A Bride for Jack

A Bride for Jake Part 2

Chapter 5

The next morning after breakfast, Jake saddled up the two horses. He put his hand on his horse's neck. The horse pressed his muzzle into Jake's side. His eye was level with his own. He was asking for his sugar lump. Jake took the sugar lumps out of his pocket and gave them each a piece. The other horse used to be his brother Johns. But John was not interested in farming or a horse any more. How could Dad have left the farm to John, it did not make sense.

"Jake we can go now. Mina has arrived."

Alison reached her horse, undid the reins and mounting, galloped off after Jake. The dogs followed them excitedly. Allison had not ridden for a long time, but she was soon one with the horse. She had been riding since she was four years old. Jake's horses were well behaved. Coming to a stretch of short cropped turf, she loosened the horse's reins. With an open space in front of him, the horse could hardly contain himself. Alison took Jake by surprise as she passed him. He raced after her laughing. Alison and Jake galloped with their horses for another three kilometers. However hard he tried, Jake could catch up to Alison. Her horse was just too fast. Eventually they brought their horses to a standstill. The view from the top of the hill was awesome. Looking down into the valley and surrounded by the mountains did something to your soul. Alison turned and looked at Jake. With his smiling brown eyes and sun streaked hair, he was really something to look at.

"I really enjoyed that ride. We must do it more often. The horses needed a good gallop."

"Yes Alison I love riding out and checking on the cattle." Jake could not keep his eyes off Alison. She was so pretty with her windswept hair, and sparkling eyes, there was a physical attraction between them and he knew he was falling in love.

"We best be going Jake, the kids will be asking for their lunch."

Jake kept his voice light when he said. "Now let's see who gets home the fastest." He spun his horse around and galloped away, leaving her staring after him in surprise.

Alison quickly gathered her wits and spun her horse around, galloping after him. She wanted to overtake him, but Jake was determined to stay in front. He brought his horse to a standstill in front of the stables. He dismounted with a huge grin on his face. When Alison's horse stopped next to his, he laughed up at her.

"You just could not overtake me. Oh wow, it feels good to be the winner for a change."

Alison dismounted and said. "You did not play fair. You had a head start. I could easily have beaten you." Her voice was full of good humor and Jake felt relieved that she wasn't a sore loser. They unsaddled the horses and took them to the paddock. Walking side by side to the house, Alison said. "Thank you Jake, I have not been out riding for some time. Horse riding is such an invigorating experience it seems to clear all the cobwebs from my head."

"I am glad you enjoyed it, we must go riding again soon." As they entered the lounge, Mike and Lana looked up eagerly. Mina was reading to Sue, her favorite.

"Lunch will be ready in a jiffy." Alison took out the savory tart and poured them all some fresh juice. As she handed Jake his plate, her hand accidently touched his. The attraction that she felt between them made her blush. Mike added to her awkwardness when he asked on top of his voice.

"Why are you so red in the face Aunty Alison?"

Alison wished fervently that the floor would open up and swallow her. She didn't dare look at Jake. She felt his eyes on her. She cleared her throat and said to Mike. "It's because I've been galloping with one of Uncle Jake's horses, and the excitement of the race brought a blush to my face."