Last Chance on Moonlight Ridge by Catherine Mann

Author:Catherine Mann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-16T21:26:28+00:00

Chapter Eight

What was wrong with Jacob?

Hollie stared at her husband’s back as he rode Goliath, leading a couple dozen guests on the ultimate dude ranch adventure. Kendric and Natalie and their wedding party wanted an extended trail ride.

Most days, Hollie would have enjoyed the chance to get back to nature with time in the saddle. Especially on days she got to ride Trickster. Normally, Trickster had an ineffable way of re-centering Hollie, but even the liver chestnut’s steady gait and even temperament couldn’t help her this morning. She was so very confused and frustrated, she was about to crawl out of her skin.

Hollie had been wary of his wedding crashers idea, nervous that he would use it as an excuse to push an agenda. But he hadn’t made a move on her during what turned out to be a five-day series of platonic dates woven through an all-business workweek.

Did that mean he’d resigned himself to their split and a new way of interacting? That’s what she’d wanted, of course.

So why did everything feel so off between them?

Trickster stepped carefully into the bed of the shallow stream. Water splashed beyond her horse’s white stockings, reaching Hollie’s midcalf. A cloudless sky and relentless sun made the water a welcome relief.

She glanced to her right, where the stream widened and deepened. Childish squeals of laughter carried on the gentle breeze while kids waded into the stream, their small arms sporting mint and pink floaties. Hollie felt a fleeting pull toward joy as a wiry boy hoisted himself up onto an innertube, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Shawna had been true to her word. Freddy hadn’t pulled off another escape. He’d tried, but he hadn’t succeeded. By the second day of extra chaperoning, he’d settled in to enjoy the trip along with the other children.

Everyone was happy—the children, the wedding parties. She should be celebrating the successes. In another couple of weeks, she would be packing up to move to the new location outside of Nashville.

She would be...alone.

Which was the opposite of the future she glimpsed before her. Kendric and Natalie’s connection was palpable, humming with hope and love. She swore she could feel the strength of their bond in every sidelong glance the couple exchanged. Their wedding party filed along on horseback, sporting their gifts from Kendric and Natalie—Stetsons and new belts with their initials in the buckles.

Hips rolling with Trickster’s motion, Hollie recalled the gifts she’d given her bridesmaids. She and Jacob had taken their friends out for a night of pool and darts, the evening as relaxed and simple as their whole wedding had been. Back then, they’d agreed on so many things, including the kind of ceremony they’d wanted.

Adjusting the reins in her hand, Hollie did her best to refocus as they reached the other side of the shallow stream. Trickster moved through the soft spring grass, ears attentive. “So, Natalie, how long have you two been dating? How did you meet?”

Natalie slowed Foxtrot to keep pace with Hollie. “We’ve been together for three years.

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