Читать книгу Her Colorado Cowboy - Mindy Obenhaus - Страница 16

Lily stood at the top of Hurricane Pass the next afternoon, savoring the breathtaking view. At more than twelve thousand feet, it felt as though she was on top of the world.

Brown, barren peaks stretched out before her as far as she could see, while lush green mingled with patches of snow across their rocky slopes. She drew in a long breath of crisp mountain air. Simply glorious.

This was exactly what she’d envisioned when she decided to bring the kids to Ouray. Jeep rides in the mountains, exploring God’s creation...togetherness.

“What do you guys think?” She eyed her children, who had finally stopped throwing snowballs at each other long enough to join her.

“Spectacular!” Her daughter tossed her arms wide in typical Piper fashion.

“It’s okay.” Hands shoved in the pockets of his hoodie, Colton squinted against the sun. “It would be cooler on a horse.”

Lily tried to keep her groan to herself. She was beginning to regret ever having taken the kids to Abundant Blessings Ranch. All she’d heard about the past four days was horses, riding, roping... Not to mention how she should help Noah with the rodeo school’s grand opening.

Her gaze drifted to the glacial blue waters of Lake Como just below where she stood. She was not here to plan an event. Especially the grand opening of a rodeo school. Spending this summer as a family, teaching her children to enjoy the simple things in life was what was important to her.

What could be simpler than spending time on a real ranch with good, hardworking people and beautiful animals?

Horses might be beautiful, but she still didn’t want to be around them. Or their cowboy owner.

You could at least consider helping Noah.

The thought stiffened her spine. And allow herself to be taken advantage of, the way she had when she was with Wade Davis? No, thank you.

When they returned to town a few hours later, Lily walked along Main Street with her children, allowing them to peruse a couple of souvenir shops while she relished the remarkable view. Unlike most towns where the mountains sat in the distance, Ouray was literally enveloped by them. No matter which way she looked, the mountains were right there. Only part of what made this town so appealing. Throw in the gorgeous Victorian-era buildings, friendly people and colorful baskets of flowers hanging from every lamppost, and she was smitten.

“Afternoon, Lily.”

She turned to see Clint Stephens. “Hello, Mr. Stephens.”

Hands dangling from the pockets of his Wrangler jeans, he glanced around. “Where are Colton and Piper?”

“In the gift sho—” She spotted the pair exiting the store. “Make that right here.”

“Hi, Mr. Stephens.” Their collective greeting revealed how genuinely happy they were to see him.

“What have you kids been up to today? Did you do anything fun?”

“We went to the top of the world,” said Piper.

“Top of the world?” Clint eyed Lily as a motorcycle rumbled past.

“We took a Jeep tour up to Hurricane Pass.”

“Oh.” He looked at Piper again. “Then I guess you were way up there.”

“I’m hungry.” Colton moved beside Lily. “What’s for dinner?”

She was surprised he’d gone this long without asking. Save for a small snack, he hadn’t eaten since lunch.

“Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought, but I’m sure we can find something at the house.”

“I’m on my way over to Granny’s Kitchen to grab some dinner.” Clint looked at each of them. “Would you three care to join me?”

Piper gasped while her brother’s eyes and smile grew wide.

“Could we?” said Colton. “We haven’t eaten there yet.”

Beside him, Piper prayed her hands together. “Please...”

Lily noted the sun hovering over the town’s western slope. “I guess it has been a while since we’ve gone out to eat.” Besides, she really wasn’t up to fixing a meal tonight. “Are you sure you don’t mind, Mr. Stephens?”

“Course not. It’ll save me from eating alone.”

“Okay then.”

Inside the quaint restaurant situated on a corner farther down the street, the four of them sat down in a booth by the window, allowing them to enjoy the view.

“Granny’s Kitchen is as close to home cooking as you’re going to get.” Clint removed his cowboy hat and slid in beside Colton. “And everything on the menu is good.” He ran a callused hand through his thick salt-and-pepper hair.

A waitress approached. Blonde, closer to Clint’s age and very well put together, from her perfectly styled short hair to her chic red patent leather ballet flats. “Looks like you’ve got some company, Clint.” She set four waters on the high-gloss wooden table top, then handed menus to each of them, along with crayons for the kids, before laying a hand on Clint’s shoulder.

“Hillary, this is Lily—” he gestured “—and her children, Colton and Piper.”

Lily held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Hillary.”

The woman took hold, her grip firm. “Are you in town on vacation?”

“For the summer, yes.”

“Well, we’re glad to have you.” Hillary eyed each of them. “I’ll give you minute to look over those menus.” With that she was gone.

Noting the familiarity between the two, Lily watched the older man. “Is that your wife?”

