Page 91 of Home Is Where You Are

One little boy stood in the line, but was farther back than the rest of the children. Gentry tried to coax him to come closer, but he shook his head, his little lip quivering.

My heart broke at how scared the kid now was when moments ago he was full of excitement. I was about to walk over to talk to him, but Gentry handed me the lead.

I took over giving the kids instructions on how to brush down the horse, as I watched from the corner of my eye how Gentry interacted with the little boy.

He knelt to his level and whispered something to the little boy that I couldn’t quite hear. The little boy nodded after a few moments of Gentry coaxing him. He looked over to the boy’s mother, and she nodded. I wasn’t sure what he was asking permission for until I saw Gentry pick up the little boy and put him on his shoulders, a smile gracing both of their faces.

I loved seeing Gentry interact with children. He was such a gentle soul and always knew just what to say and just what to do to get them to step out of their comfort zone.

We showed the kids how to brush the horses, giving them a chance to brush them and get a feel for being around such a big animal. Next, we showed them how to lead the horse with a slow and steady pace. By the time the hour was up, the little boy who was so frightened, confidently held the lead and led the horse around the riding arena with Gentry barely having to give him any corrections. When we concluded the lesson for the day, the little boy raced over to his mother.

“I did it, Mommy. Did you see?” he shouted as he ran into his mother’s waiting arms.

My heart constricted at the sweet gesture. I smiled as I gathered the supplies to clean up the area before the next round of kids arrived.

I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand, the Texas sun bright and hot against my skin.

Gentry walked over and helped me get everything set up.

“You were great with him,” I said as I smiled over at him. He was everything in a man that I wanted, but was almost too scared to have. Until now.

He smiled at me as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. His face fell as he looked down at the screen. He put his phone back in his pocket as he looked back up at me.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Nothing to worry your beautiful head about,” he said as he kissed my forehead before he walked over to greet the next group.

Why didn’t I believe him? What could he have received to make his expression fall and worry to etch his features?

twenty-nine

GENTRY

Ilied to Ainsleigh when she asked if everything was okay.

During our riding lesson earlier, I’d received two messages.

One from my parents that I’d yet to read. I wasn’t ready to talk about how they’d been texting me updates on their arrival, messages that had gone without a response. I just didn’t have the energy to respond to them. Not after everything they’d put me through.

The second message was from Sawyer saying that he had something to discuss with me and to meet him at the office when I was done for the day.

Once we were finished for the day, I told her I’d see her at dinner and went over to the office to see what Sawyer wanted to discuss.

Loretta was already gone when I made my way inside. I knocked on Sawyer’s office door and waited for him to reply.

A few moments later, I heard him shout, “Come in.”

He had his phone to his ear, so I quietly entered and sat in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk.

He finished the call and turned to face me, interlocking his fingers together as he leaned back in his chair.

“How can I help you today, sir?” I asked, trying not to let my nerves show. I always thrived to do a good job around here, especially after they took me in when they didn’t have to.

“I just want you to know how great of a job you’re doing. You’ve shown such dedication since you started working for me four years ago, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed,” he said proudly.

“Thank you, Sawyer. That means a lot coming from you. I love working on this ranch,” I replied, meaning every word.

“I know you do, son. That’s why I want to offer you the foreman position to oversee guest operations.”