Since I had her undivided attention for at least a few minutes, and she knew everyone and their mother, I decided to pick her brain. “Hey, Jenn? What do you know about Phillip Meyer?”
She made a retching sound that had me laughing. “He’s a tool. Don’t work with him. He won’t listen and he’ll make changes without your approval, which will cost you more money. What do you need a contractor for?”
That settled that. I hummed and she motioned toward one of the front paddocks that had the gate standing open. I wasn’t worried about my Jeep being able to traverse the dying grass and it hadn’t rained in a few days so it wasn’t muddy.
“The plant oasis Keegan created needs to be built before your son can fill it with plants.”
She let out a little gasp. “Oh! He told me about that. It sounds lovely. And it was so kind of you to use him. He’s so excited.”
I tutted. “It wasn’t kind. He’s an expert. Or learning to be anyway. He’s passionate though, which I always reward. Plus he’s giving me what I want. Drive right up there?” I gestured to where I could see several of the overlarge skeletons, one of which was half constructed.
“Yep. No point in putting these bad boys in storage just to get them out again. You’ll have time to help, won’t you?”
“You bet.” Our time was coming to an end so I quickly added, “I met with Porter Cantwell too. Thoughts?”
Jenn gripped my arm. “I don’t know him, but I’ve heard he’s good. But, Carter, honey. If you want the shelves and such built, you should have just asked. I know people. For instance, Beckett Winters is technically a handyman by profession but does outstanding work. I can put you in touch.”
“Yes, please. And from now on, I’m going to have Marielle run any local appointments by you.”
That pleased her, based on the wide, radiant smile.
We didn’t have time to talk more. I slowed the Jeep and we both hopped out. Fern was directing people I’d never met but as soon as she saw us, she rushed over. After that, it was a flurry of activity. Fern had a clipboard and wasn’t afraid to use it. She had all of us doing her bidding, setting up the skeletons and other decorations. A different set of people were working on the straw bale maze to her specifications. By keeping an ear out while I worked—the skeleton construction wasn’t hard but it did requirea ladder and concentration—it was easy to see Fern’s vision. This front paddock would be transformed into a slightly spooky carnival type area, with games and decorations. The part of the drive right outside of it was where the food and drink trucks would park, and the vehicles for trunk or treating would line the drive past the house and toward the cabins, where a bonfire would be blazing. Apparently that was mostly for atmosphere and a place to rest if the littler kids needed a break.
I had half a minute to wonder where Hawk would run ghost Humphrey and Jaina, but then Fern grabbed me for some heavy lifting. My own problems left my mind as I reveled in being a part of this warm and wonderful family.
Hawk found me in the late afternoon. I was a little bit sweaty but it was cool enough that most of it had dried in the breeze. I was chugging some water when I felt his presence and turned, ready to show off all we’d accomplished. But he was staring at me, not the decorations. He tilted his head and waited until I stood and walked toward him before he turned and headed off. I hurried to catch up. As soon as I did, he grabbed my hand.
“How about a ride?” he murmured.
“On me?” I asked, putting all the innuendo into my tone I could. “Or horses?
Hawk laughed and I got a glimpse of his real smile, the one that only made occasional appearances. “You later. Right now, horses. Want to take Ramona out?”
I stopped in my tracks, and he only paused when my arm couldn’t go any further. He looked back at me over his shoulder, the sly smirk a knowing one.
“Are you serious?”
He nodded. “A short one. She’s got some good muscle now and she’s remembering her training. She was broke before, it’s just been a while since she’s been under saddle. It’s time to start working her, a little bit at a time.”
I squinted, a little afraid to get my hopes up. “And I can ride her?”
Hawk turned and pulled me forward so he could wrap his arms around my waist. He looked up at me, his blue eyes soft in the late afternoon light.
“You can. You’ve come a long way too. Besides, it’ll be a short, easy ride. We have to build her up slowly, right?”
I nodded fast, then grabbed his hand, speed walking toward B4. Hawk let out a deep chuckle and hurried to match his strides to mine. Once we made it to her stall, I couldn’t wait to get her tacked up. I knew how to do all the steps now and led her right to the crossties, clipping her in. Then I set about grooming and tacking her, using the pretty halter I’d gotten her and the saddle Hawk told me was the best fit for her. Hawk left me to it, getting Humphrey saddled just down the aisle, but he checked everything before he let me mount her.
We headed off on one of the easy trails. It was smooth and mostly flat, and I knew from my previous rides, could be done in about a half an hour. I was thrilled to be on Ramona, and she didn’t seem stressed or upset by having a rider again. Her ears were forward, swiveling at every sound, but she walked easy enough.
“Nice seat,” Hawk complimented as he rode up alongside me. He waggled his eyebrows to make me laugh. Then he got serious, “How does she feel?”
“Perfect.” I had to clear my throat, emotion welling up. “Exactly as I dreamed.”
Hawk squeezed my thigh quickly, then pulled ahead to lead the way through a narrow portion. After we got through the trees, he headed west and I easily steered Ramona after him. When I realized I didn’t even have to focus on my heels, I nearly cheered. It had become second nature.
I glanced over at Hawk, taking in the picture he made on his pretty black gelding. He was a cowboy through and through, for all that he was wearing a ball cap instead of a Stetson. There was no mistaking that he was born to be in a saddle and that he and his horse were one. I wanted to ride with him for the rest of my life.
Erections were uncomfortable in a saddle, and watching his competence was getting me hard, so I cast about for something else to occupy my mind. It didn’t take but a couple of seconds to land on the thing that had been plaguing me for days now.
