Caro changed into the clean shirtwaist, then removed the leather thong from her hair. She gave the waves a quick brushing and then braided a thick ponytail. After twisting the ponytail into a bun, she secured it with pins, which the wind would probably dislodge in minutes. If her mother wouldn’t think it scandalous, she’d allow all her curls to hang loose.
Chisholm was waiting when she came into the parlor. He flashed her a dimpled grin and her knees weakened. No man should be so attractive.
“I saddled Angel. She’s outside.”
“Good. I was afraid she was in the dining room.” She released a little giggle and pulled on her leather riding gloves. “We should get going. I need to be back in time to help Mamá with supper.”
Her mamá walked into the room with a basket. “No need. I’ll handle it. And in case you are delayed, here is a supper for the two of you to share.”
Chisholm took the basket and thanked her mamá, then held the door for Caro. She brushed his arm as she passed by and a tingle rippled through her. Did Chisholm notice? And why did this outing seem so different than the other times they’d been side by side?
Somewhere in the last few days, Chisholm had gone from a Texas Ranger to a man who made her heart beat faster. She wasn’t sure when it had happened, but today she was acutely aware of the difference.
As they rode, Chisholm filled her in on what they found at the Mesquite Ranch. About ten head were indeed missing from a small herd they had grazing near Brady Creek. Chisholm was disappointed to hear they hadn’t gone out looking for strays, but he scouted the area anyway. Unfortunately, with all of the cattle prints, the tracks revealed nothing.
“I spoke to the Mesquite’s wranglers, and they insist the only thing they saw was the Walking Diamond’s cowhands and stock on the other side of creek.” He paused. “Unless Slade’s boys are lying.”
“How will you find out?”
“The truth always comes out eventually.” Chisholm paused, seeming to weigh his words. “Listen, Caro, about last night, I’m sorry.”
“You were eavesdropping, weren’t you? How did you know what we were talking about? Do you speak Spanish?”
“Obviously not enough.” Chisholm adjusted his position in the saddle. “I told you our cook, Perla, was Mexican. I picked up what I could from her. But I want to apologize not just for eavesdropping, but for making assumptions.”
“I forgive you.” Caro’s heart softened at his genuine, humble words. Her father had been a proud man, and she didn’t recall ever hearing an apology from his lips. “And I must admit, your assumption gave my mother a great deal of laughter this morning.”
“And you?”
“To be honest, I laughed till I cried.”
“Glad I could start your day off with a smile.” He grinned and nodded toward a hill not far from them. “Are we close?”
“To the bluebonnet field, yes. To your rustlers, I have no idea. Race you to the top.” Caro raised her eyebrows in challenge a second before she snapped the reins and Angel surged forward.
Chisholm gave a whoop and followed suit. Caro loved the excitement flowing through her veins. She had a bond of trust with Angel, and the horse responded to her every movement. She reached the crest of the hill first, but before she could rejoice in her accomplishment, the words were stolen from her lips. She reined to a stop at the scene before her. A carpet of violet-blue greeted them, cascading down the hill and into the valley below. Light green leaves and dots of white accented gorgeous bluebonnet blooms. Her breathing stilled. Was there any sight in all of Texas as glorious as this?
“It’s breathtaking.” Chisholm shifted from the bluebonnet view to the view of Caro, who was clearly filled with awe at the sight. All the sharpness of her features that came from remaining so guarded was replaced by the kind of uninhibited joy he’d seen on children’s faces. He didn’t want to steal a second of this moment from her, so he waited in silence.
Since he’d learned Ricardo was her cousin, he couldn’t stop the undeniable attraction he felt for Caro from taking hold. It didn’t make sense, but still, it was there. It was as if an imaginary wall had to be knocked down. He should run away as fast as he could, but something held him there. Was it the feelings he wanted to explore, or was it his father’s ultimatum to find a wife?
Bullet whinnied, breaking the reverence of the moment. “Sorry. He doesn’t have the best manners.” Chisholm smoothed Bullet’s glossy mane. “What d’ya say we give the horses a break while we bask in this view?”
Caro said she couldn’t wait to soak up the sights and tuck them in her heart until next year. Once Angel and Bullet were enjoying a grassy snack, Chisholm spread the blanket from his bedroll on the ground and motioned for Caro to have a seat. He retrieved their supper basket, and joined her on the blanket. He lay down on his side, propped his head on his hand, and stretched out his legs, but Caro was so enraptured by the bluebonnets that she barely acknowledged his presence.