Jace grinned back at her. “You can keep trying until you’re comfortable. If this isn’t the right time we’ll try again tomorrow.”
“You’d do that?”
“Why not? I’m a wrangler who works here, and you’re a guest who wants to ride. We have all the gear and as far as I can tell all we need is a little extra time to get it right.”
“You can’t know what this means to me,” Angie said looking down at her hands folded in her lap. “When I finish my studies, I want to work for a group that helps people like me, or those with other injury-induced handicaps to do things they have always dreamed of. I even spent a couple of days observing at a stable where they have programs like Horses for Heroes, a program where injured veterans can come to ride and use the facility for rehabilitation. If I can’t even get on a horse myself, how can I help others work through their fears?”
Jace was quiet for a long time as he double-checked the saddle and other gear. Angela had set herself a tough goal if she wanted to help others in her situation. Being a therapist usually required a great deal of strength, and her handicap might mean she would never be employed in that capacity. “You have big dreams,” he finally mused.
“I know.” Angie bit her bottom lip. “I might not be able to do everything others of sound body can, but I understand the challenges people like me face. I’m hoping that will give me a unique opportunity.”
“You’d make a great example. Now, are you ready for this?”
“Let’s roll,” Angie grinned pushing her chair toward the wide door at the back of the barn. “We won’t know until we try.”
The bright sunlight washed over Angie as they moved out of the barn and a feeling of peace soaked into her. She was on a fabulous dude ranch, with a handsome cowboy. To many of her friends, it would be a romantic dream come true. Angie, however, had only one goal. To overcome the fear that was holding her back from her life dreams.
“What do we do first?” she asked.
“If you won’t mind staying here with Ben, I’ll get the lift we use to help riders like you up. Then we’ll give it a try.”
Angie reached out a hand taking the reins that Jace offered. “I think I can do that.”
***
Jace lowered the lift for the third time as Ben stood by the fence. He had been trying to get Angie onto the horse’s back, but each time he got her lifted a few feet off the ground she would start to panic. He could see the remnants of unshed tears in her eyes and his heart clenched with sorrow for the girl.
Settling her into her wheelchair, he unbuckled the sling seat and pulled it away before turning back and kneeling on the ground.
“We’ll take a break,” he said placing his hands on the arms of her chair. “Don’t worry it will come together.”
Angie sniffed, her face flushed red. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she growled. “I’ve used one of these things for most of my life and should not be freaking out just because I’m getting on a horse.” She flicked her hand at the tall portable lift. “I’ll never do this. I’m going to fail. I should have known it was too much for someone like me.”
Jace placed his hands on either side of Angie’s face forcing her to look at him. “Don’t say that,” he whispered. “You’re strong, smart, and capable. This is just a new challenge, and you have to figure out what works for you. I believe in you. You can do this.”
Angie tried to shake her head as hot tears spilled down her cheeks. “I thought I could, but I was wrong. I’m afraid and that fear keeps me from moving forward.”
“Let’s go for a walk,” Jace said standing. “I mean…” he didn’t know how to finish the sentence and a hot blush rushed up his neck. “ Sorry.”
Angie sniffed, then chuckled. “It’s all right,” she finally sighed. “I was having a pity party, so I can’t blame you for a slip of the tongue.”
“Thanks,” Jace said tipping his head and looking at her from under his hat brim. It was something she had seen him do often as if he were too shy to look at someone directly, or maybe he didn’t want them to see him studying them. Something told her that Jace was a problem solver and that made her like him more.
Straightening in her chair, she reached up and tugged at his hand. “Lead on,” she spoke her dark eyes finally reflecting the slight smile that touched her lips.
Chapter 8
The chatter and laughter of other guests filled the barnyard as an oversized red wagon pulled by the two huge mules rolled by. New guests had arrived and the ranch was a bustle of activity.
Jace let Ben fall into step behind him as he and Angie moved across the road and onto a well-beaten path that led toward the fields.
“It’s beautiful out here,” Angie said, pushing away the anger, fear, and bitterness her failure brought. “You must love working in a place like this.”
Jace was quiet for so long that Angie stopped, turning to look at him. He was studying the reins in his hand attentively, and she wondered if her words had upset him.
“I don’t know how to reply to that,” Jace said picking up his step once more. “I like it here. I have good work, a home for my horse, the kind of work I’m used to.” He stopped the sentence still hanging between them as they rolled around the fence line and out into the low growing wheat fields.
“You aren’t happy?”
