallons, while Big Hank was struggling to finish one. Of course, his hands and mouth were purple for days afterward, and it took him a whole year to work up the nerve to eat one more berry, but the look on Big Hank’s face when he realized he’d been out eaten by skinny old Jasper was worth it!” She laughed again and tore into another sandwich.

  Claire liked Pauline a great deal. She was excellent with the horses and had a sweet simple disposition that suited Claire’s work style well. Given the current circumstances, she felt odd having hired someone from Bar None, but she was too pleased with the girl’s work to give it much thought. Besides, Heart’s Home was going to grow, and Pauline seemed eager to prove herself every bit as capable as Jasper.

  Deciding to venture into the conversation, Claire asked, “So, what’s the story behind this berry picking? This some special event?”

  Pauline was opening the fruit salad. “Didn’t your mama start that tradition, Jess?”

  Jess nodded and swallowed before speaking. “Yep. Every May, around Memorial Day, we open the orchards to the public for a berry picking. Folks come from miles around, and they usually don’t leave until every bush and vine has been plucked clean. Over the last few years, Lacey has insisted on making it an event.”

  “Oooh, yes!” Pauline exclaimed. “We put out a dance floor near the orchard and get a band. Last year she even brought in some guy from Jackson to put on a fireworks display.”

  Her face darkened a bit. “It was beautiful, but Jasper wasn’t real happy when it was done. The noises really spooked the horses. Lacey wants him to train them to get used to the sounds, but I don’t think we’ll be repeating that exercise this year, at least.”

  “Well, you won’t have to worry about that with my girls,” Claire said. “I made sure they were trained to hear loud noises.” She chuckled. “Part of city life, I suppose.” She turned to Jess, determined to make a peace offering. “Tell Jasper I’d be glad to help him with a training schedule for your herd. When I worked at Silver Stallion in Georgia, I did a lot of that sort of thing.”

  Jess raised his eyebrows at her disclosure. Silver Stallion was the best equestrian center in the Southeast. She was full of surprises. “You show horses?”

  Claire laughed. “No. I mean, I started to, when I was younger, but it was too expensive and not really my thing. I loved working with the horses and the riders, though, and I admire the amount of commitment and attention to detail it takes.” She took a drink of the tea. “After my first show, it just didn’t seem right for me.”

  She could feel Jess’s eyes fixed on her, intent and searching. She dropped her head, suddenly finding the fruit salad extremely interesting. “So, this berry picking event. What do you charge?”

  Jess shook his head. “Nothing. Free and open to the public.”

  Claire head snapped up at the admission. “Why would you lose out on that revenue stream? I’ve heard the orchard is pretty extensive.”

  “Oh, it is,” Jess replied. “But my mother insisted that we never charge the locals, and they are always welcome to come by on Saturdays to pick whatever they want from the orchards. The berry picking just signals the start of the season. They never seem to get even half of the crop, though, so we hire laborers to harvest the remaining berries, apples, and figs during the summer so that we can sell them at the Jackson farmer’s market.” He took another helping of the fruit. “Let me know when you want to see it, and we can ride over there. Strawberries are ripe for the picking right now.”

  Pauline stood and brushed breadcrumbs from her jeans. “Time to get back to the girls. I have them in the west pasture today. You should come out and see them later; they’re having a ball with the pond out there.”

  “I’ll be sure to do that. I’d like to take Thalia out later, too. Think she’s up to it today?”

  “Definitely!” Pauline nodded. “If you ask me, they’re itching for some exploring, and, truth be told, some company. They’re used to being around a lot more horses.”

  “Thanks, Pauline. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Claire waited until the girl had disappeared into the stable, then sighed, her fingers picking at a loose thread on the blanket. She needed to get moving on growing her herd, even if it was just a couple of working horses at a time.

  “Pauline’s a good manager, and she knows her horses,” Jess said, “If she thinks your girls need some company…”

  “Don’t you tell me my business!” Claire snapped. She immediately regretted her words and her tone, however. Jess looked crushed, like she’d slapped away the hand he’d only extended to help. She swallowed hard. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”

  Jess pursed his lips and nodded. “Apology accepted.” He made ready to leave. “You know,” he said as he carefully folded the napkin inside the paper plate, “I can’t change what happened, and I want to make things right. We’re neighbors now, and I’d really like it if we can get over this thing that’s happened and try to be friendly.”

  He stood and Claire watched him walk over to dispose of the trash. His back was straight, and she immediately understood how proud he was, and she wondered why he’d been so quick to accept a public punishment designed to take away some of that pride. She was lost in that thought when he returned to the blanket.

  “I’m gonna finish up your fence and head back home. Tomorrow the crew will arrive to start tearing down the barn. Thanks for the lunch.”

