The Redhead (Romancing the Ponderosa Book 2)

Chapter 12

"Are you enjoying the ride?" I look to my right where Misty sits bareback on her horse.

"Oh, yes! I'm so glad you found the time to come with me." Grinning up at me, she pats her horse's neck. "Blueberry is always glad for the companionship of Sport and, of course, I enjoy spending time with you as well."

"Blueberry." I shake my head with a chuckle. "That's surely a strange name for a horse, don't you think?"

"It's no worse than Sport." Shrugging, she gives her head a little sassy shake. "Anyways I like blueberries!"

"Oh, trust me, I know that! You could probably eat your weight in blueberries in one sitting."

"Possibly." She tries to act nonchalant but I see her cheeks twitching like she's trying to hold back a grin. Suddenly she kicks her horse into a gallop, yelling over her shoulder, "Race you to that tree!"

Taking off after her, purposely letting her win, I can't help but let my thoughts drift to the girl riding like the wind in front of me. She seems almost innocent if you just look at her, but she's every bit of the spitfire that she was when she first came here three months ago. These past three months haven't exactly tamed her, but more like taught her how to control her fiery temper. I've also learned something in the weeks since I brought her back from Virginia City. I've thought Misty a very attractive young lady since I first laid eyes on her, but now she's become more than just a good looking girl. What I feel for her exceeds attraction and has turned into a love and affection like I've never experienced before. I haven't found the chance to act on my feelings and tell her what she means to me but that's why I asked if I could accompany her on her ride today. I can only hope that she feels the same way or I'll feel like a total fool.

"It looks like you beat me this time, Misty." I pull Sport's reins to get him to stop as he dances around before coming to a complete stop.

"Only because you let me!" She lets out a little mad huff but I see her big grin.

"The view's better with you in front of me. The way all of your red hair flys out behind you like a cape is a sight to see." I hop off of Sport and reach up to help her down as she rolls her eyes at me. "I truly do enjoy it. I like how you leave it all down and not have it all piled up on top of your head in one of those popular styles."

"I'm not the only one who leaves my hair down." She fingers the ends of her hair. "Hannah leaves her's down, too, you know."

"I know, but I think your hair is a lot more beautiful than her's." Sitting down under the tree, we lean against it with only a few inches between our shoulders. "I'm sure Hannah told you how Little Joe told her that found her eyes to be very beautiful almost as soon as she woke up?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with my hair?" Looking up at me, her red brows scrunch together.

"The very first time I ever saw you I thought your hair was a very beautiful shade of red." Reaching down, I pick up her left hand. Bringing it to my lips, I plant a kiss on the top of it, all the while watching her eyes as they widen in surprise. I lower her hand down back onto her lap, but instead of letting go, I weave my fingers through hers. "Misty, there's something I've needed to tell you for a while now. It's actually the reason why I agreed to come on your ride with you today."

"Oh." The single word practically squeaks out of her throat. Her hand begins to tremble inside of mine so I give it a gentle squeeze, she gives me a faint smile in return. "Go on, Adam."

"Misty..." I pause suddenly feeling very nervous and jittery inside, "I love you."

She quickly looks down at her lap as her lip part and cheeks pink up. My stomach does a very uncomfortable flop as I get the feeling I've just made a very horrible mistake. But she suddenly looks back up at me, a huge grin on her face with tears streaming down her still pink cheeks.