Dr. Potts brought her Macey two days ago. In sorry shape, nearly starved to death, Macey had been rescued a week ago and taken to an animal shelter. Dr. Potts believed Gillian could do better. So far, she’d gotten the animal cleaned up, fed, and safely secured in the stall. Now, with a little time and patience, she’d teach Macey to trust her. She’d get her well again.
“Daydreaming about loverboy,” Ken said from behind her.
Gillian stiffened. After two blissfully peaceful weeks without him on the ranch, she didn’t want to see him. She didn’t want him to spoil another day. “What are you doing here?”
He gave her a deceptively casual smile. “Just came to get my grooming box. It wasn’t with my other stuff your boy toy left outside for me.”
“Get it and go,” she snapped.
Blake walked into the stable behind Ken. “Gillian, you ready to go?”
Gillian took her gaze from Ken long enough to catch Blake’s ready-to-fight stance. His eyes remained locked on Ken. Her gaze shot back to the despicable man. Something sinister passed through his eyes before he turned away from her.
“Blake,” Ken said snidely.
“Move on,” Blake ordered.
“I was just saying hi to your girl and picking up my things.”
“Leave my girl alone and get out.”
“She’s a pretty lady. Tastes like honey,” he whispered as he passed Blake on his way out the door, laughing.
Blake felt the fire of rage rush through his system. He took a step to go after Ken to explain that last comment.
“Blake!” Gillian shook her head. “Don’t give him the satisfaction. He’s trying to pick a fight.”
Blake checked Ken’s progress out the doors over his shoulder.
“Is Justin ready to leave?” she asked to distract him from tearing Ken’s head off.
Ken headed for his truck. Justin waited outside with the horses Blake had already saddled.
“Let it go, Blake. He’s gone, and he’s got no business coming back.”
Gillian’s eyes filled with worry as she waited for him to decide if they were going fishing at the river as Blake promised, or if he was going to kick Ken’s ass.
“Justin’s waiting,” Blake finally said. “Are you ready to go?”
Relief washed away the worry, and so did her heavy sigh. “Yeah, let’s go. He’s been begging to go fishing for weeks.”
“Well, I did promise that I’d take him, but time seems to have gotten away.”
That was certainly true. May had been a busy month. They’d gone to Gabe and Ella’s wedding and had her birthday, and last week they’d taken Boots to his first race since being rescued and brought to Three Peaks Ranch. He’d placed third. Not bad. He’d do better at the next race. Gillian had no doubt.
Blake had been a wreck leading up to that first race. Boots refused all riders except her. Blake had nearly made himself sick with worry that she’d actually ride in the race. Trying her best to live up to her promise not to do so again, she’d found a young kid who wanted a shot but hadn’t been given a chance to prove himself. She’d put him up on Boots, and he’d taken him around the track at a breakneck speed that had stunned even Blake. Rider and horse had bonded over an apple. Adam rode Boots in the race to Blake’s satisfaction.
Saddled up and ready to go, she followed behind Blake and Justin, her face raised to the bright sun. A perfect day for a short ride and dropping a hook in the river for an hour or so to get it out of Justin’s system. He’d begged Blake nonstop for two days for this long-overdue outing.
Justin rode Spunk all by himself. “You’re doing a great job, buddy,” Blake praised.
“Grandpa said Spunk is just my speed.”
“Grandpa was right. Spunk is real gentle. You’re doing a great job riding him just like Blake taught you.” Gillian smiled her encouragement. “Blake, what are those delivery trucks doing at your house?” she asked.
“I’m having something delivered.” He kicked his horse into a trot. “Come on, Justin. The river is just up ahead.”
Gillian frowned at Blake’s vague answer but forgot about it completely when they reached the river and the beautiful rushing water, just past a pretty meadow of green grass and purple and white wildflowers.
Blake laid out the quilted blanket and picnic basket. They enjoyed the potato salad, cold fried chicken, fruit salad, and crusty French bread. Blake spoiled her with all her favorites. He did little things like that all the time. Every day, he found some small way to show her how much he loved her.
Justin remained overly excited and bounced on his butt the whole time he ate. He talked a mile a minute with Blake about fishing poles and casting, and he taunted Blake he’d catch the most fish. Blake was wonderfully playful and egged on Justin that he’d kick his butt and catch more. The smile on Justin’s face said it all—he was happy. Exactly why she’d brought him to the ranch. Living here had given Justin so much more than a chance at a normal childhood. He had a father in Blake.