Chapter 5

"I thought we would go to the dress shop for a few moments before heading home," Nora said as they walked along in front of the buildings. "Soon I will be needing some new dresses to allow for my expanding waistline."

"Sounds good to me," Gabby replied. "I'm always up for dress shopping."

Entering the store, Gabby smiled. "Mrs. Stanley! It's good to see you here." She greeted the older woman she had met on the train.

"Well, hello Gabrielle. I hardly thought we would run into each other this soon."

"Looks like you found employment right away. I'm happy for you."

"Mrs. Moss has been very busy and needed someone for a few hours a week to mind the front. It isn't much, but it's a start. What can I do for you ladies?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Myra Stanley, this is my sister Nora Barkley. I met Mrs. Stanley on the train."

"Barkley... seems I've heard that name before... It's nice to meet you, Nora. Your sister and I kept each other company on our way to Stockton."

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Stanley. Actually, I am here hoping that Mrs. Moss can make me a couple of dresses that expand."

"Let me go and get her," Myra replied, stepping to the back, and bringing the other woman back with her.

After their pleasantries, Nora told her what she would like. "You see, I am... expecting..."

"Say no more. I know exactly what you need. And congratulations to you and Nick," Mrs. Moss said smiling widely.

"Nick?" Mrs. Stanley asked.

"Oh, my husband, Nick Barkley."

"Well, all my best wishes to the two of you and your little one," Myra replied. "Mrs. Moss, you forgot your sewing kit. I'll get it for you," Myra offered as she stepped into the back.

###

Heath had decided to take the afternoon going through their tack and figuring out what needed replacing. It was one of those tedious jobs that got put off because of the monotony involved but needed to be done. Especially since he had found the damaged rein. Of course, the fact that he would be close by when Nora and Gabby returned had nothing to do with it.

Or maybe it did.

She had only been at the ranch since yesterday, but Heath already felt a kinship with the reserved young woman. He hated how fate had tripped them up from the beginning, with her finding him unclothed in the bathtub, but hoped that somehow, they would be able to get past that embarrassment and actually have a conversation. Hearing a noise Heath looked up at the new mare they had recently acquired and had an idea. He would finish here and clean up before dinner. Sitting next to Gabby at the table was the highlight of his day yesterday; her falling into his lap this morning was a nice bonus. He had almost put his arms around her before she quickly jumped to her feet, leaving him feeling out of sorts.

Staying busy helped, but his mind kept wandering back to the aloof dark-haired beauty he had met only yesterday. As if on cue, the buggy came around the corner and stopped outside, Heath wiping his hands and rushing out to help, but stopping on a dime when he took in the scene.

"What did you say then?" Nora asked her sister.

Gabby threw her hands to her hips. "I told him in no uncertain terms that I was NOT interested in his advances, and he needed to move along."

Her performance brought laughter to both women and captivated Heath who couldn't believe how animated Gabby was when she thought no one was aware. And her laughter made him catch his breath. It was like food to a starving man, bringing joy to any who heard it, although most probably hadn't.

"Oh, hello Heath," Nora said as she saw him approach. "We bought a few things..." Her statement was concluded with a giggle that he noticed Gabby didn't replicate. Seeing Heath had changed her behavior completely.

Her side of the buggy was nearest, so he reached up to help her down, feeling her womanly softness beneath his hands as he clasped her small waist. Releasing her when she stood on the ground was something he had to force himself to do, and then he walked around to help her sister.

The front door flew open about the time that Nora was helped from her seat and Nick came outside followed by Eugene. "What did I tell you? I knew they would be back soon."

Gene and Nora greeted each other as Gabby walked around the buggy.

"Gene, this is my sister Gabrielle. Gabby, this is Eugene."

"The pleasure is all mine, Gabby," Eugene said as he took her hand and kissed it. "It's nice to have some beautiful women around the ranch- besides Mother and Audra." Heath's teeth clenched as he noticed his younger brother flirting with Gabby, but he remained silent.

"I'm going to need some help with these packages. Nick, could you and Gene give me a hand?" Nora's words provided exactly the opportunity that Heath was waiting for. As the three of them headed inside, he lightly grasped Gabby's arm before she could follow.

"Do you have a moment?" Once again, Gabby noticed the smoothness of Heath's voice and how it suited him.

"Of course." Her response was soft but tense.

"Do you like horses?"

"As a matter of fact, I love them. Why?" Gabby was glad that he didn't want to talk about the incident.

"I have this new mare. She's a beauty, but she needs more interaction and exercise. I was wondering if you might like to go riding with me. You can ride Demarco, and I'll ride the mare. Say... tomorrow morning?"

The invitation took her by surprise and Gabby almost said no, but when she looked into his blue eyes and saw them soften as he smiled at her, she heard herself accept.

"Sounds nice. Thank you for inviting me... Heath."

"I look forward to it. See you at dinner, Gabby," he replied as he tipped his hat and went back to the barn, whistling.

###

Dinner that night was uneventful with Eugene dominating the conversation as questions were thrown his way by family members. Gabby remained quiet and glanced at Heath a time or two when he was engrossed in the familial discussion. She couldn't help but wonder why he had asked her to ride tomorrow. Maybe there was no one else available to exercise the horses.

When the evening ended, Nora took her arm as they mounted the stairs. Upon entering Gabby's room, she shut the door.

"You're very quiet this evening."

"Just thinking. Hey sis, Heath asked me to ride Demarco tomorrow while he exercised a new mare. I wanted you to know."

