Innocence Lost (Lone Mountain Ranch Book 1)

Chapter 17

Kylie started to cough when she breathed in the dirt being stirred up by the other guests arriving for the jingling, and it brought her mind back to the present day. It was so reminiscent of Idaho. She did not realize how much she missed the smell of animals and dirt until that morning. She took a deep breath and committed the smell to her memory.

She looked at her phone again, and she saw a text from Olivia come through. Of course, she was up early with the kids. She was so lucky to have her supportive best friend always looking out for her.

It read, "Is everything okay? I tried calling, but your phone went straight to voicemail. I know you mentioned it is a phone free resort. I just want to make sure you are having fun!"

Kylie sent her a text back, "Yes, it is great! I am enjoying myself. You were right! There are lots of cute cowboys to look at here. We have to come back!"

Olivia responded immediately. "Yes! We have to! I am so glad you are enjoying yourself. Take lots of pictures of the hot ones for me. I can look even if I can't touch."

"I will! I love you!"

"Love you, too. Now get back to those cowboys!" Olivia texted back.

Kylie sent her a smiley face emoji wearing a cowboy hat as her final response.

There were a few texts from her parents. She texted them saying she was okay and enjoying her time at the ranch.

Kylie pulled up her camera app as Jax came into view. He was in a pair of black Wranglers, a red button down with a black, embroidered galloping horse on each collar bone, a black cowboy hat, and black boots.

Jax and Rusty rode out into the open field followed by a huge heard of about 15 horses. It was a large and fenced in area, so this was not as difficult as rounding them up in an open pasture. It was still a nice show for the guests. Kylie snapped a few pictures and took a video as Jax rounded them up effortlessly.

Jax handled the horses so well. It really was dazzling to watch. He rode out past the horses until he was behind the group. Then, he maneuvered in a zigzag pattern on his horse to make sure they did not get behind him. With each switchback the horses got closer and closer together, until it seemed to the horses like the wrangler was surrounding them on all sides. He worked quickly before one of the horses realized there was a way out. If one escaped, the rest were sure to follow, and he would have to start all over again.

Once they were circled into a herd, he drove them towards the opened gate leading to the barn. As soon as the first one was through the opening, the herd mentality took over and the rest followed. The horses came pouring into the corral, where additional wranglers were waiting to secure them to the posts. Once they were all tied up, the wranglers saddled them for the morning rides. The guests gave a round of applause to the wrangler who jingled the horses. Everyone looked very impressed with Jax's performance.

Kylie knew Jax was the best wrangler at the ranch from that performance. He was very commanding when he was in a saddle, and she knew he was great at controlling the herd. She would love to see him ride so freely but with purpose all the time.

On the ranch trails, the rides were very regimented. There were only certain paths the wranglers followed and certain parts that were safe for the horses to trot and gallop on. Out in the open field, a wrangler could ride without limitations. It was always a beautiful thing to watch, especially when a wrangler was as intuitive as Jax. He was always one step ahead of the horses.

After the jingling, Kylie strolled towards the dining room for breakfast. She was hungry, since she did not have peanut butter pie waiting for her in the mini fridge this morning, much to her dismay.