17. Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Lydia
L uke places his hands on my waist to help me onto the pony and I lose concentration for a good long minute. His hands are strong and warm and the feel of them makes me quiver. Part of me wants to fall on the ground, giggling, and part of me wants to fling my arms around his neck and cover the man in scorching kisses. But then I remind myself of the point of today. I’ve set him up with Sheena, so this handsome, capable cowboy remains absolutely out of bounds. Completely. I check my hormones and tell them to get back in their cage. This is not my date with Luke Maddox. This is Sheena’s date with Luke Maddox. I am just tagging along. A plus one. If they are going to couple up, they need some time alone together. It’s my job to see that that happens.
“This is lovely,” says Sheena with a huge smile as her pony follows Luke’s horse out of the stableyard.
Our horses’ hooves clip-clop along in a relaxed side-to-side amble. I casually look around at the farm buildings and the paddocks where other horses and ponies graze. They lift their heads with twitchy ears, nostrils flaring, and whinny hello as we pass. Then I look back at the stables and the house nestled among trees and gardens. The ranch is deceptively large, extending from the road, behind the house, to a broad green valley that is split into a patchwork of paddocks and trees.
The track broadens out up ahead. I guess it’s about wide enough for two horses to walk side by side, which gives me an idea. I reach out and grab a stick that’s poking up in the grass beside the track. With a quick tug, it comes away easily in my hand. Then I catch up to Sheena’s pony and use the stick, tapping it gently on Mabel’s rump. Nothing happens. Annoyingly, the pony doesn’t alter its stride at all. So, I go in again, a little heavier this time. Instead of a polite tap, I jab the stick, pointy end, onto a spot near the pony’s tail. Instantly, the alarmed little horse neighs, kicks out with its ears back flat on its head, and charges up the track at a brisk trot, almost overtaking Luke.
“Ooh!” Sheena exclaims. “Ow! What just happened?” Her voice is jarred and wobbly with the pony’s trotting motion. “Is it meant to be-e-e this bumpy-y-y?”
“Whoa, Sheena. It’s not a race,” says Luke as she passes him. “Pull on the reins to ask Mabel to slow down.”
“Sorry. But I didn’t do anything.” Mabel slows to a walk again. “She just started running on her own. Maybe she got stung by a bee?” Sheena looks around for a pesky insect. The two horses up ahead fall into rhythm, side by side. I stay behind and allow my pony to chomp leaves and grass that’s growing abundantly at the side of the track, quietly congratulating myself on a mission accomplished. I watch the would-be couple interacting. I can’t hear their conversation, but it’s not hard to fill in the blanks.
Sheena is probably asking about the ranch and the horses Luke’s family is breeding. He’s probably telling her about his love for animals and how he’s been living a bachelor life, but he’s come to a decision. He’d like a family of his own. He feels comfortable talking with Sheena about these things because, somehow, she and him are connected. In a moment, he’ll stop and reach out for her hand that she will shyly extend his way. Then Sheena will turn to me and say something like, “Lydia. I have a small request. I hope you don’t mind if Luke and I go on alone. I know we came out here together for a horseback ride. But…” And Sheena will gaze longingly at Luke then say, “… we’re in love now. I’m sure you understand.” And I’ll say something like, “Of course! I’ll see you back at the ranch. Take your time.”
“Lydia, are you alright?” Sheena calls back over her shoulder.
“Yep. Couldn’t be better.”
I’m lost in my own thoughts as trees meet overhead dappling the sunshine in amber, oranges, and golds – glorious autumn colors. The plodding pace of the horses lulls and soothes.
But then, Sheena’s pony stops, and Sheena turns to me and says, slightly breathlessly, “Lydia. I’m sorry.” She sighs. “Luke. Just a minute.”
“Are you okay?” I steer Olive next to Mabel. Luke is up ahead but turns Deedee back toward us.
Sheena blows out her cheeks. Her face is suddenly pale. “I think I’ve done something to my back.” Sheena wiggles in her seat. “When the pony took off, I felt something go ping. And, oooh, I can’t get comfortable. And the saddle is rubbing my legs raw.”
“Oh, no. That’s not good,” I say putting my hand around my friend’s shoulders. “We’ll go back now, huh? We’ll come for a ride another time, okay?”
“No. No,” Sheena says, lifting her feet out of the stirrups. “I’ll get off the horse here and lead it back to the stable. Honestly, walking is preferable to riding.”
“Are you sure, Sheena?” I say feeling bad because it was me that made her horse take off. “Hey. We’ll all go back. No problem.” I’m filled with remorse, and I look to Luke for backup.
“Sure. Let’s all go back. It’s fine,” says Luke calmly. “We can rebook for another day. No problem.”
“Luke. Please.” Sheena puffs, leans forward, and takes hold of the front of the saddle. She swings one leg over, then slides off Mabel’s back. The pony stands still as Sheena slowly eases both feet to the ground with an extended exhaled groan. She steadies herself then says, “Take Lydia up to the lookout. I know she’s been dying to see the view.” I open my mouth to oppose this idea, but Sheena shuts me down immediately. “Go on, Lydia. I’ll be fine. Ouch.” She rubs her butt. “By the time you go up and back, I’ll be at the car. I’ll just walk back slowly in my own time.”
“Alright, Sheena. If that’s what you want. I’ll call Ray to let him know you’re on your way back. He’ll look after you and, please, make yourself comfortable at the house. There’s lemonade in the fridge or tea. Help yourself.”
“Thank you. You’re so kind,” says Sheena trying to smile. “Oh, I feel such a ninny.”
“Don’t. You’re not the first,” Luke says reassuringly. “You won’t be the last. There’s no point in riding if you’re experiencing discomfort. It’s not possible to enjoy yourself if you’re sore somewhere.”
Sheena rubs her butt again. She’s smiling but knots of pain knit together on her forehead.
“I’m coming with you, Sheena.” I kick off a stirrup, but Sheena stops me dismounting.
“Lydia. Stop. I am not a child. Go and have some fun. You deserve it. And don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”
Luke looks from Sheena to me. “I’d love to show you the view from the lookout. We’re more than halfway there now. It would be a shame not to see the ranch in all its fall glory. Why not?”
“Okay. That would be so nice... Sheena,” I add anxiously. “Take care. We’ll see you very soon.”
Luke and I watch Sheena lead Mabel away. She turns and waves then rubs her butt and laughs before walking down the track with a very wide gait.
“Shall we?” says Luke lifting his hat slightly, then repositioning it back on his head. His blue eyes crinkle at the corners in a secret smile that spreads to his lips, and as if he has flicked a switch, I am all lit up on the inside. Luke’s smile tells me that everything is going to be alright. I instantly relax and urge Olive to follow Deedee on up the hill.