“I mean, if that’s what it is, I can happily go riding another time.” It hadn’t been a whole week, but Jesse had reawakened the full potential of her sex drive. Jonesing didn’t begin to describe what she was struggling with.
“I’m joking. It’s something a bit more wholesome than my genitals. Go ahead and open it.” He held the box secure while Lily-Grace pulled off the lid. Inside was an adult sized, near replica of the pink cowboy hat he’d given her in elementary school. She turned on the overhead light before she pulled it out of the box so she could get a clear view of every piece of glitter, every fake rhinestone and, of course, the white and pink faux feathers tucked into the satin ribbon band.
“Jesse.” She looked up at his handsome face, the truth she knew she could share with him, right on the tip of her tongue.
“Yes.”
She took him lightly by the chin, the soft hair of his goatee tickling her fingers as she kissed him again. “This is the ugliest cowboy hat I’ve ever seen.” It was cute. So cute, an adorable nod to their past and the promise of a future, but there was no way she could be seen out in that thing in daylight. She’d be shamed in the papers.
“I had a feeling you’d say that. Lift that up right there.”
There was a bit of tissue over what Lily-Grace thought was a cardboard hat form underneath. It was not. She let out a long breath of awe as she moved the paper all the way back and revealed a beautiful light gray cowboy hat. She pulled it out of the box and turned it around in her hand. This wasn’t an item on her gift board, but it was perfect.
“Jesse,” she said, her breath still tight her throat. “I love it.” She slipped it on and it fit perfectly over the two braids currently hanging over her shoulders. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful. You can use that one for every day, and I was hoping you’d wear pinky-sparkles later with your birthday suit.”
“Oh, so you have been thinking some ungentlemanly thoughts.”
“All week long. I have one more thing to show you.”
“Is it in your pants?”
“There’s that, but I wanted to show you something else.” Jesse pulled out his phone and showed her a listing for a spotted saddle horse named Monty. She looked at the specs, a six-year-old gray-and-white trail gelding for sale up north. “You’ll see when you go inside. One of Zach’s horses, Bam Bam, is the ranch’s most popular horse. Evie will probably ride him. Monty looks different, but he reminds me of Bam Bam. What do you think?”
“He’s gorgeous. I’m sure the guests will love him too. I can appreciate the spotted motif,” she joked.
“He’s not for the ranch,” Jesse said. “He’d be for you. There’s a spot to board him over at Sunrise Stables, so you wouldn’t have to deal with ranch guests here. I also found a stable up in the Bay Area right outside of the city if you decide you’re not going to stay.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.” He took his phone back and then showed her a beautiful brown thoroughbred with a black mane. “This little girl is available too, but Monty seemed more your style.”
“She’s beautiful, but Monty seems like he has a little more spunk. Are you sure? I was kidding. I mean I do want to get a horse. And a dog actually, but you don’t have to do this.”
“I want to. I’ll pay for the stable fees for a year and if, you know—” He shrugged, like he couldn’t say the wordsif we break up.Still, she knew what he was trying to say. “We can meet him next weekend if you like.”
“I—I would like that. Thank you.” Lily-Grace glanced up as another set of headlights appeared in the distance and then another behind that. She was a little relieved they were about to be interrupted. She was also in shock a little. She knew she was getting the real thing with Jesse, but she was feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. She knew why. Still, now was definitely not the time to consider the ins and outs of it. “Looks like your family is here. Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”
“If I get on a horse for the first time in three decades, it’s not going to be in front of you. Let me hold on to a slice of my dignity.”
“Okay, okay.” Lily-Grace laughed. It was like him asking her if she wanted to go deep-sea diving. She was a little disappointed they wouldn’t be spending time out on the trail together, but she understood. She’d have to come up with her own fantasies about how good Jesse looked on horseback. The two pickup trucks parked beside them and she recognized one as Fetu’s newly branded truck from his practice. A moment later, Jesse’s brothers and cousin piled out along with two of their dogs.
“Oh, where’s Clementine?”
“She’s still sleeping. You’ll see her later. Come on, let’s go,” Jesse said, giving her thigh a squeeze. He took her hand once she met him around the back of her SUV and together they went to catch up with the group. He did a quick round of re-introductions. Zach and Evie offered their warm hellos, along with Jesse’s baby brother, Sam, who she knew for obvious actual famous-person reasons. And his girlfriend, Amanda. She remembered everyone from the night at the Charming Inn when things between her and Jesse were a little more strained. And of course Lilah and Fetu, who were real close to claiming the real title of Charming’s new hot couple.
“Thanks for having me along,” she said to Zach as they walked toward the barn.
“Of course. More the merrier. You can pick out a horse you want to ride and we’ll get you all set up.” The security guard opened the door for them, but she noticed Jesse was hanging back.
“Hey, what’s up?” she asked.
“Nothing. Just wanted to give you a proper goodbye. You’re in good hands with Zach. And Sam. I’ll see you in a bit.” Jesse leaned down to kiss her, but Lily-Grace backed up as she realized what he meant.
“Wait—you’re not even coming inside?”
“No, I usually don’t. You’ll have fun with them. I know you will. I’ll go make brunch with Miss Leona and you can finish your ride with a huge meal.”
