by Jill Snow
“Adam, you ready? Tyler is out back already. Ashley should be here any minute with your horse.”
“Coming,” Adam called, hoping he had misheard. Did the woman really say horse? He hoped not. He had never been near a horse unless you counted the dray horses you sometimes saw around Dublin city. What did they want him to do? Clean it? He knew he had to do some work out here but he hadn’t read any of the information he’d been given. He’d been too relieved he wasn’t going to prison and too devastated about what happened.
“Oh, there you are. Mack, he’s the foreman, he doesn’t like to be kept waiting. Off you go now.”
“But I can’t.” Adam protested, staring at the middle-aged woman. It was hard to tell her exact age. Her clothes and gray hair suggested she was older, but her face was remarkably unwrinkled. He only saw a few laugh lines around her eyes, although she definitely wasn’t laughing now.
“Why?” Loretta asked, her unforgiving expression not suggesting he could have a real reason.
“I don’t know how to ride.”
She threw her eyes up to Heaven as if to say “another one”. He hadn’t been found so wanting in a long time. It wasn’t a nice feeling.
“Oh, don’t worry, you will be fine. Ashley could have been born on a horse and between her and Mack, there is little they don’t know. Just do as they say and you will be fine.”
Adam glanced at the housekeeper. She seemed sure of what she was saying. Maybe it wasn’t too hard but then he saw the horses coming toward him. They were huge.
“Seriously? I could break my neck.”
“You could and I could fall down the stairs. Don’t live your life based on could. You know the drill. You are here to work. Work on a ranch involves being able to ride. Tyler, the other guest, is already outside. Go on, get,” Loretta chided. It appeared the housekeeper wasn’t the type to stand for any nonsense.
Adam left the safety of the kitchen feeling like a badly behaved child. He exchanged a glance with Tyler. He didn’t look scared, more like bored as he took a drag of his cigarette.
Adam broke the silence. “It’s my first time on a horse.”
“Me, too,” Tyler said. But he didn’t elaborate. He clearly didn’t want to chat. Adam turned away to look at the ranch hand bringing up the horses. He had to do a double-take when he saw it was the girl he’d met that morning. He smiled the Malone smile, hoping it would break some ice. She briefly acknowledged him before turning to the other guy.
“Be careful to put that thing out right. The last thing we need is a fire.”
“I don’t need a girl telling me what to do,” Tyler snapped.
Adam recognized his type; he had met his fair share of them. Sons and daughters of rich men who never worked a day in their lives. They expected everyone around them to wait on them hand and foot.
“As long as you’re here, you will do as you’re told,” the girl said.
“Nice try, missy, but you aren’t the boss around here.”
“No, but I am. My name is Mitchel McDonagh but you can call me Mack. You listen to Ashley or pay the price. Understood?” The man who spoke in a no-nonsense tone could have walked off one of his brother’s movies. From his weather-beaten skin under the black hat to the tips of his boots, he was all cowboy.
Tyler grunted and ground the cigarette out under his boots. Proper cowboy boots. Adam looked at his trainers.
“Guess I should change my shoes?” Adam said in an effort to change the topic. He hated confrontation. His time at the Double R would drag if he had to put up with Tyler for long.
“Good idea. You’ll ruin those cleaning the stables. You aren’t riding wearing those, either. The horses are patient, but not when you don’t wear the right gear. Loretta can lend you some. She’s bound to have some castoffs in her closet. Some of our previous guests felt they didn’t need them once they left here.”
His breath caught as she smiled, not at him but at the monster of an animal she sat on. She caressed the horse’s neck as if he were a puppy or something. She glanced up, catching him staring at her.
“Waiting for a written invitation?”
“No, sorry,” he muttered before going back into the house in search of boots. Was she always that sarcastic or was it solely for his benefit? He had offended her in some way but, despite racking his brains, he had no idea how.
“You back already?” Loretta glanced at him.
“Guess I didn’t see the memo about needing riding boots. Stupid, given where I am but recently, me and stupid tend to go hand in hand.”
Loretta smiled, changing her whole face. Then it was gone.
“What size?”
“Nine.”
She rummaged around in the closet before coming back with a dusty looking pair.
“There you go. Be careful. I will have hot water for baths when you come back,” Loretta said, sounding human for the first time since he’d arrived.
“That’s kind of you. Thank you.”
Again, his legendary Irish charm failed dismally. She didn’t even try to smile. It was as if he had imagined that first smile she gave him.
“Not kind, practical. You won’t be able to move a muscle when you get back here.”
Chapter 3
Thankfully, Loretta had been joking. Ashley had been moving the horses to the pasture so they could work on the stables unhindered.
“Ever held a broom before?” she asked.
Adam looked at Tyler, whom he had immediately disliked. “Course, haven’t you?”
“Nope,” Tyler said. “That’s what you have Mexicans for. They clean up the place.”
Adam bit his tongue, trying not to respond to the racist comment. Ashley also ignored it, but he could tell she didn’t approve. She was holding herself all stiff as if afraid of letting go.
“Yes, the key to doing this job properly is to have a method and stick to it. The floor of the stables is concrete, so we use a mixture of straw and hay bedding. The clean bedding can be kept to that side, the dirt and the muck go to the middle. Clear?” she asked.
