19. Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Lydia
T he view from the top of the ridge is breathtaking. I say something about love and Valentine’s Day roses, then I forget the point of the conversation. The sky stretches out overhead, and I can see for miles in every direction. A wave of happiness washes over me, quickly followed by a slap of guilt that makes me want to climb back on Olive and gallop, full pelt, down the valley, up the other side, and disappear into the trees of the national park.
I regret poking Mabel’s rear end. If I hadn’t, it would be Sheena up here at the romantic lookout with the handsome cowboy. Today couldn’t be more wrong. And worst of all, I’m beginning to believe my own hype about romance and giving into the emotions of a beautiful moment. It would have been easy to make an excuse, to head back to base, giving the would-be love birds a chance to be alone. But selfishly, here I am with Luke, and I am feeling things that I shouldn’t.
Luke stands close by, a hand distance away. If I reached out sideways with my pinky finger, it would be so easy to find his, without taking my eyes away from the horizon. My pulse races at the idea of touching Luke’s hand. I breathe deeply to calm the emotion threatening to well up and overflow.
What have I become? Just look at yourself, Lydia . Am I a Victorian heroine in corset and crinoline? Ridiculous. All that talk about the language of flowers has seeped into my imagination. All that sentimental romantic nonsense is for other people. I remind myself of the reason for coming out here today. And it’s not about me. This is not how I thought the day would go. At all. But then, I look out at the fabulous landscape stretched out below and I feel on top of the world.
I sneak a sideways glance at Luke’s handsome face, but he catches me, and I blush. I can’t help but admire his jawline. His straight nose. The wrinkles at the outer corners of his eyes that make him appear to be smiling all the time. I like the way he sits in the saddle; the way he handles Deedee; the way he moves, as if being on a horse is the most natural thing. I like how he stands; his strong arms loose at his sides; his broad shoulders and deep chest.
I know I’ve messed up. Today was supposed to have been about Luke and Sheena. Two people destined to be together, with a little help from me. Then maybe, after a romantic ride together to this beautiful lookout, when I ask Luke who he’d give roses to, he’d say Sheena. And not his mom.
However, this could be a good sign. If Luke only thinks about giving roses to his mom, that surely means that he isn’t romantically linked at this present time. All is not lost. As long as I don’t fall for my friend’s intended boyfriend, my plan is still on track.
“We should go,” I say with urgency because the distance between us is closing, and I can no longer be trusted to make sensible lucid decisions.
“Sure thing, ma’am,” Luke says tipping back his hat on his head, an action so attractive, I turn away and walk back to the horses.
Sheena waves as we clop into the yard.
“That was wonderful, Luke,” I say as Olive slows to a stop. “Thank you very much.”
“The pleasure was all mine, ladies.” Luke dismounts then holds Olive’s reins as I swing my leg over the back of the saddle and lower myself to the ground. Luke stands close. I’m aware of his hands outstretched ready to catch me if I fall. I imagine those hands wrapping their warmth around me, making me feel safe. I imagine Luke saying, “Lydia. I got you,” which makes me all wobbly. I swat away my foolish imaginings before they cause any more trouble.
“Lydia,” says Sheena snapping me out of my dreamy state. “How’s your butt? Sore right?” She laughs. “Sorry to have to hurry away, but Gary is due at my place to fit the new dishwasher.”
“Sure, no worries.”
“Well, I guess I’ll see you in the new year, when I get back from Texas,” says Luke still holding Olive’s reins in his strong warm hands.
“Have a wonderful holiday season, Luke.” Being back on firm ground allows me to regain composure. “And thanks for the ride. I loved it.”
“Sheena. You need to come back again to see the view,” says Luke with his gorgeous smile.
“It’s spectacular. It really is,” I say with enthusiasm, thinking about how close Luke was standing beside me at the lookout.
“Great. Yes. I’ll do that. Perhaps I’ll tag along with a group booking from the hotel,” Sheena says. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem. I’ll need to get some better-fitting pants though.”
Luke says goodbye then leads Olive and Deedee into the stables. I turn to wave, but I don’t think he sees me. It would be nice to stay and take the saddle off Olive and give her a well-earned brush. I’d like to plait her mane and tail, and weave flowers through to make her look pretty.
Sheena and I walk back to the car. “That was fun, Sheena. Thanks for bringing me as your plus one.”
“No problem. Glad you enjoyed it. I think horseback riding isn’t really my thing.”
Sheena and I are almost at the car by the house when I hear Luke call, “Hey, Sheena.”
We both stop and whirl around. Could Luke be about to ask Sheena on a date? Has he finally got the courage up to ask to see her again? I watch mesmerized as Luke walks, almost in slo-mo, toward us. My heart beats in anticipation of what is surely to come. Sheena totters back to meet him. I watch from the car but pretend that I’m checking my phone. Luke is carrying something. He smiles and passes the item into Sheena’s waiting hands. I can’t hear what they are saying but maybe it’s something like, “Would you be free to have dinner with me before I leave for the holidays?” Or, “It was a shame you didn’t come to the lookout. I’d like to take you up there sometime soon. Just you and me. What do you say?”
Sheena turns around and walks back, limping slightly. She’s smiling and swinging her jacket, which could be a promising sign.
“Silly me,” she says getting into the driver’s seat.
“What? What did Luke say?”
“I forgot my jacket. Left it there on the fencepost like an idiot.” She laughs and starts the engine.
“That’s it?”
“Yes. What more is there?”
I can’t believe I need to work so hard at this matchmaking business. I’m not getting any help from these two, at all.