Free Pioneer Love: Damaged Hearts Head West: Mail Order Bride 5 Bundle by Indiana Wake Page A

sarcastically replied, "No, I thought I'd take Lighter for a stroll. Let him stretch his legs."
    Undeterred, Ryan smiled at her. "That’s a great idea,” he said. “I think Bella needs to stretch her legs as well. Mind if we join you?"
    Jolene wanted to say no, she wanted some time to think, to decide what to do. But she could not do that it would be rude. "If you make it quick, I guess I can wait for you to saddle up," she said knowing that she sounded like a petulant child and cursing herself for being rude to this handsome cowboy.
    Smiling at his small victory Ryan tipped his hat and raced for the stables. What had gotten into her, he wondered and why was she behaving this way? It didn’t matter she was beautiful beyond any woman he had ever seen and there was something about her that drew him. “Like a moth to the flame,” he said and laughed at himself. Quickly he saddled up his horse and soon was trotting out alongside her. They sauntered side by side for a bit, in silence before Ryan turned to her and gave her his best smile. "So, how good a rider are you?"
    "I'm pretty good. Why do you ask?" she said.
    "Well, if you're as good as you say then I'm sure you can easily catch up." And with that he kicked Bella into a gallop. The Chestnut horse leaped forward as fast as her legs would carry her.
    Laughing, Jolene urged Lighter into a canter and then leaning over the horses gray neck she kicked and whispered to urge him even faster. Soon the horse was streaking across the green plain as fast as he could and she urged him on to try and catch up. This was such fun. With the wind in her hair and the exhilaration of the ride she felt so free. Jonathan would think it so unladylike and would not allow her to have such fun. He would never even allow her to ride astride at home. Luckily she had a riding habit and had remembered to pack it. Urging Lighter even faster she pulled up to Ryan and then they were neck and neck. She flashed a smile at Ryan and the grin he gave her in return sent shivers down her back. Turning forward she leaned over even further and whispered to Lighter to run. Lighter pulled ahead. Laughing and having a hearty time, Jolene didn't slow down until Ryan called out that he was done and that she had won. Then, she eased up and turned Lighter around in a big circle. Feeling real joy for the first time in over a month she trotted back to where Ryan had tied Bella to a tree and had sunk to the ground to get some rest.
    For a second she wondered if it was right to sit down with him. They were not chaperoned, how would it look? But she was supposed to be engaged and no one would imagine anything would happen. Tying her horse next to his, she sat down next to him and took a moment to catch her breath and enjoy the sights around her. A grass plain stretched up to snow topped mountains. In the distance cattle grazed, and a buzzard circled above them. Catching the thermals and drifting lazily like a cloud. It was amazing just to stare and wonder what it must be like living here.
    After a couple of minutes of peace, Ryan broke the silence. "Is there anything you're not good at?" he asked.
    Jolene turned to him and laughed. "Lots of things, really," she said.
    Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah, like what?"
    "I can't think of anything at the moment, but I'm sure there has to be." They both laughed at that and silence fell once again. It was relaxing and comfortable and she felt at ease with this big man. He would never hurt her of that she was sure.
    After another few minutes, Ryan coughed. She turned her eyes to him. There was something in his eyes that made her stare.
    "Can I ask you something?" he said.
    He had lowered his gaze and was staring at the leather chaps that covered his legs. This was curious, for he looked shy. "Yes. Go ahead," she replied but there was a catch in her voice, did she want to hear this?
    Ryan picked a blade of grass and twirled it in his fingers before looking up. "You’re engaged,