Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

Micah

It turned out neither of the horses they were assigned seemed to mind their weight as both settled into the saddles after listening to a short lecture given by Cody, their guide for the ride. They were included in a group of six others, including another couple and a family of four. All had been on horseback before with varying degrees of experience. Micah had ridden in high school and worked at a stable while in Girl Scouts, trading labor for free rides. Stone had ridden a few times on a friend's family ranch but hadn't been on a horse since.

"You look very natural in the saddle," Micah complimented as another man named Randall went from horse to horse adjusting stirrups. "Oh, and thank you for the boots," she whispered softly after her turn with Randall.

"You're welcome," Stone said, having witnessed the exchange between Cody and the teenager who insisted her flip flops were just fine. It had taken both her parents as well as the two hands to impress upon her that no one was going anywhere until she changed shoes. They'd waited ten minutes while she huffed and pouted but had finally given in when becoming aware that every set of eyes were on her. With her feet now clad in a pair of hiking boots, she flirted with Randall as he made sure the shoe's heel would keep her foot from sliding completely through the stirrup.

"Okay, is everybody ready?" Cody called from the front of the group. At a chorus of "yes," he twirled his hat in the air as if rounding up strays and whistled. "Then it's time to giddy up, cowgirls and cowboys."

Micah giggled while Stone rolled his eyes. She was beyond excited to take her place in line, the scenery breathtaking as the horses began to plod uphill. "Can't we go faster?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at Stone.

"This is fast enough," he said. "You're pretty far from the ground. Maybe we should have asked for a shorter horse."

"Daddy, you worry too much," she said with a toss of her curls. "I like being tall for once."

It was all fun and games until she realized that not only was she taller, their entire group was going higher and higher up the mountain. Her hands tightened on the reins when she made the mistake of looking down and saw there was very little trail between her and the drop into the valley below.

"Please don't buck me off," she whispered to her horse whose name was Jedidiah, Jed for short.

The horse's snort startled her and a bull flashed into her mind.

"Easy, Micah, loosen your grip on the reins," Stone called out.

"He might run!" she said, trying to keep the terror out of her voice because she remembered something about animals sensing fear.

"He won't, baby. He's probably made this trip a million times. Remember what Cody said, just sit back in the saddle, relax your muscles, and let your horse lead the way."

Easy to say but far harder to do, but Micah did remember Cody saying the same thing and since he was the one leading this group, she tried to swallow her anxiety and trust both him and her Daddy. That didn't mean she wasn't flooded with relief the moment her horse took a final step and she realized they were on flatter, pretty even ground. She'd made it!

"Good job."

Glad she didn't jerk the reins as the words startled her a bit, she managed a smile. "Thanks, but if I'm honest, that was a bit scary."

"You have nothing to be scared about. I wouldn't have booked this trip if I didn't trust that you'd be perfectly safe," Stone assured her.

"I know, Daddy, I'm just being silly." She was even able to smile and kiss him back when he leaned over to press his lips to hers.

After he pulled away, he grinned and took his phone from his shirt pocket. "Give me a big smile."

"Did you hear that, Jed? Give Daddy a nice big horsey smile," she teased when the horse looked over to him.

"Perfect," he said, snapping several photos.

Having forgotten her fear during the impromptu photo shoot, Micah was able to take a moment to survey her surroundings. "Wow, it really is beautiful up here."

"It is, isn't it?"

The question didn't come from Stone but from their wrangler. "Yes, I never really knew there were actual mountains in Texas. I mean, I've been to the Hill Country, but this is nothing like that," she said, gesturing to the view.

Cody gave her a grin. "That's why I love my job. Nothing beats working outdoors and reminding city folk there's more to life than skyscrapers and concrete."

Micah couldn't agree more, and Cody moved away to check in with others in their group. She was a bit surprised when another horse's head appeared at the lip of the trail they'd just ridden up. The mesa became a bit less open as more and more horses joined them.

"How are we going to go back if all these other riders are coming up?" she asked.

"I'm sure the different guides have it all figured out," Stone said, moving his horse a bit closer to hers.

"I don't think I can do this, Daddy. If we have to pass another horse on that narrow trail?—"

"Don't worry, Micah," Cody said, appearing on her other side. "We aren't going back that way."

"Oh, thank god!" Micah said. Looking around, she turned to him. "If we don't ride back that way, how are we getting down the mountain?"

