Amy waited, ensuring his submission, slowly pulling his head around. Only then did she relax her hold on the reins.
Sweat ran in rivulets down her temples, between her shoulder blades. Anger and edgy fear coursed through her. The horse could easily have killed or badly injured either her or Rick.
A dull throb made itself known in her left shoulder. She couldn’t remember being struck by the horse. She clenched her teeth against the pain, pulling Sandover’s head around to lead him to the corral. She ignored her trembling knees and the ache that grew worse with each movement as she tied Sandover to the top rail.
“Good job, Amy.” A deep voice spoke from the other side of the fence, and Amy looked over her shoulder into eyes as blue as midsummer lake water.
Paul Henderson.
He stared back at her, those mesmerizing eyes crinkled up at the corners. A thin-lipped mouth turned up in a tight smile. He wore his hair longer than the last visit, dark streaks threading through the blond. His face had lengthened; his jawline seemed stronger.
“Do you need any help?” he asked.
Amy glanced at him, looking past his familiar face to the unfamiliar clothes. A teal green silk shirt that looked as if it cost more than the saddle on Sandover was tucked into gray pants that fell in well-tailored lines to leather loafers. She smiled ruefully. “Thanks, but I can manage.”
She reached up to pull the saddle off. Pain wrenched through her arm, and she almost dropped it.
“Amy, are you okay?” Ignoring his expensive clothes, Paul sprang over the fence.
Amy stared fiercely at the saddle, concentrating on breathing through waves of pain that slowly eased.
“You’re hurt,” Paul said, his hands pulling hers away from the saddle.
Amy shook her head. But another hot stab shot through her arm. “I’m okay,” she managed to say through clenched teeth.
“No, you’re not.” Paul reached out to touch her, and she pulled away.
“Yes, I am.” She didn’t want him touching her. She just wanted to go home.
Elizabeth wandered over, accompanied by a tall, slim girl. She wore a loose silk jacket in earth tones that hung artfully over a narrow skirt.
Amy caught a swift impression of soft brown eyes, delicate features and a flawless complexion. Gorgeous, of course. Paul never came home with the plain ones. Amy was suddenly extremely self-conscious of her dusty face and old clothes.
“Amy, I’d like to introduce you to Stacy.” Elizabeth leaned over the fence, the beautiful woman standing beside her. “Stacy, this is Amy.”
“Hello, Stacy.” It would hurt to shake her hand so Amy only nodded. Flustered at what must seem a show of ill manners she turned to Rick, who had now joined them. “You’ll have to walk back with Sandover.” Amy looked back at Elizabeth, Stacy and Paul. “I should get going. I’ll see you all tonight.” She kept her smile on her face as she walked over to her own horse, still tied up. Carefully she mounted Misty and rode her out of the yard. Once out of sight, she allowed herself a grimace of pain. Stubborn woman, she reprimanded herself. Too proud to ask for help. She only hoped that no serious damage was done. She could ill afford to be laid up with a sore shoulder. She had too much work to do on the ranch.
Glancing backward she saw the Hendersons going back into the house and her brother starting on his long walk home.
She didn’t feel sorry for him, but it was hard not to feel a little sorry for herself. Somehow she had to get ready for a party tonight, convince her father and Rick to come, and find something else to wear. The sleeveless dress was out of the question now.
You can get your copy of Ever Faithful by clicking on the cover below.
Other Series
Check out my other series if you haven’t already.
FAMILY BONDS
#1 SEEKING HOME
A rancher who suffered a tragic loss. A single mother on the edge. Can these two find the courage to face a romantic new beginning?
#2 CHOOSING HOME
If you like emergency room drama, second chances, and quaint small-town settings, then you’ll adore this romance.
#3 COMING HOME
He thought she chose a hotel over him. She thought he loved money more than her. Years later, can they fill the emptiness in their hearts?
#4 FINDING HOME
She’s hiding a terrible truth. He’s trying to overcome his scandalous history. Together, forgiveness might give them a second chance.
FAMILY TIES
Four siblings trying to finding their way back to family and faith
A COWBOY’S REUNION
He’s still reeling from the breakup. She’s ashamed of what she did. Can a chance reunion mend the fence, or are some hearts forever broken? If you like second chance stories, buried passions, and big country settings, then you’ll love this emotional novel.
“I enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down and had to finish it. If the rest of this series is this great, I look forward to reading more books by Carolyne Aarsen.” Karen Semones - Amazon Review
THE COWBOY’S FAMILY
She's desperate. He's loyal. Will a dark lie hold them back from finding love on the ranch? If you like determined heroines, charming cowboys, and family dramas, then you’ll love this heartfelt novel.
“What a wonderful series! The first book is Cowboy's Reunion. Tricia's story begins in that book. Emotional stories with wonderful characters. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.” Jutzie - Amazon reviewer
TAMING THE COWBOY
A saddle bronc trying to prove himself worthy to a father who never loved him. A wedding planner whose ex-fiancee was too busy chasing his own dreams to think of hers. Two people, completely wrong for each other who yet need each other in ways they never realized. Can they let go of their own plans to find a way to heal together?
“This is the third book in the series and I have loved them all. . . . can't wait to see what happens with the last sibling.” - Amazon reviewer
THE COWBOY’S RETURN
The final book in the Family Ties Series:
He enlisted in the military, leaving his one true love behind.
She gave herself to a lesser man and paid a terrible price.
In their hometown of Rockyview, they can choose to come together or say a final goodbye...
'This author did an amazing job of turning heartache into happiness with realism and inspirational feeling.” Marlene - Amazon Reviewer
SWEETHEARTS OF SWEET CREEK
Come back to faith and love
#1 HOMECOMING
Be swept away by this sweet romance of a woman's search for belonging and second chances and the rugged rancher who helps her heal.
#2 - HER HEARTS PROMISE
When the man she once loved reveals a hidden truth about the past, Nadine has to choose between justice and love.
#3 - CLOSE TO HIS HEART
Can love triumph over tragedy?
#4 - DIVIDED HEARTS
To embrace a second chance at love, they'll need to discover the truths of the past and the possibilities of the future…
#5 - A HERO AT HEART
If you like rekindled chemistry, family drama, and small, beautiful towns, then you’ll love this story of heart and heroism.
#6 - A MOTHER’S HEART
If you like matchmaking daughters, heartfelt stories of mending broken homes, and fixer-upper romance, then this story of second chances is just right for you.
HOLMES CROSSING SERIES
The Only Best Place is the first book in the Holmes Crossing Series.
#1 THE ONLY BEST PLACE
One mistake jeopardized their relationship. Will surrendering her dreams to save their marriage destroy her?
#2 ALL IN ONE PLACE
She has sass, spunk and a haunting secret.
#3 THIS PLACE
Her secret could destroy their second chance at love
#4 A SILENCE IN THE HEART
Can a litt
le boy, an injured kitten and a concerned vet with his own past pain, break down the walls of Tracy’s heart?
#5 ANY MAN OF MINE
Living with three brothers has made Danielle tired of guys and cowboys. She wants a man. But is she making the right choice?
#6 A PLACE IN HER HEART
Her new boss shattered her dreams and now she has to work with him. But his vision for the magazine she loves puts them at odds. Can they find a way to work together or will his past bitterness blind him to future love.
Reader Group
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Contents
Reader Group
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Epilogue
Other Series
Reader Group
Ever Loving Page 20
