Sympathetic to Ana’s situation, Evie made a mental note to talk to her in the morning. “Tell me more about your visit.”
“We met a lovely widower,” Esmeralda changed the subject. “Lucy invited him to dinner as well. His name is Ryland Parrish. He’s renovating the old Serenity Hotel.”
“He’s a very nice man.” That came from Jenny, who it seemed was all in favor of helping Lucy in her scheme to find a husband for Evie, whether Evie wanted that or not.
“I thought so as well.” Esmeralda took a sip of her brandy and peered at Evie over her glass. One of her dark eyebrows rose, as if to imply Mr. Parrish might be considered excellent husband material. “Funny, too, and quite handsome.”
Evie said nothing, though she recognized Mr. Parrish’s name. Lucy had mentioned it. Considering that this Mr. Parrish had been invited to Lucy’s ‘family’ dinner, Evie was more than relieved that she hadn’t gone. Of course, her niece wasn’t above a little more matchmaking, aside from the mail-order husbands she’d already arranged for and been warned to never do again. She was just surprised that it was only one gentleman and not more. There were a number of single men in Serenity she could have invited.
“I hope the children were good for you.” Esmeralda reached across the table and laid her hand atop Evie’s, startling her out of her thoughts.
Evie smiled. “They’re always good for me.” She looked up at the clock as she heard the voices of her nephews coming closer to the house, then rose from her seat. If she was going to make an escape before the boys came in and added their opinion about Mr. Parrish, now would be the time. She finished the little bit of brandy left in her glass. “I’m glad you’re all home and safe, but I’m going to bed. Good night, ladies.”
She left the kitchen just as the back door opened and her boisterous nephews came in, making her escape just in time.
CHAPTER 9
Finished spreading fresh straw in the stalls, Jake stepped out of the barn just in time to see Evie come out of the house. She spoke a few words to Jenny, who sat on the patio with Savannah and Miguel, teaching them their morning lessons. He heard her laughter, and his heart took notice. Indeed, his entire body took notice, and he ached to take her in his arms and kiss her sweet mouth once again.
She strode across the lawn with purpose, the hem of her split skirt swirling around the tops of her black boots, her hat, apparently her favorite, shading her eyes. He watched her come closer, admiring her figure and the way she moved as she cut through the space between rose bushes, then finally came to stand before him. “Good morning, Jake.”
“Good morning, Miss Evie.” He smiled at her. She really was the most extraordinary woman. Out of all the women he’d known throughout his life, he’d never met anyone quite like her. She was sweet and kind, yet she could be tough when she had to be. And she loved. Hard. He saw it with her nephews, their wives and their children, and every member of her extended family. “You heading out to the summer pasture? Can I saddle Spitfire for you?”
“Not today. No, today, we’re going to do something different.” She smiled at him and once again, his heart seemed to stop, then start beating again—almost painfully.
“And what would that be?”
She tilted her head as she looked at him. He loved it when she did that. “I think it’s time.”
Jake leaned his shovel against the side of the barn and pushed his hat back so he could wipe the sweat from his brow. Why was she being so mysterious? “For what, Miss Evie?”
“Your first riding lesson.”
His stomach clenched. He’d been avoiding this. Yes, he was coming to know the horses, and he had to admit he’d become attached to them, but the thought of climbing into the saddle filled him with dread. Guess he couldn’t put it off any longer. “If you say so.”
She gestured toward the shovel. “Unless, of course, you’d rather shovel manure.”
He laughed. “No, ma’am.”
“I thought you’d say that. If you’ll saddle Clementine and bring her to the ring, we’ll get started.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He watched her walk toward the riding ring, the subtle sway of her backside mesmerizing. He turned away, grabbed the shovel, strode down the center aisle of the barn, and entered the tack room in the back.
At least the horse she chose for him was a good one. Clementine was gentle, and if horses could have a sense of humor, she had one. She liked to steal his hat off the top of his head if he wandered too close to the paddock fence. And then she’d run with it, as if daring him to chase her. Out of all the horses he took care of, she was his favorite.
He leaned the rake against the wall, then retrieved a blanket and saddle, reins and bridle, and wandered toward the paddock. Clementine raced to the fence, he assumed for an opportunityto steal his hat once again, but he took a step back just in time. He laid the equipment over the fence then opened the gate and stepped inside. Clementine gave him a big horsy smile and tried to grab his hat. “Not today, sweet girl. Today, I’m going to ride you. Are you all right with that?”
She gave a slight nod and chuffed, as if answering his question. Leading Clementine by her leather halter, he brought her outside the gate, and closed it.
“I’m a little nervous, Clem,” he admitted, as he spread the blanket over her back. Clementine blew air from her nostrils and gazed at him with her big soulful eyes. “The last time I was on a horse, it didn’t end well for me.”
The horse stood silently and didn’t move as he put the saddle on her and made sure it was secure.
“I suppose that was my fault. I had no business trying to ride Redeemer. Father O’Malley made it very clear no one was to ride him, but one of the older boys dared me.” He laughed as he adjusted the cinch, then moved in front of her to fit her with the bridle. “Even at five, I couldn’t resist a dare.”
He rubbed his hand over her nose before slipping the bridle into place, making sure it, too, was fitted properly as Antonio had shown him.
He glanced toward the riding ring, where Evie waited, her arms resting on the top slat of the fence, but her head was turned in his direction. He looked at the horse. “All right, Clementine, I’m ready. How about you?”
