CHAPTER 11

Quinn had an older mare ready in the practice ring. She started Rachel out by having her interact with the horse on the ground. Tess was recovering from her ordeal and Quinn did not want to saddle her until she had healed, so she had chosen Tess's mom Athena for Rachel's mount today. As gentle as her daughter, Athena responded to the women's voices by a soft nickering. Quinn led Rachel through the exercise of preparing the horse, including putting on the saddle. She showed her how to cinch it tightly and to adjust the reins and the stirrups.

"If I had done this myself like I was supposed to, none of this would have happened yesterday." Rachel sighed.

"Hey, I don't want to hear anything like that. It's not your fault!" Quinn responded strongly, and cupped Rachel's chin with her hand. "It's not your fault. You may not have even noticed anything even if you did. The way it was sewn into the saddle. It was very cleverly done. Please…..let's put that behind us, and concentrate on getting you comfortable on the horse. I've got an ulterior motive for that you know!" And with that last remark, Quinn winked.

Rachel searched Quinn's face with her eyes, obviously intrigued by the last statement. "Ulterior motive? What?" Rachel remarked.

"It's a surprise, and if I tell you, then it won't be anymore. So how about it? Are you ready to try and ride Athena?"

"You make it hard to resist Quinn. I love surprises!" And Rachel took Athena's reins in her hand and prepared to mount the horse. She placed her foot in the stirrup and pulled herself into the saddle. Sitting there atop the horse, she had a momentary feeling of panic, which immediately subsided as she felt Quinn's hand on her thigh.

"How are you doing so far? OK?" She asked looking up at Rachel.

"It was shaky for a moment, but I think I'm ok now."

"I'm just going to lead Athena around the practice ring for a bit. Do you think you are up to it?

"Yes, let's do it!" Rachel responded.

Quinn walked Athena around the ring all the while talking to Rachel. Slowly, she let her hand slip from the bridle and just walked next to the horse and rider. Before she knew it, Rachel was riding Athena unaided. Quinn edged back against the corral fence and let Rachel put Athena through some different paces. She started with a slow walk and gradually encouraged her to try a trot. Feeling more comfortable, she coached Rachel to have Athena canter for a bit.

"That's it…..put the weight on your feet a bit as the horse bounces…that takes some of the strain off your hips and upper legs." Quinn offered.

"I see….that does make a difference." Rachel said as she finally reined Athena in to stop in front of where Quinn was standing. "I'm feeling pretty good about this. I just love Athena, she is so sweet and gentle. Can I ride her for the rest of my stay?"

"Of course you can….she's yours."

Quinn pondered the implication of Rachel's statement. "…the rest of my stay". What would that mean to her….to them? How long would they have together? Why does this matter so much? Her eyes grew distant for a moment and the change was not lost on Rachel.

"Is everything ok?" Rachel asked as she dismounted.

"Oh, yes Rachel…just thinking about some chores that need my attention. Sorry I got momentarily distracted."

"Ahhhh, I see. Well, I have some activities myself this morning. I am signed up for the "barn experience". Maybe we can catch up with one another later?"

"Of course, I'd love that. How about a late afternoon ride? I'm free and there are some beautiful areas I'd love to show you."

"It sounds wonderful! What time shall I meet you"?

"How does 4:00pm sound? I'll meet you here and we can head out on the trail."

"Perfect! The barn event gets back by 2:00pm and it will give me a chance to relax a bit before we go out."

"Great, I'll see you then." Quinn smiled as she allowed her hand to catch Rachel's on Athena's reins and held them together for a moment. Rachel grinned back and squeezed Quinn's arm with her free hand as she let go of the reins. "Until later."

Quinn settled Athena in her stall and then loading some packages she retrieved from her bunk, she took off on Lightning. She headed up the same trail they had taken the other day but instead of going straight up the trail, she stopped by a flat rock wall that was covered with scrub oak and sage. Stopping to move some brush, she walked Lightning through a cleverly disguised rock arch. She replaced the brush and continued riding up the trail through to a narrow red rock canyon. There was no place she loved more when she needed to think. The colors were so vibrant, scarlet rock walls against the sky so blue it did not seem real. The silence was so profound that one's thoughts took on a life of their own. In this sacred ground the ceremonies of native ancestors played in Quinn's mind and she settled into a meditative state as she walked the rest of the way up to the back of the canyon.

