Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Once dinner was done, the kids all went to the living room to watch a movie and settle down. It would be an early night, since tomorrow was filled with endless activities.
Rhett had proved to be a good helper, and I was so proud of him. I could see him volunteering at this camp when he got older. It was clear he enjoyed being involved.
Caden and I walked back to the barn to make sure everything was set up for tomorrow. The younger kids, ages ten and under, would be going horseback riding. The older kids will either do archery or head to the lake to fish and swim.
“You take part in the camps more than I thought,” I said as we entered the barn.
He shrugged. “I always try to help the first few days, since things are a bit crazy. Then I go back to my side of the farm and avoid this like the plague.”
I laughed. “It’s a lot of work. I was stunned when I pulled up and saw all the people.”
“Yeah, it’s a lot to manage, and my mother and sister do a great job with it. Emeline gets the volunteers and counselors lined up each year. I don’t know how she keeps up with it all, but she does. There are only two camp sessions, but it’s a hell of a lot of work on top of what she already does on the ranch.”
Marshall and a few other hands were setting out saddles in the aisle of the barn.
“Getting ready for tomorrow?” Caden asked, hitting him on the back.
“Yes, sir.”
“How did you guys afford to buy all these saddles for the kids?” I asked.
“Fundraisers. The rodeo fundraiser brings in the most, and then Emeline hosts a charity dinner every winter, which is our second-biggest fundraiser. Some of them were donated by community members, as well.”
Emeline walked around the corner, leading a beautiful white and brown paint mare. It was saddled up, and she was wearing riding gear.
“Taking your ride?” Caden asked.
“I am.”
“Your ride?” I asked.
“She always checks the trails before they take the campers out,” Caden replied before his sister could.
“Do you mind if I ride out with you?”
That seemed to surprise Emeline. She glanced at her brother, almost as if asking for his permission, before turning her attention back to me. “No, I don’t mind. You can ride Leo. He’s been itching to get out and stretch his legs.”
“Stallion?” I asked wearily.
Caden smirked. “No, he’s a gelding.”
I followed Caden, got the gelding saddled up, and met Emeline in front of the barn.
“Ready?” she asked with a smile that lit up her entire face. It was clear that being on horseback was her happy place. I couldn’t blame her for that. It was mine, too.
“Lead the way.”
We walked side by side away from the barn and toward a trail that I’d ridden a dozen times in my youth with Caden and Ensley.
“I haven’t been on this trail in forever,” I said, as Emeline took the lead.
“I used to hate that I couldn’t ever go with you guys when you went riding. Mom always told me I was too young.”
I chuckled. “Trust me, you weren’t missing out on anything. Caden and Ensley would spend most of the time fighting with one another. Each one thought they knew the best way up to the lookout point.”
“We’ve added a few trails that you haven’t been on.”
My horse followed hers as she turned to the right. It was indeed a trail I’d never taken before. “Is this heading toward the lake?” I asked.
“Sure is.”
The trail widened, and I moved up alongside her.
“Today seemed to go good, from what I saw.”
She smiled. “It did. The first day is always a little overwhelming, but once the kids get settled, everything falls into place.”
When we arrived at the top of the trail, it opened into a large meadow. The sun was hanging lower in the sky, but we still had at least another hour before sunset.
Emeline got off her horse, tossed the reins over the saddle, and let her roam. “You can leave them, they won’t go anywhere.”
“Where are we going?”
Glancing back over her shoulder, she winked. “It’s a surprise.”
I couldn’t ignore the way my heart felt like it kicked into overdrive as I watched Emeline walking in front of me. My eyes drifted to her perfect ass, and I nearly moaned. My dick came to attention, too, and I had to admit this was the first time in ages that I’d desired anyone sexually.
Christ, this was Emeline I was gawking at. Caden would kick my ass.
As if she’d read my mind, she called out, “Enjoying the view back there, or did you want to join me?”
Picking up the pace, I quickly made my way to her side. “The view was pretty damn nice, I have to say.”