Tucker looked amused. “She’s a sweet little thing.”
A colorful quilted jacket hung on the back of a chair, and Ellie grabbed it. “It’s been cool in the evenings, so I might need this.”
He gave a nod. “Good idea.”
Ellie said goodbye to Hailee and walked out with Tucker. The door locked and bolted, he escorted her to his big king cab truck, which had four wheels in the rear, perfect for pulling horse trailers. The dually was black, with a light coating of dust that couldn’t be helped, given that he lived on a ranch and drove along dirt roads.
The drive to WestWorld in North Scottsdale took about forty-five minutes from her home. The grounds were teeming with people anxious to see many of the world’s finest Arabian horses. Almost 2,000 Arabian horses would compete throughout the week-long show.
They made their way through the crowds into the arena, where some events were being held. When Ellie looked over the program for what would be going on in this arena, she was surprised to find English, Western, and Arabian events rather than just English. She scanned the program and discovered that the three styles were mostly used at shows like this.
The Western dressage championship was next—the English and Arabian dressage would be held once this competition was over.
The first contestant, seated in a Western saddle, rode her prized Arabian mare into the arena. Ellie caught her breath at the beauty and majesty of the graceful beast. Her elegant lines were beyond compare, and her coat shone in the light. But most of all, how the horse trotted into the arena was enough to take anyone’s breath away. Ellie had heard that Arabians love to show off, and she could now believe it.
As the show progressed, Ellie chatted with Tucker, unable to restrain her enthusiasm and excitement.
“I never realized how big this show is.” She held up the program. “There are so many competitions I’d love to see, but there is no time to watch more than a handful.”
Tucker nodded. “It’s much bigger than the Western events where I show my best horses.”
Ellie turned to him. “I’d love to see your horses compete.”
He rested his arm on the back of her chair. “One of these days, I’d be happy to take you.”
She leaned back in her seat to see if he’d settle his arm around her shoulders. He didn’t, but she swore she could feel his warmth.
The English dressage competition began after the Western event, and the champion horse and rider were announced. The riders used English saddles, making the horses look even more elegant, if that was even possible.
Ellie applauded and cheered with the audience throughout the day. She was so excited to be here that she could barely contain her enjoyment without letting it spill over. She might talk his ear off when they left.
After the dressage events, they walked through the vendor area, which was far more upscale than anything she’d ever seen at any horse show she’d ever been to. Lavish jewelry, works of art, and lovely clothing were sold among the over 200 vendors at the show. There was no way they could visit them all, but Ellie dragged Tucker to each one that interested her. He watched with amusement in his expression as she looked over fine purses and scarves and admired exquisite jewelry. She loved fine art, so she visited some of the booths and others featuring silver and lead crystal items, as well as handblown glass.
When all was said and done, she purchased a gold chain with a lovely chocolate diamond set with smaller white diamonds in a rose-gold pendant, along with a matching bracelet.
She had considered a handblown vase at one booth and a crystal sculpture at another, but decided against them because she hadn’t wanted to carry anything. The necklace and bracelet boxes fit neatly into her purse.
At a Western art booth, Tucker bought a painting of a cowboy on the back of a bucking bronc, so realistic you could almost see the horse's movements. He arranged to have it shipped to his ranch.
Ellie and Tucker continued to stroll down an aisle with more booths. “That painting is perfect for your home.”
He nodded. “Have you ever eaten at Honey Bear’s BBQ restaurant in Phoenix?”
She shook her head. “I’ve heard of it but never made it there.”
“Are you up for a late lunch at Honey Bear’s?”
“Oh, yes.” She held her palm to her belly. “My stomach is demanding BBQ now that you’ve mentioned it.”
He flashed a grin. “You’re in for a treat.”
* * *
Tucker enjoyed looking at Ellie, no matter what she was doing. While she watched the Arabians compete, her face remained lit up with excitement. She shopped with the kind of enthusiasm that many women show when looking at something they love.
She was incredibly beautiful, and her personality only made her more captivating. Now and then, she would imitate an actor or a character with a spot-on impersonation. She kept him interested and amused, and he thought he’d always enjoy it, no matter how long their relationship might last. Since he’d met her, he’d imagined what it would be like to always have her with him. That was something he’d never experienced before.
She had a full-time career, and he wondered how she felt about slowing down and starting a family. He was too far ahead of himself, but he couldn’t help but imagine a future with this intelligent, fun, and beautiful woman.