“As mud. Why don’t you just dump all of it and start over? It’d be quicker.”
“Yes, Tyler, and much more expensive. We’re a working ranch. We can’t afford to waste anything. Okay, here you go.” Ashley handed both of them a metal pitchfork and showed them how to use it. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“Wait, where are you going? I didn’t sign up to be anyone’s slave,” Tyler argued.
“You didn’t sign up for anything. You are here because you were sent here. I have to check the tack. Wouldn’t want you falling off your horse because a bridle was torn or a saddle damaged, now would we?”
Adam had to turn his face away to hide a grin. Ashley sounded like she would love Tyler to fall flat on his butt. He didn’t blame her one bit. The guy was a typical spoiled rich kid who believed he was above everyone else. The three months at the ranch would seem like forever if he didn’t get his attitude in check. Anyway, that was none of Adam’s business.
He concentrated on cleaning out the stall, wishing he had something to put in his nose. Maybe he would get used to the burning smell of urine. He used the pitchfork to move the clean bedding against the wall. Tyler stood and watched.
“You best get moving or you won’t finish before she gets back.”
“Who cares? You can be the teacher’s pet,” Tyler replied.
Adam resisted the urge to pitch Tyler into the middle of the dirty bedding he gathered into the center.
“Do you have to be so enthusiastic to impress the girl?”
Adam ignored Tyler. He didn’t care what the man thought of him. He kept working, moving the dirty bedding and lumps of manure into the wheelbarrow.
“Honestly, man, where is your pride?”
Adam’s knuckles whitened as he held the wheelbarrow full of muck and wheeled it over to the manure spreader. Then he came back and used a shovel to collect any large bits of manure left behind by the pitchfork. For som
e reason, Tyler was goading him on purpose and he wasn’t about to give in to him. But he would be lying if the shovel hadn’t proved tempting.
Finally, he swept the stall clear of all debris. He stripped off his shirt, enjoying the feel of the sun on his back as he worked. The manual labor was good for him. Tyler did more complaining and smoking than work, but Adam didn’t care. The stalls he was set to do were shining by the time Ashley came back to check on them.
“Well done, Adam. Those spots there need some absorbent deodorizer on them or they’ll stink to high heaven.”
“You mean it could smell worse than it does?”
“A whole lot worse. The stalls on the Double R are cleaned out every day, which makes a huge difference. You should visit some ranches where the staff are lazy and only clean them out once a week. Then you would know how awful it could smell.”
“What do we do now?” Adam asked as Tyler stood and stared.
“Leave the stalls to dry and air. We’ll put the new bedding down when the horses come back in. It’s better to keep them outside for as long as possible. Keeps them happier and lessens our work so a win/win for both sides.”
“So when do our riding lessons start?”
“How about now?” She smiled up at him before frowning at Tyler. “You better get a move on. If you don’t finish in the next hour, Henry and the boys will throw you in the manure pile.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I suggest you don’t test me to find out. Come on, Adam, let’s go find you a horse.”
She glanced at him. He caught her looking at his chest before he remembered he was naked from the waist up. He grabbed his T-shirt and threw it over his head.
“Sorry. I was hot.”
She didn’t reply. Adam followed her without looking back at the other man.
Chapter 4
She hoped her threat to Tyler would work. She had to get both of these guests on a horse today. She glanced behind her. Tyler was working quickly. He probably wouldn’t do a great job, but Henry, the ranch hand, could finish it off. She called Adam over to get mounted.
Adam’s first attempt to get on the horse ended with his butt on the floor. The second, third and fourth attempts didn’t go much better. Eventually, Ashley took pity on him and showed him again, this time more slowly, how to mount his ride. She was impressed with his patience.
“Sorry to keep you. I’m sure you have lots to do. Only there isn’t much call for horse riding in the streets of Dublin.”
Why was he trying so hard to explain himself? Most of their guests didn’t know one end of a horse from the other but, unlike him, they didn’t usually care.
“Horses are like humans. A kind word goes a long way. Try not to be scared of them as they sense it. You have to be in control. You are their master.”
“Yeah, show them who's boss.” Tyler walked over to where they stood with the horses.
Ashley didn’t acknowledge Tyler’s remark. It wasn’t worth the effort. Instead, she focused on Adam. He seemed to be a bit more reasonable.
“If you sit back in the saddle like that holding the reins, the horse won’t go anywhere. Squeeze your legs as a signal for her to move out. If you want to turn right, push your left leg against her body or use your reins. To turn left, use your right leg. Clear?”
“Yes. Thank you, ma’am.”
He was making an effort, so she returned his smile.
“No problem. It’s part of my job to show you boys how to survive on a ranch.”
“Why? Once I complete this rehab program I won’t ever sit on a horse again. It’s not like I’ll ever have to get a job.” Tyler’s tone, never mind his words, set her teeth on edge.
She took a deep breath to curb her temper.
“I don’t care what happens once you leave the Double R. But until you complete your sentence,” she purposely highlighted the word, “you will work, eat and sleep like a ranch hand. Now quit bellyaching and move faster.”
