His Outback Cowgirl (Wildflower Ranch Book 4) Read Online Free Page A

photographs of safe ranch animals. As for the incoming rain, not once had she checked the weather to decide whether or not to saddle up. She’d ride even if the sky was about to rip apart over their heads.
    He settled his Stetson more firmly on his brow. Henry’s matchmaking plan was doomed to fail. He and Bridie were as compatible as oil and water. He should have suggested a one night trip, because even after just two days together he had no doubt they’d need to agree to disagree. He’d be the one taking the safe path and she’d be the one taking the trail less travelled.

    B ridie blinked away forbidden tears. Please don’t let Ethan have seen her relief when he’d suggested they cut their trip short. When her father had fallen ill she’d vowed to stay strong – for him and for her mother. And she had. No one was now allowed to see her collapse in a spineless heap. She could only hope Ethan had offered to cut short their trip so he could return to Henry sooner, not because he knew of her desperation to be by herself.
    Ethan had a way of looking at her with a quiet and serious intensity that made her fear he could see into her soul. His intelligent blue gaze would miss nothing, least of all the mask she wore. Beneath all her confidence and bravado, she was just a lost child missing the father she adored and trying to make sense of a changed world.
    She blinked again and the three vague shapes in the corral resembled horses. She didn’t need to glance at the sky to know the storm drew near. The smell of rain had intensified and the temperature of the wind had dropped. A pair of magpies flew by, intent on out-flying the storm, but the sun remained warm on her shoulders. There was time to take a ride and to decide on a horse. By doing so, it meant they’d get to the mountains sooner on Friday. She’d also see how her mount acted in windy conditions. At the higher altitudes, she could expect four seasons in one day.
    Rocket and Milo deviated from their path toward the corral. Noses to the ground they zigzagged across the yard, tracking a scent.
    Two horses approached the corral fence. A sturdy iron-grey gelding that would make a perfect pack horse stopped beside a chestnut gelding with four white socks. Both horses pricked their ears forward, their bright eyes trained on her. The third horse, a small buckskin mare, remained at the back of the corral, her attention focused on the scent-tracking dogs.
    A wind gust buffeted the corral and the buckskin tossed her head. Her black mane rippled and nostrils flared as she swung around to gaze at the high country backdrop. Bridie felt the pull of the mustang’s spirit. It didn’t matter if the horse was young and aloof, she would be perfect. Savvy and fearless, the mare would know her way around the mountains.
    Bridie moved to pat the grey and the chestnut as they jostled against the corral fence for her attention. “Yes, you’re both gorgeous.”
    Ethan walked past and to her surprise the mustang whinnied softly and headed for him. She lowered her head over the wooden fence and he smoothed a gentle hand over her creamy neck. Tension leeched from the mare’s muscles and she sighed, leaning against the fence to get closer to him. It was as though his calm touch had provided an antidote to her restlessness.
    Bridie gave the grey and chestnut a final pat and walked over to Ethan, careful to not spook the mare.
    “She’s beautiful.”
    “She is. Henry adopted her from the Pryor Mountain horse range. She’s the full sister to Payton’s mustang, Gypsy.”
    The buckskin’s ears flickered before she swung her head toward Bridie. Bridie held out her hand and smiled as the mustang’s velvet muzzle brushed her palm.
    Bridie glanced at Ethan and caught him watching her, eyes intent. He spoke, tone low. “You know Socks is the better choice, don’t you? He’ll be more predictable and steady.”
    “I know.”
    Ethan’s blue-shirted chest lifted in a silent sigh. “Okay