Here's the next chapter. Thanks to everyone for their reviews and for just reading my story. Rachel :-)


Chapter 4 – Earning Her Love

"Do you need some help?"

Those were Heath's first words to Rachel as he entered the barn. Rachel was putting Blazing Star's saddle on, and Heath was assuming that Rachel was incapable of managing by herself. She cringed, and was ready to snap some answer back at him when she remembered her promise to Mother.

"No, I'm fine," she said quietly.

"Alright," Heath said, and went over to Charger's stall to tack him up. "You like horses, then?"

"I love them," Rachel said, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Horses are friends."

"Is that so?" Heath said, a smile creeping up his face.

"Blazing Star's my best friend. I go everywhere with him!" Rachel said proudly. "What's your horse called?"

"Charger – he's a good runner," Heath said. "Why'd you call yours Blazing Star?"

"Because of his blaze," Rachel said in a tone of voice that seemed to say that it was obvious. "I also called him that because of the beautiful yellow flowers in this valley – you know, the Blazing Stars."

"Sure, I know," Heath said. "It's a good name."

"I know," Rachel said. "That's why I called him that."

Heath smiled again. At least she was talking to him. He knew she was finding it hard, but he could tell she was trying.

"That wild stallion's some animal," Heath said, trying to keep on the subject of horses as he knew it pleased her. "Have you seen him before?"

"Well, I do live here, so yes, but I haven't seen him or his herd for a while."

Heath smiled to himself at Rachel's words.

Just at that moment, Audra came into the barn, and grabbing saddle and bridle, she tacked her horse up.

"Are you ready to go?" she asked.

"Of course I am!" Rachel cried. "I love to see the wild stallion and his herd."

They led their horses out into the yard, and mounted up. They were about to leave when Victoria came out of the house, waving some packages in the air. "You forgot your lunch!" she cried. She handed them to Heath who put them in his saddlebags. "Have a wonderful time," she said, smiling at them all.

Rachel searched her mother's eyes and saw that she was willing her daughter on, and was proud that she was going. Rachel managed a smile, and then they squeezed their horses into a gentle lope.

They rode silently toward the Mokelumne River. It was a glorious day. The sun was shining in all its splendour, and seemed to be smiling down on them.

Even Rachel had a smile on her face. She could not help herself, for her heart sang whenever she went riding! She tried to forget that Heath had come along, and pretended that it was just her and Audra, like it usually was. The two sisters often went riding together. In fact, the Mokelumne River was one of their most frequent places to ride to and have a picnic at together, for it was Rachel's favourite. She liked to wade in the water on a hot day, and the two sisters would spend many a happy hour just talking about nothing in particular, but enjoying each other's company. Sometimes Eugene or Nick, or even Jarrod would join them, if they had some time to spare. It was something that they enjoyed doing together – it was a family thing.

Today would not be the same. Not for Rachel – not with Heath there. She sighed audibly, making Heath look at her. They had by now slowed their horses down into a steady walk.

"You alright?" Heath asked, pulling on the reins so that he was next to her.

"Just a little hot," Rachel said. Well, it was true, for she was hot – but maybe she had sighed for other reasons.

They finally arrived at the river. After they had dismounted, Heath took the sandwiches out of his saddlebags, and they sat down together on the dusty, earth floor.

"Nice ride out to here," Heath commented, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Yes," Audra replied. "We often come up here."

"We do it all the time. Just Audra and me, I mean. It's sort of a sister thing – you know."

Heath nodded, getting Rachel's meaning. "Nice to bathe in the river on a hot day, I bet," he continued after a pause.

"We do that," Audra said, smiling. "I hear that's how you met Nick."

"Yes, something like that," Heath said, grinning slightly. "It was on the bridge…"

"Yes – Nick said," Rachel interrupted. She stood up.

"Where are you going?" Audra asked.

"To find the stallion," Rachel said.

"You haven't eaten," Audra said reproachfully. "Don't you think you ought to wait and eat a little first? We could all look together then."

"No, I'll eat later," Rachel replied, and mounted her bay horse. She galloped off.

Audra watched her little sister ride away and sighed. "I hate seeing her like that."

"Yes," Heath said. "And I hate to think I've caused it."

Audra looked at him and smiled. "She'll accept you, Heath, but it's going to take time. Just you wait for her to give you a chance to get to know her. She can be stubborn, and wild, but she's kind, and thoughtful, and caring. I'll bet you anything, before you know it, she'll have warmed to you. She'll be calling you 'big brother', and have many a smile and friendly word for you. Just you wait."

They had by now finished eating their lunch. "Shall we go and find her then?" Heath asked.

"Alright," Audra agreed. They stood up, dusting their pants off, and then they grabbed their horses, and mounted up.

They rode off in the direction Rachel had headed in. It wasn't long till they saw the herd. The stallion could not be seen, but what they did see made them stop dead in their tracks.

Rachel, audacious girl that she was, had dismounted Blazing Star and was actually approaching one of the wild mares.

Audra was about to call out to Rachel to warn her of the danger, but Heath put his hand on Audra's knee to quiet her. "Shouting will only rile them. Better to approach quietly. Stay here." He dismounted, and walked steadily, but as fast as he could, towards the herd of horses.

The mare was tossing her head, and snorting angrily.

"Shh, you're so beautiful!" Rachel cried. "I wish you were mine."

"You little fool!" Heath's voice sounded behind her. "The stallion could appear at any minute, and any one of these horses could trample you!"

Rachel turned to look at him briefly and snorted contemptuously, "I can take care of myself," she said, turning back to the mare that she had been talking to. "I don't need you to boss me around."

Heath shook his head, and was about to grab her to lead her away back to her horse and to safety, when a wild neigh met their ears.

Out of nowhere, the great stallion galloped towards them; his nostrils were inflated, and his mane and tail flew as he tore along towards them, obviously in a rage! His eyes shone meaningfully, and he raced towards them at an alarming speed, and with a startling look of purpose about him.

They didn't have time to run to their horses, for he was upon them in a second. Heath darted in front of Rachel, so that he stood between her and the stallion.

"Heath, be careful!" Rachel cried in alarm as the great, wild horse reared up at Heath.

But it was too late. The horse, enraged that someone should be meddling with his mares, was determined to have revenge. Rearing up once more, the wild stallion brought his hooves crashing down, knocking Heath to the floor.


Da Da Daaaa! I know, it's awful of me to leave it on a cliff hanger, but I just couldn't help it. I'll try to update as soon as possible so as not to leave you wondering too long! :-)