"No worries, you'll see," Cody said, lifting up in his stirrups to address their group. "Folks, we'll go in single file with Randall in the back. Remember to trust your horse. They could make this ride in their sleep." Turning to her, he grinned. "How ‘bout you follow me, Micah?"

"Ummm, I guess," she said, knowing she sounded far less enthusiastic than she had when their ride had first begun.

"Seriously, you'll be fine, I promise," Cody said, settling in his saddle. "I'll go first, you follow, and your husband will be right behind you. Just keep your body dead center in the saddle and enjoy the view."

With that, he moved his horse in front of hers. "You're going to be fine, baby," Stone assured her before moving behind Jed.

"From your lips to God's ears," she murmured, taking a deep breath, exhaling slowly. She managed to repeat the routine twice more as their group formed a rather wavy line behind their leader. Micah was sure she'd calmed down until she watched Cody's horse disappear from right in front of her.

Her heart lodged in her throat, but before she could fully process what she'd just seen, Jed had already taken his first step into nothing but space. Micah couldn't stop the squeal of fright as she grabbed the saddle horn, her feet pressing hard against the stirrups.

Cody hadn't disappeared into thin air after all. Instead, he was a few feet in front of her on the steep narrow trail. The cowboy hooked his knee over his saddle horn and turned to talk to her. "Hey, you're fine. Just relax. Jed's a great mount and won't let anything happen to you."

How in hell was she supposed to believe that load of bull when his eyes suddenly widened as his horse stumbled and almost went to one knee. Granted, the horse regained its balance and Cody pretended nothing horrific happened, but she was now sure she'd much rather be on an ATV than on a few hundred pounds of horseflesh. At the very least, she wouldn't be attempting to drive an ATV straight down the side of a freaking mountain!

By the time they reached another flat plain, Micah was shaking, her fingers refusing to release the saddle horn or the reins. Her fear had to be palpable because other riders were asking if she was okay. She wanted to scream that of course she wasn't but didn't want to appear to be a baby or scare the actual kids on the ride, though they both seemed to be a little bored.

"Babe, if there was any way we could go back, I'd take you," Stone said as he reached over to place his hand over hers. "I'm so sorry. I really didn't think you'd be so scared."

No way could she let this man think he had anything to be sorry about. He'd planned this entire vacation all by himself and it had not only been fantastic, he'd not even once questioned her about Lydia, even when he couldn't see her. He'd even talked to her and made sure he finished reading the book for a ghost he never planned on sharing a house with. She'd rather die than see the look of disappointment on his face.

"I'm fine, really. It was just a surprise, that's all. Jed is a great horse, aren't you, buddy?" Forcing her fingers to let go of the saddle, she reached forward and patted the horse's neck. When Jed flicked his ears and gave a little neigh of agreement, she actually did relax a bit.

Cody rode up and smiled to see her fingers stroking through the long black mane. "I knew you two would become friends. Great job cowgirling up, Micah. I know that first step down was a little dicey, but the rest of the ride will be a piece of cake, you'll see."

"And how long will that be? The ride I mean?" she asked.

Instead of looking at his wrist for a watch, the cowboy looked up at the sky. "I'd say we've only got about another four hours or so."

"Did you say four hours ?" Like the squeal she'd given earlier, she couldn't hold back the disbelief in her voice.

"Give or take. We'll take a couple of breaks along the way, but we should reach the camp site around dusk."

"How lovely," she said, forcing a smile. If there was one thing she'd taken away from her mother, it was that if she didn't have anything nice to say, it was best to say nothing at all. In other words, fake it till you make it.

Cody nodded and they were soon riding again, but fortunately, there was room for her Daddy to ride beside her and the trail was fairly level. Remembering his concern, she looked over and smiled. "This is great, really."

Stone smiled. "Try not to think, just enjoy."

"I am enjoying it." When his brow quirked, she clarified, "Well, some of it. I mean the view alone is breathtaking. I guarantee we're not going to stroll along anything as incredible as these mesas or see such ancient and interesting rock formations lining the streets of downtown Houston."

"That's true, or see an eagle soaring between the skyscrapers," Stone said, pointing to a bird circling above them.

Engrossed in watching the eagle ride the air currents, it took a few more minutes before she remembered what else Cody had said. "Wait, we're camping out here tonight?"

Nodding, her Daddy smiled. "Just think of how well we'll be able to see Cassiopeia and Draco without any lights and nothing but a few billion stars."

The thought brought a real smile to her lips. "That will be nice."

"And don't worry, we'll not be on horses again once we reach camp."

"Oh, thank God," she said with perhaps a bit too much gusto as he chuckled.