“Hillary?” Clint blushed. “No, she’s just an old friend. My wife died three years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I won’t try to kid you, it was rough. But God has a plan.”

“Yes, He does.” Reaching for her water, she eyed the waitress behind the counter. Either Clint was unaware of Hillary’s feelings toward him or simply refused to acknowledge them. Whatever the case, Lily suspected they were more than just friends.

After turning in their orders, Lily rested her forearms on the edge of the table, curiosity niggling at her brain. After all, with Colton taking lessons, she owed it to herself to learn as much about his instructor as she could.

“Tell me about this rodeo school Noah plans to open.”

The man smiled like any proud father. “Noah’s always had a gift for teaching and a heart for kids.” He unwrapped his silverware and set the napkin in his lap. “This school has been his dream ever since he left the rodeo circuit.”

“He was a bull rider?” Lily regretted the surprise in her voice.

Clint’s amused grin was worth it, though. “Yes, but horses were always his specialty. He gets that from his mama.”

“Why was the rodeo school Noah’s dream?” Colton watched the older man intently.

“He...went through some hard times.” Fingering the unopened straw atop the table, he continued, “The rodeo—horses, in particular—helped him get back in the saddle, so to speak.”

Hard times? That could be almost anything. Drugs. Alcohol. But she wasn’t about to pry.

“What kind of hard times?”

“Colton!” Lily cringed.

“It’s all right.” The corners of Clint’s mouth tipped upward once again. “Can’t blame the boy for being curious.” He looked at Colton. “Noah lost some people that were very special to him.”

“Like his mommy?” Crayon still in hand, Piper looked up from her colorful place mat.

“That’s right.” Clint turned his attention to Lily. “Rodeo helped him cope.”

She watched the man across from her. “Was he any good?”

Clint’s grin seemed laced with as much sorrow as pride. “When you have nothing to lose, you tend to put it all out there.”

Nothing to lose? What did that mean?

Curious, Lily wanted to know more. So after the kids went to bed that night, she searched the internet for Noah Stephens and came up with a plethora of articles, photos and videos.

She clicked on the first link.

After the deaths of his wife and unborn child...

Lily found herself blinking back emotion. Though her ex-husband was still very much alive, she understood how it felt to lose someone you love. But to lose a child, too... She couldn’t imagine how painful that must have been.

She clicked on another link. The man had no fear. Every time he went out there, it was as though he was challenging God to take him, too.

When you have nothing to lose, you tend to put it all out there, Clint had said. Rodeo helped him.

She swiped at a wayward tear that trailed down her cheek. No wonder the rodeo school was so important to Noah. And he did seem to be good with the kids. In fact, Colton had rarely responded so well to a stranger.

Still...

She drew in a breath. That didn’t mean she had to help him.

* * *

Monday was a busy one for Noah. Aside from lessons and numerous people wanting trail rides, he still needed to run into town to drop off his ad for the July Fourth edition of the newspaper. Next week, thousands of people would flood Ouray for its annual Fourth of July celebration, which was as unique as the town itself. Giving Noah the perfect opportunity to let everyone know about the rodeo school. Some of those visitors might even be persuaded to return in September for the school’s grand opening and Ridgway’s Labor Day rodeo.

But first he needed to concentrate on helping Colton with his riding lesson.

Boots firmly in the dirt, he watched as Colton made a practice run around the arena. He was surprised by how quickly the boy was catching on. The fact that he had a positive attitude was a big help. It seemed that whenever Colton showed up, whether to work or learn, he was ready to give it his all. A far cry from the cantankerous, smart-mouthed kid Noah had met last week. Sure, there’d been a few complaints, but overall, the kid was as eager to help as he was to learn. Like he’d found his calling. Or just someplace to direct his pent-up anger.

And Noah was more than happy to help.

He took hold of the quarter horse’s bridle as the kid approached. “Good job, Colton.”

“That was fun.” The boy leaned forward to stroke the animal’s mane.

Sonic nickered in response.

“You hear that? I think Sonic likes you.”

“He’s a good horse.”

“Yes, he is.” Not to mention experienced, which was why Noah had chosen him. “Now, when you’re roping and riding, you’re going to need your hands to control the rope.”

The kid cocked his head, his brow marked with confusion. “So how do you hold on to the reins?”

“You don’t.” Noah couldn’t help grinning. “Let me show you something.” He moved beside the horse. “Let go of the reins.”

Colton complied.

“Now pull your legs together so they’re pressing into Sonic’s sides.”

“Like this?”

Noah knew the boy was doing it correctly when Sonic dropped his head and began to back up.

The kid’s eyes widened. “Did I make him do that?”

“You sure did.”

“That is so cool.” His excitement echoed from the rafters.

“When roping, a rider has to know how to control the horse without using his hands. We’ll work on that more next time.”

