Strange feelings run through his mind. All thoughts of a quick, hot fling, dissolve and are replaced with the need to protect and cherish. He thought it was too late to find that depth of emotion that his parents and grandparents shared, but now he wonders? Is Delta brave enough to give romance a shot? Is he?
Chapter 4
Delta is careful to avoid the ranch and especially Daniel for the next week. She writes nonstop working on two different stories. The Covenant Series needs a great ending, and she has already sent Phillip the first ten chapters. Hopefully, by the end of the week, she will have a few more ready to go to him.
That evening she talks to her best friend, Bailey, before finishing up her grilled steak and veggies with a glass of red wine.
“The pictures you’ve sent are amazing, Delta! What are your plans? Have you met any cowboys yet?” Bailey demands.
“The pictures don’t do this place justice, Bailey. It looks so amazing, just like a painting. They have every activity you could dream of, in fact, in a few days I am going on a guided tour to see the local animals of the state.”
“Hmm, sounds fun. What about the cowboys? You’re avoiding the question so that can only mean one thing. Delta Dawn, you better spill it!” Bailey yells.
Delta laughs and sips her wine. “Okay, maybe I have met a cowboy, but cute is not a strong enough word to describe Daniel,” she murmurs and just thinking about him has her body heating up.
“Daniel? Tell me everything and don't spare the hot details!” Bailey squeals with excitement.
“He’s tall, funny, and muscular. Intense, gentle and respectful of women. Divorced with full custody of his daughter. His father owns the ranch.”
“And?” Bailey prompts her.
“And way out of my league, Bailey. I’m leaving in a few months to come home. One kiss doesn’t mean anything, right.” Delta jumps up and begins cleaning her dishes up.
“Kiss?” Bailey hears the fear behind the word. “Jacob wanted you to find love again and live. Don’t close yourself off to a chance at happiness, Delta.”
“Bailey it was just an evening carriage ride and a picnic. For all I know, he does this with all the female guests.”
“I seriously doubt he takes all the women out for make-out sessions, Delta. I'm certain they would have added that to the reviews.” They laugh together.
“Oh, Bailey! I miss you. Thank you for listening.”
“Anytime, Delta. Stop avoiding him and have some fun.”
“He makes my blood boil, Bailey. There is an intensity to his look, his touch, his very spirit and it scares me. If one kiss makes me feel all of that, Bailey then I don’t know if I can handle what’s next.” Delta moves outside to let the evening air wash over her.
Bailey reminds her, “You're in the prime of your life, Delta. Beautiful, smart, accomplished and it's possible that he sees all of that in you. Give him a chance.”
“I'll think about it.” After she hangs up, Delta goes outside. It's a simple thing to enjoy a meal but watching the sunset on her porch and staring out over the land around her, she feels at peace.
A knock on the front door has her heart pounding. Sasha is waiting at the front door when she gets to it. “Hi, Delta,” Abby calls through the screen. Delta covers her disappointment, part of her hoped it was Daniel.
“Hi, Abigail. How are you?” She asks, stepping outside with her while she rubs Sasha.
“I’m great. Guess what?” Before Delta can ask what, she talks over her. “One of our horses has gone into labor. Do you want to come watch?” For a second, she almost says no, but it would be a great excuse to see Daniel again.
“I’d love to. Can I bring Sasha, or will it upset the mother?” She asks, pulling on her boots and grabbing her keys.
“It should be fine. She can play with the other dogs. Daddy said I get to name it.” Delta closes and locks the door. Abby grabs her hand and pulls her along toward the barn. Sasha bounds ahead of them.
The two-story white farmhouse looks small compared to the stable. Nestled in rolling pastures, wooded hills, and broad open spaces, it feels as if you stepped back in time. This barn has the look of grayed wood aged by time, but inside is a remarkable facility. Daniel is in the freshly hayed stall at the back of the barn. He encourages the mare who is walking around in circles and panting. Chase and two other hands stand ready to assist if needed.
Delta waves at Daniel, who nods and turns back to work. Tension floats on the air as everyone waits to greet the newest member of the Silver Creek Ranch. Delta gives Sasha a hand signal that has her immediately responding to her instruction. Chase walks over and lifts Abby onto the railing, and she holds on, waiting. The large red quarter horse is panting and walking in circles, Delta can already see the sack presenting itself.
Excitement fills her soul as she recalls the pain and the joy of giving birth. Every squeal, every groan of pain has Delta leaning in and praying silently for the mother and foal. Daniel backs away to give the mare room just as she rolls down on her side and stretches out. Grunting, she squeezes, and the nose is out!
“Good job, Mama. You can do it,” Daniel says soothing her with his voice.
Groaning, she pushes, and finally, after forty minutes of pushing, the head and shoulders are out. Daniel leans over quickly and stretches the sack down over the foal's neck so it can breathe. The mother
