Free Heart of Texas Vol. 3 by Debbie Macomber Page B

them, we’ll be walking in during the middle of Wade’s sermon.”

    T RAVIS WAITED UNTIL J EREMY and Emma had left for school on Monday morning before he approached Nell, who was in the barn. “Ruth said I’d find you here,” he said, feeling a bit awkward.
    She was busy tending a newborn calf, but glanced up and smiled when he entered the barn. Kneeling in the straw, feeding the animal with a large baby bottle, she explained that the calf was one of twins and had been rejected by its mother. Once again Travis found himself admiring her compassionate capable nature.
    They exchanged a few pleasantries as she worked, and when she’d finished, he opened the stall gate for her.
    â€œThanks,” she said, walking over to the barn faucet where she washed and dried her hands. “So what can I do for you?”
    â€œDo you have time to talk for a few minutes?”
    â€œWhy?” she asked bluntly.
    â€œWell, I’m a writer,” he explained, “and I’m working on a project that has to do with this area.”
    â€œAll right,” she told him, “but I haven’t got time to stop now. I need to go out and check the fence line. Tag along if you want.”
    â€œI’d enjoy that.”
    It wasn’t until Nell led a gelding out of his stall that he realized she didn’t intend to use the truck. Travis had ridden before—in Central Park. Years ago.
    â€œYou’re going on a horse?” This probably wasn’t the most intelligent question he’d ever asked. But he had to weigh his decision; on the one hand, he wouldn’t mind some Western riding experience and it would be a chance to talk to her. On the other, he didn’t want to risk looking like an idiot in front of a woman he found very attractive.
    â€œYou don’t ride?” she asked in a voice that suggested she should have thought of that herself. She expertly placed the saddle on the gelding’s back.
    He hesitated before he answered. “A little.”
    â€œYou’re welcome to join me if you want. I’ve got Jake’s saddle and you’d fit that comfortably.”
    â€œIs Jake’s horse still around?” He figured that would have to be an older horse, which could only help his situation.
    â€œYup.”
    â€œDoes he take to strangers?”
    â€œSome.”
    â€œThat’s encouraging.”
    Nell tossed back her head and laughed, her long braid swaying. “Come on. It’ll be fine.”
    Within minutes she’d brought a huge quarter horse out of his stall. Travis watched her saddle him, amazed at her ease with animals.
    â€œTwister, meet Travis,” she said, handing him the reins.
    Travis found it amusing that she’d introduce the horse to him and not the other way around.
    She led the two geldings outside into the sunlight. With a swift graceful motion, she mounted. “Do you need help getting up?” she asked when he stood there, unmoving.
    He tried to look as if the question had insulted him; actually he wouldn’t have objected to her holding the reins while he swung his leg over the saddle. With a mighty effort he did manage to scramble onto Twister—appreciating the fact that Nell didn’t laugh at him.
    As they started out, she set a slow easy pace, for which Travis was grateful.
    â€œYou wanted to ask me about the area?” she reminded him.
    â€œYeah,” he said jerkily as his butt bounced against the saddle. “Te-ll m-e wh-at you kn-ow abou-t the gh-ost town.”
    Nell eased to a stop. “Ghost town?” she asked, frowning.
    Twister, following the other horse’s lead, stopped, as well. “If I remember correctly, it’s called Bitter End.”
    â€œThat’s why you’re here?” she asked. “Why you came to Promise?” She nudged her horse into a trot. “I thought you were a writer!”
    â€œYeah.” Travis managed to keep pace with her,