“That’s your horse, Emperor. Isn’t he gorgeous?” 

“Big. And, beautiful.” The horse was tall, copper colored with a flaxen mane and tail. Dianne started toward him but halted mid-stride. Something about the cowboy whispering in Emperor’s ear made her heart stumble, then lurch as though it had been shot out of a circus cannon. The way his jeans fit seemed familiar. And, enticing. Good Lord, what am I thinking? This is crazy. She tried not to stare but couldn’t look away.  

Beth’s voice brought her back to reality. “Wait here. I’ll introduce you to the ranch manager. He volunteers his time and horses.” 

Dianne ran her hands down the front of her button-up oxford shirt. She wore jeans and boots, but the clothes felt constricting. She struggled to draw air into her lungs and fought the urge to return to her car to get the navy-blue blazer hanging over the passenger seat. She had only worn professional or evening attire since she earned a master’s degree and got married. Her best friend, Jocelyn, called them power clothes. But her confidence had vanished beneath the fists of a mugger.  

The cowboy walked toward her. His fawn brown hat pulled low, sun-streaked brown hair brushing the collar of his chambray shirt. He wore scuffed, worn boots and chaps with the 3G brand tooled into the bottom. 

When he reached her, he stuck out a hand. She took it and forced herself to look up into his face. Her world spun, and she sucked in a breath. Her entire body trembled and she quickly jerked her hand away. This couldn’t be happening. Kip? My God… it was him. 

* Image by -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay