Free Montana Wrangler by Charlotte Carter Page A

as Miss Barclay is,” the young wrangler commented. “That was sure funny how she got the saddle on backward. Never did see a thing like that before.” He chuckled. “If Bryan hadn’t been hanging on, poor Bright Star would’ve taken off all the way to Moose Peak on his own.”
    Jay grimaced. “It wasn’t funny to Miss Barclay, so keep your chuckles to yourself.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Quickly sobering, Nathan pulled the front cinch up tight to hold the saddle in place.
    â€œLet’s saddle Peaches for the kid who hasn’t ridden before.” Peaches was a pretty little paint with brown-and-white markings and a good disposition. Since Jay had been caring for Henry’s string of horses, Peaches had put up with a lot of untrained riders and had never shown a bit of temper.
    That was the horse he should’ve introduced to Paige. The gentle little mare wouldn’t have intimidated her in the first place. At least if Jay had been there protecting Paige, helping her, going slow, she would’ve been okay.
    He wondered if she’d be willing to try again, this time with him by her side.
    * * *
    Jay had the trail riders back to the stables by noon. There were lots of moans and groans as the inexperienced riders discovered they’d used muscles they hadn’t known existed. But they were happy, particularly since they’d caught sight of a group of deer and had spotted a pair of ospreys putting the finishing touches on their nest high up in the snag of a cedar tree.
    After seeing that the horses were watered, fed and cooled down, Jay went into the main house. Paige’s car was out front, so he knew she was home.
    He found her in the kitchen cleaning up the dishes from Henry’s lunch and her own. She had on one of Krissy’s T-shirts, which hung loosely on her.
    She glanced in Jay’s direction. “I didn’t know when you’d be back. I put a sandwich in the refrigerator for you, if you’re hungry.”
    He smiled, pleased she was at least speaking to him. “Thanks. I’m always hungry.” Opening the refrigerator, he found a covered plate with a ham sandwich, tomato and lettuce on the side.
    â€œThere’s mustard if you want it. I didn’t know—”
    â€œI got it.” He held up the plastic container.
    â€œThen you’re all set.” She dried her hands on a paper towel and started toward the living room.
    â€œPaige, wait. Sit and talk with me. Please.”
    She halted and looked back over her shoulder, her expression wary.
    â€œI really am sorry about what happened yesterday. And that I laughed. Can we call a truce?” He held up his hand, palm out.
    When some of the tension went out of her shoulders, he gestured toward a chair at the table.
    â€œWe both care about Bryan and Grandpa, and want the best for them,” she said, sitting down and placing her delicate hands on the table. She fussed with her fingers as though checking her nail polish. “It seems to me we should be on the same side.”
    Jay slid into his chair. He would agree with her except she was going to take Bryan to Seattle.
    He spread some mustard on the sandwich and piled on the tomato and lettuce. “I still think it’ll work out best for Bryan if you two spend some time getting to know each other. And the best way for you to do that is to understand how he feels about horses.”
    â€œI’d say my attempt at doing that was an abject failure, wouldn’t you?”
    â€œThat wasn’t your fault. I let you get in over your head. I should’ve started you off easier. Something simple, so you wouldn’t be afraid.”
    â€œI’m a grown woman. I shouldn’t be terrorized by a horse.”
    â€œNo, you shouldn’t, but the fact is, you are. So we’ll start again. You can get over your fear if we work at it.” When she shook her head, Jay figured he’d lost the argument.