Abby is tucked up tight to Delta’s other side, a little intimidated by the size of the dog. “Sasha is a therapy dog, Abby. I promise you’re safe with her.” Abby looks up and grins.
“May I pet her?” Delta smiles at the little girl and nods. She releases Sasha with a command, and soon the two are running and playing on the lawn near the front door. Delta is smiling when she turns to the sound of her name.
“Delta, this is my son, Daniel Matthews.” Chase stands back watching with a keen eye as Daniel tries not to show the impact of meeting Delta. She is standing in the sun laughing at his daughter's antics, and when she turns to greet him, he is entranced by the unexpected beauty. He slowly removes his black cowboy hat and smiles as his eyes rake her body from head to toe. No feature is left untouched from her light blue eyes, plump lips to the dimple that winks when she grins. Delta is all curves, graceful and stunning.
“The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Richards.”
Delta is speechless for a moment as the sound of voice his wraps around her sending chills over her body. Standing next to his father, the resemblance is remarkable. Except for the height, Daniel has his father by a few inches. The man is huge, muscular, and masculine with a face that should be on a cowboy commercial. All craggy lines, planes and firm, strong lips.
“Mr. Matthews.” A squeal of delight and Delta spins to watch Sasha rolling with Abby on the grass. “Pardon me, gentlemen. Sasha is getting carried away.” Delta whistles and snaps out a command in German. To the astonishment of the men watching, Sasha licks Abby one last time and runs to Delta and sits at her feet. “Good girl, Sasha. Stay.”
Abby runs up, “Daddy, did you see! Delta let me play with Sasha.”
“I saw you, angel. She looks to be well trained. I’m sure you’re tired after your flight, Delta. Dad tells me you have consented to stay at Sarah James cabin. That’s very kind of you.”
“Not at all. I was hoping for something a little more private.” Delta snaps the leash on Sasha and avoids looking directly at the man. He is too pretty to be real, and where there’s a daughter, there must be a wife somewhere. A gust of cold wind has Delta pulling at her jacket.
“The poor girl is gonna freeze, Daniel, stop jawing and get going. The weather is going to be warmer tomorrow, that snow will miss us. You two get going, and I will see you for dinner soon, Delta. All your meals are included with your stay. You will find our restaurant to be one of the best in the world.”
Abby grins at her grandfather and jumps up and down. “Can I come? Delta can I ride with you and Sasha?” Her chocolate eyes stare up at Delta, and her heart melts.
“Of course, sugar.”
“Abigail, I'm sure you can ride with me…” Daniel starts to object with a glance at Delta, but he's surprised to find her winking at him.
“It's no problem, Daniel. Your daughter is a delight; hopefully, she can wear Sasha out for me.”
“If you’re sure,” he watches the three new friends climb into her rental.
“Buckle up, buttercup,” Delta says and Abby giggles while snapping her belt on. Carefully she pulls out behind Daniel and follows him a few miles down the road.
Abby chats about her school and tells her that she is in fifth grade and loves horses. “Miss Delta, you are going to be staying in my great, great grandmother's house. It's really old, but the best part is that its right next to our house.”
Delta takes in the news with a sinking feeling in her stomach until Abby points to the house. It is a small white ranch-style house tucked into the land, with a covered front porch, large windows, and a copper-tin roof. “Oh, bless my soul, it’s gorgeous,” Delta sighs parking beside Daniel.
Abby giggled, “You talk funny, Ms. Delta.”
“I do?” She reaches over and quickly tickles Abby, “Well your laugh sounds like the tinkling of fairy bells to me.” Sasha barks excitedly, and Daniel watches as the two climbs from the SUV. Sasha leaps free and runs around the grounds sniffing all the new scents.
“Welcome to Sarah James cabin, Delta. Abby go on and get started on your homework, and you can visit later, okay.”
“Yes, sir. It was nice meeting you, sugar,” Abby teases and spins to run to her house which is only fifty yards away. Delta’s laughter is contagious.
“You're one lucky man, Daniel Matthews. That is one very special little girl,” Delta says and orders Sasha to heel.
“Yes, I am.” Daniel is struck by the urge to taste her smiling lips. “Let me show you around the cabin.” Never in his life has he been attracted to a woman this quickly. He turns and stomps up the front porch to the door and unlocks it. “Sarah James was my grandmother, this cabin was built as a replica of the original, which burnt down in the fires of 1990. After her husband died, leaving her with two children to raise, she ran the ranch until her oldest son could take it over. He turned it into a working ranch, including one of the finest Quarter horse breeding ranches in the States.”
Delta is struck with awe the moment she steps inside. “This is amazing,” Delta gasps as she looks around. From the wood beams along the ceiling to the stone fireplace, every inch is decorated with exquisite detail and care. Solid pine wood floors, with large area rugs,
