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“They’re all saddled and waiting for us.” He glanced at Joey. “Are you ready to go?”
She held up her foot. “Yep. Boots and all.”
“No hat?”
“I somehow misplaced my hat a few years ago.” She slipped on a pair of sunglasses. “So, I’m going as a city slicker today.”
J.T. smiled at the t-shirt she was wearing. “A city slicker wouldn’t have won that Junior Rodeo Barrell Racing Champion shirt.” He tried not to notice how different it fit her now. In a better way, of course. “I’m surprised it still fits you.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, you’re more…” He laughed. “Let’s change the subject.”
“No. I’d like to know whatmoreI am.”
He shook his head. “Nope. Not going there.” He took Finn’s hand. “Let’s go check the saddles on those horses.”
Joey followed them and watched him as he adjusted the stirrups on Shadow. “I think you’re an inch or two shorter than Sage. This is her horse and tack.”
Joey rubbed the horse's neck. “What’s her name?”
“Shadow.”
“Hello, Shadow.” She looked at the other horse. “Is that Pablo?”
“Yeah. He’s been a great horse.” J.T. had gotten him from the family for his eighteenth birthday. He’d been riding him ever since.
“I forgot how pretty he was.”
J.T. patted Pablo’s dappled gray shoulder. “He prefers to be referred to as handsome, not pretty.”
“Oh, of course.” She touched the bridal she’d gotten J.T. for the same birthday. But she didn’t mention it. Pablo’s name was etched onto a brass plate and riveted to the leather strap.
They were both pulled out of their reflection when Sawyer came through the barn door, fresh off of a workout. J.T. glancedat Joey to catch her reaction to his pumped up brother wearing just a pair of nylon shorts. She was obviously impressed.
Sawyer stopped walking when he saw them. “Oh. Hey.”
Finn looked up at him. “Wow. Are you Superman?”
Sawyer laughed. “No. I’m afraid Superman would be able to take me down pretty easily. You must be Finn.”
Finn nodded.
Sawyer looked at Joey. “Nice to see you again.”
“You too.”
J.T. handed her Shadow’s reins. “We’re headed out. But we’ll see you at dinner.”
“Right. See you then.” Sawyer smiled at Finn. “Nice to meet you, Finn. Have fun on the trail.”
He headed for the house and J.T. looked at Joey. “He prefers to be referred to as handsome, too. Not whatever words are going through your mind right now.”
Joey nudged him. “I wasn’t thinking anything.” She took a breath. “Actually, I’m kind of speechless.”
J.T. picked up Finn and put him on Pablo’s saddle. “Hold on to the saddle horn.” He looked at Joey. “You’re not speechless. Just say it. I know it’s killing you.”
She smiled. “Wow!” J.T. nodded, and she added, “Holy…” She glanced at Finn.
