Chase chuckled. “She is special. Phil was saying that just yesterday. Angela, a little broken angel if there ever was one. What are you going to do about it?”
“I don’t know exactly yet,” Jace said turning to look out over the field his eyes picking out the horses grazing on the lush grass. “I guess I’ll just have to see where it all goes.”
“You won’t be the first of my wranglers to meet someone special here on the Broken J. This place has a long history of bringing the right people together. I hope it works out for you.”
Jace smiled turning to take Chase’s hand. “Thanks, Boss,” he grinned before turning and walking away.
***
It was Angie’s last day on the ranch and her heart ached with leaving. She didn’t know how she was going to say goodbye to Jace. In two short weeks, she had come to love him, and as silly as that seemed, it was still true.
They had spent the last few days together almost inseparable, and Jace had insisted she ride Ben as much as possible. She had worked with the big buckskin in the corral listening to Jace who gave directions or offered suggestions. He’d been grounded for a few days with his head injury but seemed to have recovered, and Angie couldn’t help but be thankful for the extra time they had to spend together. She rather liked not sharing him with all of the other guests.
“Good morning beautiful,” Jace called, as Angie wheeled herself from her cabin and onto the verdant green grass of spring’s new growth.
“How long have you been standing here waiting to say that?” Angie’s bright laugh filled the morning with delight.
“About ten minutes. I thought I’d walk you to breakfast.”
Angie rolled down the ramp stopping next to the cowboy who reached out and took her hand before leaning in and planting a firm kiss on her lips. She was startled but pleased.
“It’s a nice day,” Jace said looking up and across the field toward the ranch. “I think we should make the most of it.”
Together they wheeled toward the big ranch house and were soon breathing in the heavenly scent of pancakes.
“What do you want to do today?” Angie asked. She was still a little hesitant about the relationship that seemed to be growing and wasn’t sure how to move forward with it. It was yet another new and thrilling experience in her life. She and Jace had agreed to stay in touch, but what if once she left the ranch everything faded away?
“Angie,” Jace stopped turning to look at her and taking her hand. “I know we haven’t known each other very long and that this whole thing is new to both of us, but…” He paused for a moment collecting his thoughts. “Well, I like you, and I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”
Angie smiled her heart swelling. She understood exactly how he felt but didn’t dare speak. She needed to know what came next. What he wanted from this thing they had.
“I’m trying to say that I want this to be more than a spring fling. I want to get to know you, to build a relationship that will mean something. A…a future.”
“I feel the same way,” Angie replied squeezing his hand. “Jace, I don’t know what or why, but you’re so special. You have a heart after God and to help others. I don’t know where this is going, but I don’t want it to end just because I have to go back to school.”
“Then it doesn’t have to end,” Jace said falling to one knee before her. “We’ll write and talk and see what comes next. I’ll be praying for wisdom and understanding. When we’re both ready, we’ll take the next step.”
“Together,” Angie agreed.
“Together.” Jace leaned forward pulling Angie into a soft kiss and warm embrace. His heart was full, and he knew that the future was brighter because of his April Angel. The girl who had blown in on a spring breeze had fallen into his heart on wings of joy.
Chapter 16
“So how were exams?” Jace asked as April rolled into May and then early June. Angie had returned to her studies and had been cramming to get the best grades possible.
“Not bad,” I’ve been in this study group and everyone is really helpful. I’m learning to ask for help a bit more too,” she added with a laugh.
“How about you? How’s work? I know summer is the busiest time of year.
“It’s not bad,” Jace said, “but the new online classes I’m taking are eating into my downtime.”
“Wait. What? What classes?”
Jace chuckled. “I’ve started the first part of my training to be a therapy wrangler.” Jace dropped the words waiting for Angie’s response. Her squeal of delight had him holding his phone several inches from his ear as he chuckled.
“You sneak,” Angie quieted but the joy was still in her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wasn’t sure at first,” Jace said. “I wanted to understand what the job required, and what I had to do. I wouldn’t be a therapist, just a wrangler, but I have those skills, and I think I’d enjoy the work. You know I’ve never really known what I wanted to do with my life, but working with you this spring did something to me. I think this is the kind of work I’d like to do. I love horses and like people pretty well too.”
Angie’s bright peel of laughter made him chuckle. “I think it would be a great path for you, Jace.” Her heart soared thinking of the possibilities. Over the past few months, she and Jace’s relationship had only grown stronger even with the distance keeping them apart. They encouraged each other and had someone to talk through issues with.
“It certainly opens up more options for the future,” Jace agreed. “Speaking of which I’m planning on coming to your graduation. Do you mind?”
“Mind? I can’t wait! You can stay with my
