Read Online The Rancher's First Love by Brenda Minton - Free Book Online Page B

Saturday, Samantha hauled Lilly and her horse to the rodeo grounds for the second time that week. She stood inside the arena, watching as her niece brought her horse around the last barrel and headed for the home stretch. The gelding stumbled a bit and Samantha’s breath caught and held, her heart thudding painfully, as she watched her niece wobble and fight for control.
    And get control. She let out the breath she’d held and shook her head. Lilly didn’t give an inch. She kept that gelding on track and brought him on home, reining him in as she passed the finish line.
    â€œYou look a little pale, Aunt Sam,” the cheeky girl said.
    â€œI think you just shaved a few years off my life. But you did great.”
    â€œSo what’s holding back my time?”
    Samantha thought about it, reliving the ride in her mind. “I think you’re pulling back a bit after the third barrel. Lean in over his neck and loosen up on the reins. Let’s try working on that. Next time.”
    â€œBut...”
    Sam stopped her. “We’re not going to wear your horse out.”
    A truck rattled down the rutted driveway. They both turned to look and Lilly chuckled. “That’s trouble with a capital T , my dad says.”
    â€œYour dad doesn’t know everything.”
    â€œDad said he’s probably in town to stay and that’s rotten timing.” Lilly dismounted, landing lightly on the ground next to her gelding, Chief.
    â€œReally? He said that, did he? Anything else I should know?”
    Lilly grinned big, managing to look a lot like her dad. “Yeah. He also said at least you’re an adult now and not his problem.”
    Samantha shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”
    â€œI looked that up and I know what it means.” Lilly grinned. “And I probably am. He’s heading this way.”
    â€œHe doesn’t know when to quit,” Sam murmured.
    Lilly laughed at that. “So he’s incorrigible, too.”
    Samantha groaned. “Go put your horse in the trailer.”
    â€œI’m not sure if I’m supposed to leave the two of you alone,” Lilly said. She looked from Remington to Sam and back again.
    â€œLilly, I’m twenty-five and you can leave me alone. Please.”
    â€œFine, but if something happens, it isn’t my fault.”
    Lilly walked off, leading her big red gelding by a chunk of mane. She spoke softly, talking to him as if he was her best friend. The horse nuzzled the girl’s dark hair and she laughed. Samantha looked away from the happy pair and focused on the man heading in her direction. Years ago when she would see him in cowboy boots, jeans, a T-shirt and hair damp from the shower, she’d nearly swoon. Her mood would brighten. Her heart would ache with happiness because he loved her.
    She’d wanted that love. Desperately. She’d wanted to belong to someone and to know that someone belonged to her. Yes, she’d had her siblings, but they hadn’t really been able to give her what she needed. Someone of her own. And he’d been there.
    After ten years, she’d learned that no one person could supply what she was looking for or be responsible for her happiness. Happiness had to come from within.
    â€œSaw you from the road,” he offered as he drew closer. “I thought I’d see how the lessons are going.”
    â€œShe’s doing great. I think she’ll ride next week in the junior division.”
    â€œGood for her.”
    Sam didn’t know what else to say. They’d come close to kissing the other night. That wasn’t something she wanted to discuss. Even though she had spent a lot of time thinking about it, wondering what it would be like, telling herself it was the wrong path to take.
    â€œI guess I should go check on Lilly,” Samantha finally said.
    Remington reached for her arm, stopping her. “Sam, would you like to go to Austin with