  With that, he was gone, and Claire stared at the old quilt, thinking about how its colors and shapes, unique on their own, blended to form a cohesive whole. Jess was right: they needed to move past this. She needed to move past this. Determined to be better, she rose and ran after him.

  “Jess! Wait!”

  He stopped and turned, a blank look on his face as he waited for her to catch up with him. His heart was pounding at the sight of her running toward him, but he tempered his emotions, not knowing if he was in for an epic scolding or an offer of peace.

  Her eyes were shining, and she extended her hand in friendship. “When you’re finished, and when Thalia’s saddled to go, I’d love to see your orchards. Would that be a good step toward a fresh start?”

  He took her hand, grinning as he shook it vigorously. “Yes, my lady, a very good beginning.” He tipped his hat to her and continued on his way.

  Chapter 8

  After finishing up his work at Heart’s Home, Jess went back to the stable office to talk with Big Hank about starting on the barn in the morning. He gave instructions to Lacey about the financial implications of the legal agreement, ignoring her raised eyebrows when she saw the total cost of the barn demolition and replacement. The ranch could easily afford it. Then he headed to the house to clean up, stopping only to tell Jasper to get Horatio saddled up for a ride out to the orchard later.

  He’d moved into his parents’ bedroom a few years earlier. It was comforting to be there at the end of the day, and the room was filled with memories. The massive four-poster bed, built by his great great grandfather, made him feel safe and secure. There were photographs on every surface, pictures of Hardys past and present, treasured reminders of the family heritage.

  Soldiers in Confederate uniforms sat comfortably next to those of the family members who’d fought for the
Union. A lesson, his father had always said, about the importance of remembering all of your past to ensure you didn’t make the same mistakes in your future.

  He turned on the hot water in the shower and removed his clothes. The bathroom was filled with steam by the time he was ready to step inside the enclosure, and he welcomed the hot needles that pounded his skin. As he washed, his mind turned from the past to the afternoon that lay ahead.

  Maybe taking Horatio out was a mistake, but he wasn’t feeling inclined toward much prudence. If they were going to be neighbors, their horses would need to be on friendly terms, and while Claire was certainly stubborn, he could be too. It would be a fresh start for all of them, including the horses.

  He was eager, too, to see Claire ride, up close. He wanted to know more about how she’d come to horses, her big city background an unusual place from where such interests would emanate. He smiled as he imagined a younger version of the beautiful woman, curls sneaking away from her tight ponytail as she trained for her first show. That image was soon replaced, though, with the smile she’d given him earlier, and he felt a flutter of excitement at the memory and his surprise at her offer.

  A puzzle, that’s what she was, and he was eager to find out everything there was to know about Claire Robinson. She might want to just be friends, but he was starting to think he wanted so much more. He switched the tap to cold, rinsing off quickly, then wrapped a towel around his waist.

  Fifteen minutes later, he was ready and composed. He’d chosen a deep green shirt and his best dark jeans. He’d shaved carefully, but stopped himself from adding a splash of the cologne Cella had given him last Christmas. “This isn’t a date,” he reminded himself. Satisfied that he looked every bit the friendly rancher taking his new neighbor on a tour, he went back to the stables.

  Claire and Thalia were already there, rider deep in conversation with Jasper and Lacey while the mare stood quietly by, her gentle nickers and loving nuzzles to Claire’s arm evidence of the deep trusting bond they shared.

  He paused to take in the scene, eyes moving from Claire’s trim jeans to her well-fitted blue blouse. She had rolled up the sleeves, a sleek gold bangle at her wrist, and her mouth, well; he couldn’t keep his eyes from it, her lips lush and deep burgundy. She had dressed for the occasion, too, and he began to wonder if he shouldn’t have opted for the cologne after all.

  “Careful, now,” he called out as he approached the trio. “Lacey’ll have all your secrets spread over town in two shakes of a lamb’s tail if you’re too free with her.”

  Jasper laughed, but Lacey rounded back. “Jess Randall Hardy, you know I don’t traffic in gossip!” She turned to Claire. “I just find that the townsfolk appreciate knowing what’s happening out here, since some of us are a bit too isolated from the community.” She gave Jess a withering look, and he felt the need to make amends.

  “I know, I know, Lacey. Truth be told, I’m glad I’ve got you as a partner. Left to my own devices, I’d be the town recluse, and no one would know if I was alive or dead.” To Jasper, he asked, “Horatio saddled up?”

  “Yep. He’s in the corral behind the stables, ready to go. Put an empty saddlebag on him, too, in case any of those blackberries are ready.” He leaned over to whisper in Jess’s ear “I really need Lacey to make one of those cobblers soon.”

  Jess chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.” He looked over to Claire. “Nice to see you, Ms. Robinson. Welcome to Bar None Ranch.”