“Aw, we’re done already?” He reached for the reins, slapping them against his leg.

“Afraid so. I’ve got something I need to take care of in town.”

“Okay...” The boy reluctantly dismounted, the leather of the saddle creaking.

“Why don’t you take ol’ Sonic here back to his stall while I talk to your mom?”

“Can I give him some horse cookies?”

“A couple, yes.”

While Colton headed off with the horse, Noah made his way to the opposite side of the arena to talk with Lily. She was sitting alone in her usual spot on the bleachers.

“The kid’s a natural.” He hopped the fence.

“Really?” Lily stood, her long hair spilling over her shoulders. “He must get it from his grandmother then, because it certainly didn’t come from me.”

“Mommy?” An excited Piper skipped toward them, her ponytail bobbing, while Noah’s father followed a short distance behind.

“What is it, Piper?” Lily laid a hand on her daughter’s back as if to settle her.

“Mr. Stephens said I can have a soda if it’s all right with you. Can I?”

“Piper’s been working hard, helping me clean the riding helmets.” Dad grinned at the child. “Would it be all right if I rewarded her with a soda?”

“Of course.” Lily looked at her daughter. “But nothing caffeinated.”

“Okay.” Piper took hold of his father’s hand.

Noah couldn’t help smiling. She was a cutie with a personality to match. And just like his nieces, she brought out the best in his old man.

“Newspaper called.” Dad’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He looked at his father.

“They said you missed the deadline for advertising in the July Fourth edition.”

“No, I didn’t.” He shook his head. “The cutoff is tomorrow. I’m planning to drop the ad by the newspaper office in just a little bit.”

“The deadline was noon today.”

“Noon?” He looked at his watch. It was almost three. Then he remembered that they’d moved the deadline up a day this week due to the holiday. His stomach clenched. How could he have forgotten something so important? His life savings were riding on the success of the rodeo school.

He glanced in Lily’s direction to discover her watching him.

Just what he needed. Why’d his father have to bring that up in front of her?

“Mom, did you see me out there?” Colton approached, his smile wide.

“Yes. You looked very handsome.”

“Mr. Stephens said I could have a soda.” Piper peered up at her brother. “Maybe he’ll let you have one, too.”

“Can I?” Colton looked to the older man.

“Sure. Come on, you two.”

As the trio headed down the corridor, Noah sensed Lily was still watching him. But he didn’t dare turn around.

“You know—” he heard her boots against the bleachers before she stepped in front of him “—an interview with the newspaper might garner more attention than an ad. Besides, you have to pay for advertising. Interviews are free.”

He stared down at her, still frustrated. “What would they interview me about?”

Her expression went flat. “You’re a former rodeo champion who’s opening a rodeo school. And not just any rodeo champ, but one of the best champions ever.”

He studied her, his gaze narrowing. “How do you know that?”

She shrugged. “The internet.”

She’d googled him? Why? “Don’t believe everything you read.” He turned, ready to leave.

“Well, unless somebody made up those stats...”

He paused then and faced her again. “Do you really see me going to the newspaper and asking them to interview me?”

“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “First you have to create interest. Say, in the form of a press release.” She was talking way over his head.

He set his hands on his hips. “Lily, I don’t even know what that is.”

“Maybe not—” she inched toward him “—but I do.”

He wasn’t in the mood for games. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means—” with only a short distance between them, she dropped her arms to her sides “—that I’m willing to help you promote the rodeo school and get ready for its grand opening.”

“Why would you do that?”

Seemingly frustrated, she gestured around the arena. “My kids are completely enamored with this place. And you.” Her sideways glance hinted at annoyance. “Meaning we’ll likely be spending a lot of time here this summer. Especially now that Piper wants to take lessons. So I may as well make myself useful.”

A woman who was scared to death of horses wanted to help him promote the rodeo school? That had to be one of the craziest things he’d ever heard.

She was right about one thing, though. With both of her kids becoming more and more entrenched in events at the ranch, she’d likely be here a lot. At least helping with the rodeo school would give her something to do besides hover during the kids’ lessons.

He contemplated her a moment. What if she did help him? In the last two minutes alone, he’d seen that she knew way more about publicizing something than he did. Still, her fear of horses gave him pause.

“Perhaps I could give you riding lessons, too. I mean, if you’re helping me with the promotion.”

She straightened, her shoulders rigid, her expression pinched. “That’s highly doubtful, Mr. Stephens.”

Her quick response almost made him laugh. Because there was nothing he enjoyed more than a good challenge. And getting Lily comfortable around horses was a huge one.

Of course, he also knew when to loosen the reins. “Okay, then I will take you up on your offer, on one condition.”

One perfectly arched brow lifted in question.

“That you call me Noah. Mr. Stephens is my dad.”