Free Tying One On by Wendi Zwaduk Page B

horse. “Hop on. Melody’s been missing you.”
    “Are we going anywhere in particular?” Trista tucked the apple into the bag on the saddle. She hooked her boot into the stirrup and hefted herself onto the massive animal.
    “The pond.” Ronan climbed onto his black stallion. “Thought we’d have a picnic or something.”
    She knew better. Ronan lived to plan. If Ronan didn’t know what would happen next, he couldn’t function.
    Steve led his tawny gelding out of the barn. “Didn’t have a firm idea of what we’re going to do. Just ride and maybe take a swim.”
    “Baloney. I’m not dressed for a swim and I didn’t bring a suit.” She patted Melody’s neck. “Tell me the truth.”
    “We’re going for a ride.” Ronan brought his horse into step on her right side. Steve joined on her left.
    Trista dropped the questions for the moment. The path to the pond showcased the beauty of their land. Trees lined the north and west ends of the property, giving them some privacy and shade. Rolling green pastures stretched out in front of the house. The three horses had plenty of room to roam and run.
    As they rode together, the breakup with Chad permeated her thoughts. Her ex never did like Steve and Ronan. “ You spend too much time with them ,” he always said. “ It’s not right .” So what if she’d called either Steve or Ronan every day—if one of them hadn’t called her first. She’d set them up on their first date and witnessed the moment Ronan proposed to Steve. Hell, she’d even heard them make love a couple of times.
    She sighed. Wanting them to look at her as more than a friend wasn’t going to happen. She might as well move on.
    “What’s wrong, Tris?” Steve steered his horse, Lowell, closer to hers. “You’re never this quiet.”
    “Nothing.” She didn’t feel like talking about Chad. She brought Melody to a stop and finally looked up. The breath wrenched from her chest.
    Twinkle lights with oversized glass around the bulbs dangled from the trees. A red and white checked table cloth had been stretched out across the picnic table. A vase of white roses decorated the table.
    “What’s this?” She slid out of the saddle. Trista grabbed the apple and offered it to Melody, who munched happily. “Good girl,” she murmured and patted the animal. “Good girl.”
    She draped the reins around the hitching post. The guys had made sure there was plenty of fresh water in the trough for all three horses. They’d planned something—just like she’d figured.
    “You’re throwing a surprise wedding?” She stared up at Ronan and Steve, who were still on their horses. The idea of serving as their maid of honor pleased her. She loved them both but she didn’t know if she could handle the emotional onslaught of a wedding. Not now.
    “I believe this is called a picnic.” Ronan dismounted his horse. “It’s been a rough week. We heard about Chad.”
    “And we thought you’d like a break.” Steve dismounted. He tied both his horse and Ronan’s to the hitching post. “We’re doing something nice for you.”
    She winced. They knew about Chad. Great. She wrapped her arms around her body. “I see.”
    “You don’t believe us.” Steve grinned. “You’d be right to suspect us. Ronan and I have a track record.”
    Ronan strode past them and stopped at the picnic table. “Sit. We wanted to talk to you.”
    Ah, there was the truth. They wanted to have a discussion. Normally she cherished their banter, but something about the scene was a little too romantic for her taste. The whole scene seemed like a set-up for something else.
    “I’m here. Let’s talk.” She twined her fingers and allowed Steve to lead her to the table. “I don’t suppose you’re going to waste any of this romantic moment on me?”
    “Actually,” Ronan said, “we want to make you our third.”

Chapter Two
     
     
     
    Trista’s mouth opened and closed. The prettiest blush streaked across her cheeks. She