"Now there's my real girl." When she looked over, he added, "Webby, you've never been a good liar, but thanks for trying." He looked around as if to make sure no other riders were close before leaning toward her, wagging his eyebrows up and down. "And if you are a very good little girl, I'll give you a massage when we're in our tent."

"Thank god! I think every single muscle in my body is nothing but one giant charley horse."

"That's because you're practically standing in the saddle. You've been pressing down so hard on your stirrups, I'll be rather shocked if you can walk. Just find your center of gravity?—"

"I know, I know," Micah said, cutting him off. "I keep staring at Jed's mane pretending it's my pubic hair in order to keep myself in the exact middle of that saddle, but it's not working."

Stone's laugh drew some looks and her glare. "Hey, I'm not laughing at you, Webby."

"Funny, it sounded like that to me!"

"Baby, I'm just laughing because your plan had no chance of success."

"Why not? I'm doing exactly what you and Cowboy Cody keep saying."

"Yes, but"—he leaned closer—"since your kitty is as smooth as a baby's butt, Jed's locks aren't going to help."

Her mouth dropped open and closed, before she threw her head back and groaned. "Do you always have to be right?"

"Nope, but I will always be your Daddy and that means I'll massage every one of those sore muscles until you are nothing but putty in my hands. How does that sound?"

"Like heaven." Just the thought of his hands kneading the kinks out of her sore legs helped make her fear subside just a bit.

"Anything you need, babygirl, that's what a Daddy does, make sure his Little is happy."

That may be, but Micah was determined that he was going to be happy right along beside her.

An hour later, Stone lifted her out of the saddle, and she wobbled as her knees took a few minutes to actually straighten.

"Way to go, Micah," Randall praised as he took Jed's reins. "You're turning into a right-fine cowgirl."

"Yippee-kay-yay" she said with a smile while her Daddy just lifted his eyebrow. Once she was positive her legs would hold her, she looked around. "Um, exactly where is the bathroom?"

Her Daddy looked around as well. "I don't think you're going to like the answer to that question."

"Why not?"

Before he could answer, Cody whistled and every head turned toward him. "Well done, folks. While Randall and I get the snacks ready, you can take a little trip to the loo. Pink bushes to the right, blue to the left."

His hand gestures didn't satisfy Micah so she turned to Stone. "Is he saying what I think he's saying?"

"If you think that means you're gonna have to squat behind a bush, then I'm afraid so."

"I think I'll just wait till we get back to civilization," Micah said, ignoring the twinge of her bladder.

Stone pulled her into his arms. "How about we do a little mixing of the colors?"

"Huh?"

"I know your favorite color is pink, but you also like purple, right?"

"I don't think I'm following," Micah confessed as she watched people beginning to move in opposite directions.

Instead of explaining, her Daddy took her hand. "I'm saying we are going to mix pink and blue and find ourselves some purple bushes. How does that sound?"

"Like you're a genius," Micah said, meaning every word. She really did need to pee but wouldn't have been able to even consider pulling her pants down behind some bush without her Daddy right beside her.

Afterward, she felt a lot better. Instead of immediately rejoining the others, they hiked around a bit, and when her Daddy crouched and pulled her down beside him, she followed his finger to where a stone of a different color lay slightly buried beneath other rocks.

"Wow, is that a real arrowhead?"

"Yes. I'm sure many native Americans have crossed these mountains," Stone said.

Micah stared at the arrowhead and then really looked around her. She could easily picture the thousands of feet that had traveled these paths, the camps they'd made. She imagined she could smell the smoke from their campfires and hear the sounds of children at play. A sense of peace settled over her and made her feel slightly ridiculous for her earlier behavior. If mothers carried infants on their backs and small children climbed up and over these mountains on foot, she had no excuse for acting like a baby.

"I'm sorry, Daddy," she said, slipping her hand into his. "I shouldn't have acted so silly."

"Micah, there is nothing to apologize for. You can't help how you feel and you certainly don't need to hide those feelings. Not from me. Ever."

She leaned against his side, soaking up his words and his comfort. "I know, but still, I should have remembered you would never put me in a situation you didn't feel was safe. I mean, you are always thinking of ways to make sure I'm okay. Like purpling with me."

When he chuckled, she smiled. "And if you're a really good boy, I would be very happy to purple with you tonight. I've never done it in a tent."

A bark of laughter had her giggle. "Babygirl, I'm going to be the best boy in the whole wide world. Starting with getting you a snack. After all, I seem to recall that coloring requires energy."

