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Ruby took a bite, and despite the small piece, syrup still made its way to her chin. It was a losing battle, and Macie would definitely be bathing Ruby this morning. Still, Macie smoothed Ruby’s hair behind her ears so that she wouldn’t get too much syrup in her hair.
She felt Holt’s gaze on her, and she returned to her pancakes and took her first bite. They were good—surprisingly good.
“These are great, Holt,” Macie said. “Thanks again. You’re a man of many talents.”
He nodded. “Glad you like them.”
“Are your parents still asleep?” she asked, wondering why his dad hadn’t shown up in the kitchen yet.
“Yes, ma’am. Saturday’s a half day unless there’s a town event,” Holt said. “In a couple of weeks, the rodeo season will start, and our weekends will be swallowed up with that.”
“Are you on the committee, too?” Macie asked, wondering how much more involvement he had with Barb.
“I help with a few things,” he said. “And Dad oversees it all, of course. Makes appearances, MCs for the rodeo, that sort of thing.”
“My dad’s in the doreo,” Ruby said.
Holt’s gaze cut to her. “That’s right.”
“When do I get to see him?” Ruby asked, looking at Macie, and it was like she’d been pierced in the heart.
“I don’t know, baby,” she said, because it was the truth. And now Holt got to hear this conversation again. Thankfully, he didn’t intervene, although Macie had no idea what else could be said.
“Grandpa says you’re getting pretty good on that pony,” he said to Ruby.
A deliberate change in subject. Thank you.
“Sammy’s my best friend,” Ruby announced.
Holt smiled. “Horses make the best of friends sometimes.”
Macie leaned over and kissed Ruby’s cheek. “I’m glad you love riding Sammy.” She looked at Holt. “Your dad is sweet to take her every day.”
“It’s a highlight for him,” he said simply.
Gratitude burned through Macie. And that’s all it was, she told herself.
“Can I ride Sammy today?” Ruby asked, looking at Holt.
“Sure thing,” he said. “And I think it’s time your mom learned to ride a horse, too.”