She urged Devil gently and her horse took off. She knew the other horses would follow. She had trained them properly. Animals were so much easier in every way than humans. You could trust an animal.
Adam couldn’t hide his admiration for the way the young woman handled Tyler. Pity, it seemed to be the first time the young man had ever had anyone put him in his place. If Adam’s mam got his hands on Tyler, he would be sorry.
His ma. Why did he have to think of her now? He could only imagine how disappointed and upset she was with him. He had let himself down but not only that, he had dragged the good Malone name into the gutter.
The band was really pissed with him, and for good reason. They had worked hard for their success. Unlike Tyler, the Malone’s money wasn’t inherited. Their parents weren’t wealthy—quite the opposite. He’d never gone to bed hungry but he had worn hand-me-downs from his cousins. His dad worked all hours to keep his wife and family together. When the boys showed musical talent, his mam took in sewing and did cleaning jobs to pay for lessons. When the band had hit it big, they made life easier for their parents. Neither would ever have to work again. But despite being offered a larger house, they had refused to leave the working-class neighborhood they had reared their family in. Closing his eyes, Adam could hear the neighbors rip into him for the trouble he had brought on his ma.
“It helps if you keep your eyes open.”
Her accent was musical. He wondered if she could sing. He opened his eyes quickly, catching a hint of curiosity in hers before the shutters came down. The icy glare was back in her eyes, changing their color from sapphire blue to steely grey.
“Sorry.” He seemed to be using that one word so much these days but what else could he do?
She was very attractive, her braided hair shimmering in the sunlight. Was she dating or single? What did he care? He wasn’t getting involved with another woman ever again. He might take a vow of chastity. It was better than risking all the trouble his recent romantic involvements had caused.
Chapter 5
Ashley drove home, smiling despite herself at the image of Adam failing to get on the horse. She was impressed he had kept trying until he managed to do it. He was very gentle with the animals, something they didn’t see very often. Not that most of the guests meant to be cruel but if you didn’t handle horses regularly, you could hurt them without meaning to. Or you could be like Tyler and just treat every living thing with an iron fist.
She drove into her parent’s ranch and slowed on seeing the truck outside her home. The priest was here. Again. She wished she had stayed and had dinner with Mack and Charity. Not that she had anything against Father Michael. Ashley enjoyed going to church and considered herself a Christian but her mom’s new devotion to lighting candles and having masses said was bordering on obsession.
Kayleigh was dead. No amount of praying was going to bring her back. Her mom had started putting small candles in front of every picture in the house. Ashley shuddered. She couldn’t help it. Her mom was turning their home into some sort of shrine.
Parking, she walked around the back of the house and down toward the river. Kayleigh had loved the water, they’d gone swimming whenever possible. She pulled off her shoes and sat on the ground with her feet paddling in the shallow part. The tears dripped down her face.
Oh Kayleigh, why did you have to die? I need you here. Mom is so sad and I can’t help her. Tell me what to do?
Ashley sobbed in her hands. She was going nuts talking to her sister. Closing her eyes, she could see Kayleigh standing beside her laughing. Teasing her over needing the men in the white coats to come and cart her off to some institution.
She thought about the grief counselor she had spoken to briefly after Kayleigh had died. She’d said when a parent dies, you lose the past, when a child dies, you lose the future but when a sibling dies you lose a combination of the past and the future. She hadn’t understood it at the time but it was true.
Her memories of Kayleigh didn’t resemble her mom’s. Her
mom had put Kayleigh on such a pedestal she was almost a saint.
Ashley loved her with all her heart but her sister had been no saint. Kayleigh had been a real daredevil. She wasn’t scared of trying anything and never listened to those who told her she couldn’t. But the girl in the shrine in the house wasn’t at all like her sister. She was perfect. The perfect child.
“Ashley, your mom was worried about you. Are you not coming inside?”
Ashley jumped up guiltily at the sound of her dad’s voice. She turned to find him looking at her with concern.
“Sorry, Dad, bad day at work.” She hated lying but she couldn’t tell her dad her mom was driving her nuts.
“Ashley, you don’t need to apologize. Everyone deals with grief differently. Can I sit with you?”
“Sure.” Ashley didn’t want him to sit but she could hardly refuse. She sat back down with him close beside her. She thought he would ask her to have more patience with her mother. Instead he surprised her.
“I think your mom needs to get out of the house a bit more. It is not healthy setting up shrines to anyone. If Kayleigh were here, she would throw a fit.”
“She didn’t like the smell of candles. She would have thrown a tantrum at the amount of them Mom has now.” Ashley tried to smile but the tears kept falling.
Her dad reached over and brushed the tears away. He hugged her close.
“Do you remember that time she threw the cake on the floor because your mom insisted on putting pink candles on the top. She had a fiery temper for sure.”
Ashley covered her mouth but the laughter still escaped. She could still see her mom’s face, mouth open with shock and all the birthday guests staring in silence at the pink mess on the floor. Her dad laughed too.
“She was full of life, dad. It’s so unfair she is gone.”
“I know darling but it’s not just her that is losing out. You need to start living your life, Ashley. Chase your dreams.”
