Page 12 of Ella and the Enchanted Bookshop

“I know you have to go,” Derrick said, gently this time. “But think about what I said. Namely, that you have friends. And your friends want to help.”

I gave him a shaky smile and a quick hug before heading out toward the arena, wiping my eyes on my shirt as I did. That he and Brianna had only stayed for me? I’d have to unpack that later when I had more time and emotional energy.

And most definitely when I was alone.

The air was still crisp with the newness of dawn as I left the shadows of the barn and stepped into the warmth of the sun, and I was glad that I’d put on one of my flannel shirts before heading out. It was the second week of September, and autumn had definitely arrived.

“Good morning, everyone! You’re already back!” I greeted my senior riders where they were sitting on the porch. Apparently, they had enjoyed their camp so much that they’d decided to book another riding session immediately.

My parents had built the house so that it was right up against the arena rather than a back or side yard. They’d also placed several benches on the porch facing the arena. That way parents could watch their children during their lessons. Or, as in the case with my pupils now, my more senior riders had somewhere to rest while they were waiting for their turns.

“I think it’s Bill’s turn to go first this week,” I announced as soon as I had the first horse saddled and ready to go. “Then we’ll have Betty Lou, Johann, Mazy, and Pearl go in that order.” As I spoke, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

“Excuse me just a second,” I said, pulling it out. “I need to make sure my stepmother…” My words died as I read the name on the screen.

Asher Kentworthy

My heart took off in my chest.

“Oh, look at her blush!” Miss Betty Lou laughed. “Tell us, sweetie. Who’s it from?”

I hurried to put my phone away, but my face felt hotter than the September sun above. “A friend,” I hurried to say, shoving my phone back into my pocket.

“Some friend that must be.” Bill nudged Miss Pearl, who smirked. “Do you blush like that when I text you?”

“No. I turn my phone off,” Miss Pearl said with a sniff.

“Okay, Bill,” I said with a smile. “Are you ready?”

Bill was ready, but that didn’t stop them from teasing me every chance they got. I didn’t mind, though. My parents had loved to tease, but now that they were gone, laughter had become a rarity in the house.

Besides, if I were being honest…

I was elated that Asher had texted me. And it was killing me not to whip my phone out and memorize everything he said and immediately text him back. I might have even done so if I hadn’t been sure that my pupils would try to coax his message out of me.

And I wouldn’t have put it past Betty Lou to snatch it out of my hands, had the opportunity arisen. She was quick. So quick, apparently, that everyone swore she cheated at card games, though no one could ever catch her.

If I had to wait, though, I didn’t mind waiting until the end of this lesson. My senior riders were surprisingly good in the saddle. Apparently, they had all ridden when they were younger, according to Bill. They just needed a little extra help from our plastic stepping stool and my guiding hand to get on. And even if they were decidedly nosy, it was nice to have people who were curious about my well-being.

By the time we finished, they were tired but happy, and had all decided to visit one of the nearby sandwich shops for lunch. I was invited as well, and part of me wanted to say yes.

“Maybe some other time,” I said with a grin. “I have more work today. But I can’t wait to see you all again!”

And I meant it.

Once they were gone, however, I dove back into the tack room and pulled out my phone to see what Asher had texted.

Sorry I didn’t make it to church yesterday. I had to drive home because I had work early this morning. I just wanted to tell you again how I enjoyed seeing you on Saturday. And I’m looking forward to that lesson. Maybe you’ll make a real cowboy out of me yet.

I grinned and shook my head. He was ridiculous. But he was being ridiculous to me. And that was incredibly attractive.

“Ella?”

I jumped up to find Casey glaring at me from the door of the tack room.

“I’ve been calling for you!” she said. “Have you been in here this whole time?”

I shoved my phone back into my back pocket. “No. The last riders just left. I was about to take my lunch break.”