Back to Texas. Amanda Renee

Joe loved her the moment they met.

      “Ever’s adopted?” The girl waved when she spotted her grandmother.

      “Since Ever was a foster child, the opportunity for her to continue with this type of therapy wasn’t guaranteed. Joe and I had inquired about adopting her, but we were—how’d they put it—above the ideal age range. My son Cole and his wife adopted Ever. Once they’d met her, they had found it impossible to allow her to stay in the system. She’s a very special child.”

      Adam watched the girl dismount next to a platform. “I thought you said she was wheelchair-bound.”

      “She was.” Kay touched Adam’s shoulder. “Would you like to meet her?”

      “I’d love to.”

      Despite the greater part of her legs being encased in braces over her jeans, Ever practically ran to her grandmother. Adam found himself battling tears that threatened to choke off his words.

      “She can walk because of a horse?” Adam raked his hands down his face. “How come I haven’t heard of this before?”

      “It’s still not widely accepted, but with nonprofits like this one, we’re making progress in the field. I only wish my husband had lived long enough to see his dream come true.”

      “Don’t be sad, Grandma.” Ever reached for Kay’s hand. “Grandpa Joe’s watching us from heaven.”

      Any chance Adam had of keeping his emotions in check would officially be lost if the kid kept this up. Crouching down, he smiled at her. “How old are you to be this wise?”

      “Six, but grandma says I’m going on thirty.” Ever lifted her eyes to Kay for approval. “Right?”

      “Understatement of the year.” Kay playfully tugged on Ever’s hair. “I’m so proud of you, kiddo.”

      This was the kind of impact, the kind of good, he wanted to make in the world. Sure, his music entertained people, but it didn’t change lives. His money would be much better spent helping others than funding a lifestyle he no longer wanted.

      Adam made a mental note to call his accountant later and have a donation sent to Dance of Hope...anonymously.

      * * *

      “I HEARD YOU enjoyed yourself at Bridle Dance,” Mazie said to Adam across the expansive dining table.

      “Adam hasn’t stopped talking since we left.” Bridgett playfully nudged him with her knee under the table.

      “What’s Bridle Dance?” Mrs. Phelps, one of the inn’s guests, asked.

      “You have to see it,” Adam answered before Bridgett had a chance to open her mouth. He leaned forward, his hands moving animatedly as his words tumbled forth. “It’s a horse ranch, but they have a center where they use this process called hippotherapy to help people walk again. And a state-of-the-art rodeo school and a pecan grove and—”

      “Dearest me.” Mrs. Phelps patted Adam’s arm. “I’m getting worn out just listening to you.”

      Adam sheepishly glanced around the table, “Sorry. I guess I’m overly enthusiastic, but amazing doesn’t begin to describe it.”

      “Do you travel much?” Mr. Phelps asked.

      “I’ve been a few places.” Adam said.

      Bridgett had originally thought a large communal table was an awkward idea when Mazie had first planned the Bed & Biscuit. Who’d want to sit and eat with strangers? She still wasn’t used to it, but tonight she loved how the other guests asked Adam questions because she had no clue where to begin without it coming across as an inquisition.

      “What brings you in our direction?” Mazie asked. “Katy’s not exactly next door.”

      Adam set his fork on the side of his plate and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I had a bit of a falling out with my family, and until we can work through it, I thought I’d drive cross-country and take in the sites. I ended up here when I saw the Harvest Festival sign. I had planned only to stay for the weekend, but I might hang around a little longer. If my sister, Lizzy, can smooth things over for me, I’m close enough to get back within a few hours.

      “Lizzy’s your sister.” Bridgett felt her cheeks heat. “I’m sorry. I accidentally overheard your conversation earlier.”

      “It’s okay,” Adam shrugged. “Lizzy’s the family mediator and I have no idea which way it will go. Since I’m here, do you think anyone would be willing to hire a stranger?”

      Bridgett’s pulse increased. Not only did Adam plan to stay past the weekend, but a job meant longer. That meant she’d have the chance to get to know him better. But what if he decided to stay forever? She could be stuck in this Podunk town if she fell for him. On their way home from the ranch, she’d permitted herself the fantasy of leaving Ramblewood with Adam and visiting the ridiculous tourist attractions he had told her about. Crazy? Absolutely. But for a second, it was a possibility. Tucking her head closer to her chest, Bridgett tried to forget the silly notion and focused on her crepes.

      Someone bumped her foot and she immediately looked at Mazie, who was passing a dish to Mrs. Phelps. When it happened once more, her eyes met Adam’s and his smile told Bridgett he’d caught her thinking about him. Heat rose to her cheeks again. Oh, please. She’d rather die than turn into one of those blushing females.

      “What kind of work do you do?” Mazie asked, saving Bridgett from further embarrassment.

      “My parents own a ranch, and I’m familiar with most aspects of farming and livestock.”

      “My sister’s an equine vet,” Mazie said. “I can have her ask around for you.”

      “Lexi,” Adam acknowledged. “I met her and her husband at Bridle Dance.”

      “They’re usually hiring.” Bridgett added. She knew Mazie couldn’t let Adam remain at the Bed & Biscuit much longer seeing as it was booked for the entire fall season. A job at Bridle Dance meant he’d have a bed in the bunkhouses. “I’ll see what I can find out.”

      “That would be great,” Adam enthused. “Thank you.”

      Bridgett couldn’t help feeling excited. It wasn’t as if she already had a job waiting for her in another town, after all. She could continue to look while spending time with Adam. It was amazing how much things could change in a day. This morning she’d craved peace and normalcy and by nightfall, she had something much better. Excitement of the sexy male persuasion.