"That it does," she agreed, giving the arrowhead another look but leaving it where it had lain for the last few centuries.

Stone squeezed her hand before rising and pulling her up with him.

Micah was far more relaxed for the rest of the ride. After eating a snack consisting of a bag of trail mix, apple slices, two huge chocolate chip cookies, and a bottle of water, she spent some time chatting with some of the other riders. It pleased her to learn she hadn't been the only one at least a bit leery about the ascent and descent on the mountain.

When they were ready to resume the journey, she asked Cody if it would be okay to share some of her apple slices with Jed.

"I'm sure he'd love some," Cody said with a smile. "Do you know how to offer them to him?"

"Yes, I remember from Girl Scouts," she said, flattening her palm and placing a slice she'd saved onto it.

"And here I thought Girl Scouts only sold cookies," Cody teased and she smiled. "Seriously, I'm glad you're feeling better. I really hope you enjoy the trip."

"I am, and this time I'm not even fibbing," she said, leaving him laughing.

She fed Jed the apples and smiled when he huffed after she'd given him the last slice. "Sorry, buddy. I'll try to slip you some more later."

Stone helped her into her saddle and once she'd settled, she watched him running his fingers through Jed's thick mane before rubbing his palm over the smooth leather of the pommel she'd been recently clinging to.

Micah shook her head, getting the reference without the need for words. Pubic hair . Good grief, she couldn't believe she'd tried that trick or worse, confessed doing so to her Daddy.

"You're not going to let me forget are you?" she asked as he gave her a grin that caused her heart to skip a beat.

"Not a chance, babygirl, not a chance." He pulled her down for a kiss before moving to mount his own horse. They rode for another couple of hours and when Micah realized they were going to have to descend to reach the valley, she leaned forward and patted Jed's neck. "I'm trusting you, buddy. Get me down safe and I promise, there will be more apples even if I have to walk to the store and buy them myself."

At his huff, she grinned and instead of bracing herself, she relaxed and looked around, finally trusting the horse beneath her.

"Way to cowgirl up," Stone said, causing her to roll her eyes. If Cody and Randall had used that phrase once, they'd used it a hundred times over the past several hours.

"What happened to being a good boy?" she teased.

"Oh, believe me, babygirl, I plan on being a very, very, very good boy tonight."

A shudder ran through her that had nothing to do with fear. Her nipples pebbled beneath her shirt and her thighs would have clenched together if there hadn't been a large horse between them.

"Don't make promises you won't keep, cowboy," she said as he lifted her out of the saddle and slid her slowly down his body, letting her hand cup the bulge that suddenly bloomed beneath his jeans.

His groan made her giggle and hearing him practically growl as Randall approached had her whisper, "Careful, or they might put us in separate tents."

"Over my dead body," he managed before smiling and handing the reins of their horses to the wrangler.

"Oh, wait," Micah said, remembering her promise. "Do you think I can have another apple? I sort of promised Jed a reward."

"Sure, Miss Micah, there's some on the table over there." He jerked his head in the direction of the campfire. "I'll go on and unsaddle Jed but won't let him out to pasture until you have a chance to say your goodbyes."

"Thanks, I'll just be a minute," Micah promised and tugged on her Daddy's hand. "Come on, you can get one too so Dallas won't feel left out."

They fed the apple slices to their horses and Micah threw her arms around Jed's neck. "Thank you," she said. "You're a great horse. Thanks for sharing your mountain with me."

"And for keeping my Webby safe," Stone added, opening his hand where a few white cubes sat.

The horse picked them up and crunched as Micah just stared at her husband. "Where did you get sugar cubes?"

"Let's just say I came prepared, and don't fret, I saved one for you."

"Do I have to neigh first?" she teased as another cube appeared in his fingers.

"Why Mrs. Barrows, when did you become so kinky?"

"Jeez, let me think… oh, right. It was on our first date when you threatened to pull down my panties and spank my bare bottom if I didn't eat those awful Brussel sprouts." She snatched the cube from his fingers and tossed it into her mouth.

"Not exactly a neigh, but I'll take it," Stone said as she moaned at the burst of sweetness that bloomed on her tongue the moment she crunched down. Pulling her to him, he kissed her, tasting a few sugar crystals on her lips. Pulling back, he grinned. "I'm going to have do some research on animal roleplay."

Micah ran her palm over his crotch. "Or I could just save a horse and ride my cowboy."

With a toss of her curls, she smiled and, swaying her hips, walked away.