Free Painted Montana Sky: A Montana Sky Series Novella by Debra Holland Page A

holding Chico’s head.
    His green eyes sparkled with pride. “Everyone’s always taken with him. He sure likes the attention. Mama calls him a showman.”
    “That he is. You’ll have to forgive me for not introducing myself. I’m Miss Maxwell.”
    “Jack Cassidy Thompson.” He pointed to the boy on the horse. “That’s my brother, Tim.”
    She nodded to the other twin.
    “Now, Miss Maxwell, you just climb into the buggy,” Jack said. “We’ll see how you’ll do.”
    Butterflies flew around her stomach.
    Tyler stepped forward to hand her into the conveyance. Once she settled in, Jack passed her the reins. “You done any driving, Miss Maxwell?”
    “I had a pony cart when I was younger.”
    “Then you know just what to do.”
    Lily released the brake and gave the reins a little flip.
    Chico started forward.
    Lily guided him toward the road, and he ambled in the right direction. The padded leather seat was comfortable, and she was tempted to urge Chico to a faster gait, feel the wind on her face as they trotted down the road to explore.
    Even at the sedate pace, her heart soared at the thoughtfulness of Tyler’s gift. Lily knew she should rein in her emotions, keep them safely tied up. But she didn’t want to. Later , she promised herself.
    As much as she wanted to keep on going, Lily turned Chico and headed back toward the house. Shadows purpled in the fading light.
    Tyler and the two boys walked to the road to meet her. Tim remained on his horse.
    She reined in next to them, grinning. “He’s wonderful!”
    Jack touched his hat. “Seeing that you’re doing well, Miss Maxwell, Tim and I will git on home before the light’s completely gone.” He rubbed Chico’s nose. “You behave for Miss Maxwell, hear?”
    “Thank you, boys, and tell your mother I appreciate the loan of Chico.” Lily resolved to make sure she gifted the family with one of her drawings as a thank you.
    Jack mounted the buckskin, and the boys turned their mounts in the direction of the town.
    Tyler waited, his hand on Chico’s shoulder. “You head to the barn, Lil. I’ll pack up everything for you and bring it to the house.”
    “Tyler, I can’t thank you enough.”
    He waved away her words, but she could see by his pleased expression that he’d heard them. He touched her hand. “Have you noticed, Lil, that you’re not in the least bit afraid of this little fella?”
    Shocked, Lily stared at him. “You’re right. I didn’t even think of that. I was nervous about getting into the buggy, but only because it was a new experience.” For a moment, she had a glimpse of freedom from the fear that effectively crippled her as much as her damaged hip had. Then the old memory grabbed her mind and smacked aside her joy.
    She experienced the sensation of falling, a stomach-lifting, heart-seizing feeling of sailing through the air, only to land with a bone-breaking thud. She had to stare at Chico’s withers to make the image go away.
    Tyler must have seen something on her face, for his brow wrinkled. His hand curled around hers. “I’m sorry, Lily. I should have kept that thought to myself.”
    Lily shook her head. “No, it’s all right.” But you reminded me of why I can’t fall in love with you. She flipped the reins to break their contact.
    Chico started forward.
    Tyler let her go.
    “I’ll see you at the barn,” she tossed the words over her shoulder. With a sigh, she settled back into the seat. Thank goodness, she didn’t feel afraid of Chico. But with the spell broken, her sense of freedom and excitement had fled, leaving her feeling drained.
    ~ ~ ~
    On the evening of the ice cream social, Lily lingered in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom at the ranch. She wore a grape-colored silk dress that made her eyes look darker and had pinned an amethyst and gold bow pin to the lace that edged the round neckline. A matching bracelet surrounded her wrist.
    If she didn’t move, Lily looked like any other healthy