Leather and Lace by DiAnn Mills

Author:DiAnn Mills
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Casey O’Hare, fugitive, outlaw gang, Davis Jenkins, Morgan Andrews, best-selling author, DiAnn Mills, making life changes, danger, God’s redeeming love, romance, Texas Legacy series
Publisher: eChristian, Inc.
Published: 2012-10-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“Let’s all go riding this afternoon,” Jocelyn suggested one Sunday afternoon. Casey sat outside with Jocelyn and Bonnie while Morgan and Grant discussed a problem with one of the ranch hands.

“Yes, I’d love to,” Bonnie said. “What do you think, Shawne?”

“I didn’t think it was proper for a lady to wear men’s clothing,” she said, all the while thinking how she missed riding her stallion.

“It’s not.” Jocelyn laughed. “We wear riding skirts. It’s so much easier and takes care of those ladies who fret about being proper.”

Casey had no idea what they were talking about. Women were either ladies and wore skirts and dresses, or they weren’t and wore trousers like a man. “I’m not so sure what you’re talking about.”

“I’ll show you mine.” Bonnie hurried into the house. Moments later she presented the skirt. “See, it’s split like a man’s trousers but very proper. You can swing up into the saddle easily without the nuisance of a dress or sidesaddle. I thought you rode here on that monster horse of yours.”

“I did, but I wore men’s clothes.” No point in lying about it. She’d not yet had an opportunity to ride Stampede, but Morgan had insisted the stallion pasture at the ranch.

Casey examined the article of clothing. “I think I could make one with the sewing lessons I’ve been taking.”

“Of course you could,” Jocelyn said. “But today you can wear one of mine. They’re so sensible for ranch work.”

The thought of riding again without regard to dress thrilled her.

Once they all changed clothes and prepared their horses, Casey climbed into the saddle of her stallion.

“Shawne, how do you control such a strong-willed horse?” Jocelyn said. Stampede reared and snorted.

“My brother taught me.” She sensed the old twist in the pit of her stomach.

“And you rode that animal to Kahlerville?” Jocelyn swung up onto her own mare. Casey caught her breath. Please, no more questions. “Yes, ma’am.”

“From where?” Bonnie said.

I will not lie. “West Texas.”

Bonnie’s eyes widened. “By yourself? Weren’t you afraid?”

Casey forced herself to look at her new friend. “It’s a long story, and one I’m not ready to talk about yet.” She took a ragged breath and saw Jocelyn stare at her intently. Did the woman know?

Jocelyn’s features shifted to concern. “When you’re ready, we’ll have a good old-fashioned lady’s talk over a cup of coffee. This afternoon we’re off to have a good time.”

How much longer can I keep the truth from this precious family and dear Reverend Rainer and Sarah? Every day brings more deceit. Every day puts them in danger. What kind of a woman am I?

Galloping across the countryside reminded Casey of days gone by. She relived the wild freedom of the wind blowing through her hair and the excitement of a powerful animal racing beneath her. When Stampede lunged forward, living up to his name, she felt at one with his strenuous pull. And when he lifted her over ditches and fences, she felt like a bird in flight.

Riding always brought back memories of Morgan and their race from Jenkins.

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