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to meet her new neighbors, she arched her neck, whinnying in a friendly manner. Her big chocolate eyes shone a welcome.
    “This is an exciting day for Misty, since she’s been all alone in the stable,” Eloise explained as he closed the gate and unhooked the lead.
    “It’s a pretty good day for me, too,” he quipped, not at all sure how to say what he was feeling. “We did good work today.”
    “Yes, and I am indebted to you, sir.” She handed him back the rope she’d used on Hershey. “I couldn’t have done this without help.”
    “You mean without me.”
    “Well, yes, since you’re the one who helped me.” She gave her shiny hair a toss behind her shoulder, shaking her head at him as if she didn’t know what to make of him. “It was good of you to volunteer. Cheyenne doesn’t know what she missed out on. Until next time, that is.”
    “Hey, I don’t mind doing this again.” He kept his tone casual and made sure he didn’t make eye contact. A lone wolf didn’t work at making connections, he kept things light and loose. “I had fun. There’s a lot of satisfaction to this. These horses weren’t wanted, and now they are. It’s a good way to spend an afternoon.”
    “So, you’re really volunteering for next time?”
    “Absolutely. Might as well make myself useful. Besides, Cheyenne might be busy and I have lots of spare time.”
    “Doesn’t Frank keep you busy at the ranch?” Her grin hitched up in the corners of her soft mouth.
    Cute. He ambled down the aisle at her side. “Sure.
    I get in a hard day’s work. Lately, my personal life has been a bit slow. That’s the way I want to keep it.”
    “Me, too.” Was that a hint of sorrow turning her gorgeous eyes a deep, emerald green?
    Hard to tell because it was gone as quickly as it came. “That is, if you want me to lend a hand. You know I come with a horse trailer, right?”
    “I know.” She rolled her eyes at him.
    Cuter. “Then you aren’t agreeing to this reluctantly?”
    “I am.” She leaned her head back and gazed up into his eyes full on, a spark of humor lighting her up. “I am very reluctant about you.”
    “Sure, cuz most folks are.” He smiled all the way down to his toes. It was nice being with her. They emerged through the open double doors into the kiss of the late-May sun and heat. Larks warbled, robins swooped by and a sparrow up on the roof chirped at them warningly. Grass whispered in the wind, leaves rustled and he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so good.
    “My dad didn’t want me to grow up to be a cowboy, you know.” He knelt to put up the ramp, working quickly, hardly thinking about it. He finished the quick task with a rattle and clang. “Said it was hard work and a hard life. He wanted something more for me.”
    “Is that why he didn’t stay and help Frank with the ranching?”
    “Yep, but I guess he didn’t have the calling. Ranching is in my blood. That’s why I’m here.”
    “Sometimes you get blessed with the right path to follow in life.” The wind tangled her sleek blond locks. Again, that brief flash of sadness disappeared as if ithad never been. “It doesn’t always last, so you should enjoy it while you can.”
    “Good advice.” He glanced at her cane, wondering if that’s what life had taught her. He had some advice for her, too. “Sometimes you feel lost. When you look down, you realize you are already walking the path meant for you.”
    “You are a glass-is-half-full kind of man, aren’t you?” She led the way down a garden walkway.
    “Sure. It’s a matter of choice. The glass has the same water in it either way.” He flashed his dimples at her. “Let me guess. You’re the kind who sees the glass as half-empty.”
    “I’m pleading the fifth.” Dimples framed her smile, bright and merry.
    The cutest yet. He jammed his hands into his pockets. “Speaking of glasses, I’m thirsty. How about we hunt down something cold to drink? My treat.”
    “No, that makes it