Finding Hope by Lucie Ulrich

Author:Lucie Ulrich [Ulrich, Lucie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2017-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

Noah appreciated his daughter’s enthusiasm, and how far she’d come in a few short days. There was no reason for her not to be able to ride on her own. He’d done it at a much younger age. Then again, he’d grown up on the ranch where riding long distances was the norm. He prayed Hope wouldn’t be too disappointed if her mother balked at the idea—which he felt certain she would.

He found Beth in the kitchen, peeling and slicing veggies.

Annie scooped a handful of potatoes and tossed them into a pot of water. “About time the two of you got back.”

“We’ve been back for a while.” Noah filched a slice of raw carrot from the cutting board Beth was using. “Hope and I had a bit of a chat.”

“Oh?” Beth’s gaze traveled between him and Hope, who leaned against one of the kitchen chairs. “Anything I should know about?”

“Actually there is.” Hope straightened to her full height. “Noah was telling me what a good rider I am.”

“That doesn’t surprise me in the least, sweetheart.”

“He said I was a natural.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“And he agrees with me.” Hope shifted her attention to Noah. “Don’t you, Noah?”

“Hold up.” Annie wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “This reminds me of a conversation I had with Sky some months back. She wanted something, but wasn’t sure how to ask. With a little prodding from me, she eventually came clean. Why don’t you save your mother the trouble and just come out with it?”

Grateful for Annie’s wisdom, Noah nodded Hope’s way.

Hope stepped toward her mother. “It’s really not that big a deal, but I’m afraid you’ll think it is. I’m ready, and I need you to believe that.”

“I’d like to believe you, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Beth set the peeler on the counter. “Why don’t you do as Annie suggested and tell me whatever it is that’s on your mind?”

“I want to ride Samson out to the old bunkhouse we worked on the other day, take a picnic lunch, and spend some time out there.”

“That’s it?” Beth laughed. “Of course we can go on a picnic.”

“No, Mom. Not we. Me.”

The color drained from Beth’s cheeks. “No.”

“Just like that?” Hope lifted her hands in the air. “You won’t even listen to what I have to say? To what Noah has to say?”

“You’ve been riding for four days, honey. It’s too soon.”

“I disagree.” Noah moved to stand beside his daughter while keeping his focus on Beth. “And before you get upset, I already told Hope she has to abide by your decision, but in all fairness, I think you should hear her out.”

Something close to a glare passed from Beth to Noah. He did everything in his power not to react in a negative manner. He believed in Hope and he wanted Beth to believe in her as well. “She really is an excellent rider.”

Beth’s taught lips relaxed a bit. She turned back to Hope. “All right, sweetheart, I’m listening.”

Hope pulled at her fingers.

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