“Yeah, I can get there.” If I’d kept my mouth shut, she’d have probably ridden all the way back home with me. He stood and extended his hand to help her up.

“Thanks.”

“For what?” She brushed the back of her pants.

“For reminding me there’s a whole lot more to life than work.” Andrew helped her get on her horse.

“You’re welcome then.”

Andrew coaxed Doc to stand still long enough that he could get a foot in the stirrup. Every time he got his toe in, Doc would take a few steps, leaving Andrew hopping alongside.

“You know I’m out of practice, don’t you, old man.”

The horse lifted his nose in the air, then Andrew finally got back in the saddle. His muscles warmed to the physical activity, especially after the long plane ride.

He worked the reins to make Doc side pass, which he did with no hesitation, proving Andrew was the only one out of practice. Doc was one jam-up horse.

Finally, Andrew rode over toward Kelly. Their two horses offered familiar snorts.

He looked at her. As beautiful as ever. Still the nicest woman he’d ever known. So much had changed since he left, and the best parts were just the same. I’ve got some priorities to get straight.

Kelly nodded as if she’d read his mind. “Thank your sister for the ride for me,” she said, then kicked her heels against her horse and took off in a lope down the road toward her house.

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Kelly strolled back into the bakery, energized.

Sara carried a tray from the back to the counter. “Hey, you’re back. How was the trail ride?”

“Dawn tricked me again. I can’t believe I’m that gullible.”

“Again?” Sara put the tray down and put her hand on her hip. “Do you mean to tell me Andrew was there?”

“She tricked him too. You should have seen his face when I came up to them in the creek. She took off and left us.”

“Oh my gosh. I can’t believe she did that. It’s almost funny. Are you mad?”

“Not really. I just can’t believe I fell for it.” She grabbed a towel and wiped a smudge from the glass countertop. “He made lunch too. For her. Not me, but since she left, I got the benefits. It was delicious.”

“No surprise there.”

“True.” She raised her chin, feeling somewhat proud of herself. “I feel good about it. It was really nice, and I’ve been able to keep it in perspective. Just a friendly ride between friends.”

“Are you sure?” Sara didn’t look so sure. “Because you look awfully smiley for not making more of it.”