There was a small lean-to where she tied Lightning and gave him some feed and water. Unpacking her bundles Quinn opened the cabin door and smiled to be in her sacred and personal space. No one at the ranch knew where Quinn went when she'd leave on her free days. They respected her privacy and so far this place remained her own secret. But she was about to break that secrecy, for she wanted to share it with Rachel.

While Quinn tended to her preparations, Rachel was immersed in Emma's 'barn event'. The group learned about the various animals that the ranch handled. They fed the cattle, pigs and chickens, groomed some of the horses and mucked their stalls, collected eggs, hand fed the baby goats and even milked the cows. Mike squirted Tina when it was his turn at the udder. Tina made all of the tenderfeet laugh when she announced, "OK, who has the cookies to go with this milk!"

As they walked from the barn when they were done, Rachel remarked to Emma, "Whew, it's amazing the amount of work that goes into a ranch. I'm sure beat!"

"Yes, it's true, but it's so rewarding Rachel. I love sharing this bit of my passion with our guests."

"Well, the love you have for this sure shows! You make it really wonderful for us. I'm really enjoying myself here. I feel so much better than when I arrived. There's something about the outdoor work and being with the animals that is healing. It's also kind of tiring. I think I'm in for a little nap before my evening fun."

"Oh, what are you planning tonight Rachel?" Emma asked.

"Well, Quinn has promised me a special surprise. We're going on a ride, I'm not sure where."

"I'm sure wherever you are going, you will have a wonderful time!" Emma remarked with a sly smile.

The look was not lost on Rachel who blushed slightly and stammered. "Um, well, yes, of course, any ride should be wonderful. Well, I'm heading up to my cabin. Thanks for a great lesson today Emma."

"You're most welcome dear, and you take care." Emma gazed at the young woman walking up to her cabin and thought to herself, 'something special' is going on there with the two of them. I sure hope it works out this time. I would love to see that girl find some happiness….both girls.'

Rachel reached her cabin and decided for a shower. After the delicious warm water and scented soap, she slipped into her bra and lace trimmed cotton panties and stretched out on the bed. She quickly slipped into a deep sleep.

Quinn's knock on the door was gentle but firm. She was surprised that there was no answer. She had checked with Emma and knew that Rachel had gone up to her cabin and no one had seen her since that time. She knocked again a bit louder and called Rachel's name. Again there was no response. Getting a bit worried, after the attack on Rachel, which Quinn had not fully believed was solved, she decided to peer into the windows. She looked in the living room and saw Rachel's hat perched on the end table. Walking around to the back of the cabin, she approached the french doors. Looking into the bedroom, she involuntarily took in a breath. The sight of Rachel lying on the bed, dressed only in her scant undergarments brought a flush to Quinn's cheeks and a not uncomfortable ache deep within her. She smiled and walked quietly away.

"I know Emma's barn event" she mused. "I'll let her sleep a bit more before awakening her", and with that, Quinn walked down to the stable to do a few chores.

Rachel's hands twitched as her dream progressed. The same thundering sound, the dust flying everywhere, the light coming out of the darkness….."WHOA"! Rachel shouted and sat up abruptly. Her heart was beating fast, and she shook her head, trying to wake up and reclaim the images that had just been sailing through her sleep. "Wow, I can't believe I am still having that dream. I thought it would be over after the rescue." Rachel turned and saw the time on the clock, it was 4:31. "Oh shit, I'm late" and she bounded off the bed, grabbing for her clothes. She dressed in her jeans and a light colored t-shirt and ran to grab her hat. As she went to the front door, she saw there was a note that had been slid under it.

Hi R.

I know Emma's barn fun can take a bit out of the guests. When I came up looking for you, I saw that you were sleeping, so I thought I'd let you rest. I hate to disturb a beautiful sight. When you wake up, you can find me down at the stable. I'm looking forward to our ride.

Q.

"Awwww, that is so sweet of her…a beautiful sight…..." Smiling, she put the note in a safe place and then stopped for a moment. "Wha….wait, how did she know I was sleeping?" and then it dawned on her. If Rachel had not answered the door, Quinn might have been worried and checked the cabin to see if Rachel was there. Rachel blushed, realizing that Quinn must have seen her in her underwear…and then found a bit of excitement in that thought as well. She dreamily walked out of the cabin and down to the stable, looking forward to some more time with Quinn.