Read Love Finds You: A Helena's Grove Novella for Free Online Page B

him.”
    One, two, three steps; Stallion was close enough to sniff the grains in Jens hand. Suddenly he was eating, and Jen felt the hot breath on her hand. Once the grain was gone Zack gently led Jen’s hand up to Stallions nose, and then down his neck. He sniffed and shifted but he seemed calm. Jen smiled in amazement. The wonder and admiration she felt being so close to such a magnificent animal was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.
    “He likes you,” Zack said with a smile. “You two will do great together.”
    Jen smiled in return and nodded.
    “Well,” Annie’s voice broke the moment. Jen looked at her and felt embarrassed. She had forgotten Annie was there and knew that she had witnessed the entire scene between Jen and her brother. However, she didn’t seem bothered by it. “Let’s get this show on the road!”
    Zack showed Jen how to get on the horse and they adjusted the stirrups for her height. They started off slowly, walking across the countryside. And what beautiful country it was! Jen had always thought of herself as a city girl, but after seeing the wheat fields, open rolling hills and breathtaking vistas that day; she started questioning whether that was still true. They rode all morning, and as noon drew near, they stopped for a picnic in a meadow at the top of a small mountain. Jen was again taken aback by the beauty of her surroundings.
    “Ready to pick up the pace a little?” Zack asked her when they were done with lunch.
    “Oh I’m not sure,” Jen said hesitantly, “do you think I’m ready for that?”
    “Honey it’s so easy, just move with the horse,” Annie chimed in.
    Jen laughed and agreed to try a trot and then a gallop. By the end of the day she was sure she had found a new love and his name was Stallion. She adored and respected the animal. Zack was right, he was a sweet and gentle, and it had taken only a short time to learn to trust him completely. It was one of the best days Jen had had in a long time.
    They returned to the barn around three o’clock. After almost eight hours of riding, Jen was glad to be able to walk around. She was sure she would be sore the next day , but didn’t mind and exclaimed enthusiastically, “That was so much fun!”
    Zack laughed as he and Annie unsaddled the horses. “I’m glad you had fun,” he said as he pulled Stallion’s saddle off him.
    “We’ll definitely have to go again,” Annie added, and held a brush out to Jen. “Want to help me brush them down?”
    Jen smiled and accepted the brush. They chatted about the day as they brushed the horses and put them in their stalls.
    “Who’s up for dinner?” Zack asked as they put the brushes, saddles and bridals away.
    “Oh I wish I could.” Annie made a sad face. “But I actually have a date with Jack tonight.”
    Zack rolled his eyes. “You would choose Jack over Zack?” He put his hand over his heart and pretended like he’d gotten shot. “That hurts Ann, it hurts real deep.”
    “Oh stop it,” she said pushing his shoulder slightly. “Wh y don’t you guys come with us?”
    Jen and Zack looked at each other; Zack made a scared face and shook his head slightly. Jen laughed.
    Annie folded her arms. “Zack I’m right here, I can see your facial expressions.”
    Zack smiled at her and put one hand on her arm. “As much as I would love to crash your date with Jack, I think I’ll stay home. Thank you though.”
    “I’m with Zack on this one,” Jen agreed. “You guys go and have fun.”
    “Well why don’t you two go to dinner then?” Annie was trying to act nonchalant. “You might as well; I think Aunt Gabby has Bingo or something tonight anyway.”
    Jen laughed, “I think its gambling night actually.”
    “Bingo, gambling, it’s all the same,” Annie said waving her hand.
    “I know a great place if you’re interested.” Zack turned to Jen, takin g the lead.
    Jen froze. She wasn’t sure if going to dinner with Zack was such a good idea. It was clear