Page 28 of More than a Memory
“It is a little bit of heaven. Thanks for sharing this, Sam. I don’t often get to spend time being in nature. It might sound funny, but it literally feels like my spirit is being cleansed and purified. I think it must be the combination of nature and play. I can’t remember the last time I really took the time to play.”
“If I have any say in it, we’ll have many more times like this,” Sam said seriously.
Darcy gave no indication she had heard Sam’s declaration other than to look away, which he duly noted.
Just then, Gabe called, excitedly pointing upwards, “Look, there’s a bald eagle perched in the top of that sycamore. He’s looking at us.”
“Oh my God!” Annie exclaimed. “I see it!”
“Me too!” Darcy said.
“I just can’t believe this day. I feel like I’m going to wake up to find that it was only a dream,” Annie said.
“I know, I feel the exact same way,” Darcy agreed.
“Well ladies, we cowboys are in the dream-making business and are glad to oblige two such beautiful women,” Gabe said, grinning.
“Oh, you’re such a charmer,” Annie replied.
Sam suggested this was a good place to dismount and eat the light lunch he had packed for them, so they left the river and jumped off their horses, settling on a large fallen log. Sam pulled a couple of thermoses and four brown lunch bags from his saddle bag, tossing one to each of them.
“I’m starving!” Annie said.
“So, what’s new?” Darcy teased.
“It seems like hours since breakfast,” Annie said.
Gabe, sitting next to Annie, glanced over at the same time she was looking at him and their eyes locked for a moment. They both felt a tangible energy surge between them. Annie was the first to break the spell. Gabe cleared his throat and started talking about bald eagle sex and the cartwheel spin they do as they tumble toward the ground, only breaking apart at the last minute. His story caused everyone to laugh.
“Is that really true?” Annie questioned.
“I swear on my life,” Gabe said, crossing his heart solemnly. “They lock talons way up in the sky and then spin wildly down. Sounds like fun,” he winked.
“I think I’ll pass,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Well, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
She lightly punched at his arm while taking another bite of her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
All too soon, they were back on their horses and heading home to the barn. The return ride was quiet, with everyone relaxed and filled to the brim with contentment. They had all bonded from the experience and there was a companionable ease among the horses and riders.
Approaching the barn, the silence was interrupted by an angry female voice talking into her cell phone. Attached to the phone was a gorgeous blonde in dress clothes and heels who glanced up angrily when she saw them coming, “I’ve got to go now. Gabe finally showed up. Bye.” She hung up on whoever was on the other end.
“Well, you finally decided to show up. Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you for over three hours.” She then noticed the two women who were riding alongside Gabe and Sam.
Gabe jumped down from Domino easily and calmly walked over to the fence to halter and secure his horse before loosening the cinch.
“Well, hello there Sydney,” he greeted her cheerfully.
“When we spoke last night, you didn’t mention anything about a trail ride today,” Sydney said, pouting.
“That’s because I didn’t know about a trail ride today,” he explained calmly.
“Hey Sydney,” Sam called out, jumping down from Cody.
“Hey Sam.”
“This is Darcy and her sister Annie.”