  Claire’s warm smile did nothing to steady his heartbeat. “My pleasure, Mr. Hardy, and I’m so glad to have finally met your wonderful sister. It’s good to know this ranch is in such capable hands.” She winked at Lacey. “Shall we head out?” She didn’t wait for his answer, swiftly mounting the waiting mare and beginning the walk to the corral.

  Jess walked alongside them, enjoying his first close-up. She had a fine seat, and her show training was evident. She was regal, and it was easy to imagine her in full equestrian dress. Born to it, he thought as they approached the corral.

  “I hope it’s OK that I’m riding Horatio today,” he said as he unbolted the gate. “I wanted you to get to know him, well, the regular him.”

  “It’s fine,” Claire said, and Jess breathed a sigh of relief. “Like you said, it’s only natural. Besides, Thalia is still a few days away from coming into season. I think we’ll be OK.”

  She watched as Jess swung up into the saddle, and her breath caught as they walked toward her. She bit at her lower lip. She was here to be friendly, neighborly, even, but not to let her heart start taking her in directions that were unproductive. She nudged Thalia forward, and they started toward the orchards.

  As they rode, Jess pointed out various parts of the ranch. Claire was impressed at the stables and training fields and the big arena where they hosted horse shows and auctions for the local community. It was a great deal to take in, and Claire began to see the contradictions inherent in Lacey’s earlier interaction with Jess, the brother so eager to keep his life grounded and at home, the sister seeing the potential for greater outreach to the community. The ranch was successful, that was clear, but they had the opportunity to do so much more.

  She ventured a question. “Have you thought about running a summer camp here? For kids from the cities.” She looked around at the rolling hills, a lush verdant landscape. “They never get to see this.”

  Jess pulled Horatio to a halt. “Now who’s getting into whose business?” His tone was gentle, but Claire could sense she’d struck a nerve, and she proceeded with caution.

  “Sorry. I deserved that. It’s just…well, I know what riding has meant to me. I can’t help but want that for others, if that makes any sense.”

  “It does, and I didn’t mean to snap at you.” He sighed as they continued their walk to the orchard. “Lacey’s been pushing me to do something like that for years now. She’s even had Cella design a website for the ranch, and I know she’s just waiting for me to give her the go ahead. It’s a big responsibility, though, taking care of other people’s kids. I’m just not sure we’re ready.”

  Claire nodded her understanding and they rode the rest of the way in companionable silence.

  When they arrived at the orchard, Jess dismounted to open the gate and led Horatio through it. Claire followed, and after he’d secured the gate behind them, they put the horses in the small enclosure behind the boarded up fruit stand. They watched them for a moment, then, satisfied the horses were getting along, they took the canvas bags Jasper had sent along and went in search of ripe berries.

  The berry patch was abuzz with life and the rich smell of sweet juices. Much to Claire’s delight, the blackberries were full and ripe, and they lost no time filling the bags. Jess told her about his mother’s work on the orchard, how she’d insisted on adding the fig trees, the fruit being a childhood favorite. They laughed as Claire shared her mother’s first experiences making fig preserves, how she put in far too much sugar and turned the expensive treat into a caramelized mess. “My dad ate it, though, every bit. He didn’t want her to feel like she’d wasted anything.” She grew quiet then, turning her attention back to the blackberry bush.

  “Your dad sounds like a good man,” Jess said.

  “The best,” Claire answered. “We lost him last year.”

  “Oh,” Jess replied, then added, “I would have liked to have met him. I’m sorry for your loss.”

  Claire nodded, her lips tight as she tried to fight the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. This was too much. The vastness of the space, the enormity of the quiet, and his gentle kindness threatened to overwhelm her. This was what she’d wanted, the peace of the country, the openness of space around her, and yet she hadn’t realized that it meant opening herself, too.

  She sniffed. “Thank you. I’m sorry for yours, too.” She looked around the expanse of the orchard, the neatly rowed trees extending off as far as her eyes could see. “Your mother sounds incredibly kind and generous.”

  Jess’
s warm smile was intimate and comforting. “That she was.” He straightened up quickly and handed her his bag of berries. “Be right back.”

  Claire stood, confused, then shrugged. Feeling a bit uncomfortable in the hot sun, she walked over to a nearby oak and sat in its shade while she waited. She thought of her father, how he would have loved to visit such a place, how it would have sparked memories of his childhood on a Georgia farm.

  Her mother had never truly understood his love of the country, but Claire had right away, and again she thanked him for the careful investments he made in her future. She was here, under this tree, because of his love, and for that, she was oh so grateful.

  Jess returned with a faded blanket and a small ice chest. Inside were a few bottles of cider. “We don’t have a press here. Send them out after harvest, but I promise you, the apples you’ll taste here come directly from our ranch.” He opened a couple of bottles and they sat sipping the sweet tart drinks as they watched the insects buzz around in the hot May sun.