"Did he? Poor Marco. Of course, he doesn't understand why I haven't ridden him lately, although I do spend time with him every day. Jarrod has taken over as his favorite I fear."

"I'm sure that isn't true," Gabby responded to Nora's saddened expression. "And it isn't like you can never ride again. I'll be happy to help out."

Nora's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Is something going on I need to know about?"

"Not at all. I'm sure Heath is only trying to be welcoming since I've been such a clumsy oaf lately."

"You're probably right. He's a gentleman, so you'll be in good hands. But do you need to borrow some riding clothes? I won't need them for a while."

"As a matter of fact, I do. Thank you, Nora. It's good that we are the same size. Please don't read anything into this and no matchmaking!"

"Alright, alright," Nora said raising her hand in surrender. "I'll stay out of it... for now. Goodnight Gabs."

Once Nora had gone, Gabby dressed for bed, thinking of soft blue eyes that smiled at her.

###

After breakfast, the sisters went to find some riding clothes. Gabby's heart was pounding at the thought of her and Heath out alone together, but she wasn't exactly sure why. She had spent many hours alone with Gilbert as they traveled the country and anxiety was never an issue. It must be that little incident of seeing him undressed. Oh, and let's not forget falling into his lap in front of everyone!

Gabby had ridden Demarco a few times before she had moved away, so she was familiar with the big stallion and he with her. There hadn't been any time for riding in the last year with traveling by train and performing continuously and she was looking forward to getting back in the saddle.

Thankful once again that she and Nora were the same size as she pulled on the borrowed boots, Gabby stood and examined herself in the full-length mirror. Pulling her hair away from her face, she decided to braid it down her back before putting Nora's hat on. She couldn't believe the results when she was finished- the cream-colored blouse was a nice contrast to the gray split skirt. The boots were also cream leather, and the hat was a gray felt.

She looked the part of a cowgirl. Like she belonged here on the ranch. And of course, these clothes were much more comfortable than her usual attire. Excitement was building as she made her way downstairs, Nora waiting for her.

"Well, look at you sis. I believe those clothes were made for you."

"Actually, I'm sure they were made for you, but I don't mind borrowing them for today."

"Anytime. I think Heath is waiting outside. I'll come to say hello to Marco," Nora replied as they walked to the door.

As she suspected, Heath was standing there waiting with both sets of reins in hand. Demarco stood there next to a beautiful mare- chocolate brown with black socks and mane- who seemed a bit nervous around the large stallion. Nora greeted her horse, sneaking him a cube of sugar before kissing his nose. "You take good care of him," she said as she stepped back.

Heath's eyes lit up with appreciation as he saw Gabby in her riding clothes. "You look nice," he managed as he handed her the reins. "Do you need any help mounting?"

Quickly putting her foot in the stirrup, Gabby was seated as soon as Heath finished his question. "I think I've got it," she said playfully, bringing that half smile that she had come to expect and appreciate from him.

Soon he was mounted and pulling on the reins. "Let's go then," he said as they rode out of the yard and toward the pasture, Nora watching as they left.

Nick walked out, pulling on his gloves. "I guess I won't get any work out of him today."

"We both know he more than pulls his weight around here, my husband," Nora responded as she continued to watch the riders retreat from her sight. "Plus, that mare needs more contact, she seems a bit skittish."

Wrapping his arms around her from behind, Nick felt Nora stiffen as he kissed her neck. "Maybe being close to such a stallion was too much for her."

"Perhaps," Nora replied absentmindedly. "Maybe it's time to stud Demarco. He would have such beautiful babies."

Nick looked off as he thought, then nodded. "The only baby I'm interested in right now is ours but sounds like a great idea. Kiss me, before I have to go to work."

Nora turned in his arms and gave him a quick peck, leaving him unsatisfied and curious as to her behavior lately before he walked toward the barn.

###

Upon beginning their ride, Gabby was anxious, but it didn't take long in the saddle before she started to relax and enjoy herself. Heath seemed to be having a good time as well but stayed mostly silent during the first part of their outing, which helped to calm Gabby's nerves.

"Let's stop up here," Heath said as they neared the area that she and Nora had visited the day before. The horses slowed and came to a halt and Gabby dismounted before Heath had a chance to help her down.

Looking around, Gabby entered the concealed area and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, unaware that her companion watched her every move. "Paradise. I can see why Nora called it that."

"Nick named it when he was a youngster. It's not surprising that Nora also used the term. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

His eyes connected with hers when she looked in his direction, causing Gabby's heart to race. "Yes. It is," she responded, feeling uncomfortable in his presence. She couldn't hold his gaze for long and ended up stooping down to run her fingers over the petals of a wildflower growing by the pond. "It looks like a great place for a picnic."

"Maybe on our next ride," Heath responded, Gabby quickly grabbing on to the word 'next' as a promise before her mind cleared. She wasn't here to fall in love, merely to visit her sister and rest for a while before moving on again. Both appreciated the area for a moment before Heath knelt down and picked something up, rubbing his thumb over the surface of the object. Then he held it out to her. "Something to remember our first ride together by."

Taking it, the tips of their fingers touched making her feel warm all over. Gabby looked at the gift and saw that it was a rock and very smooth, but the color was unusual- it was gray but with striations of red and blue covering both sides. And if she used her imagination, it was somewhat shaped like a heart. "It's beautiful, thank you," she said, placing it in her pocket.

"You are welcome, Gabby." The sound of his voice was sensual when he said her name this time. As they held each other's gaze Gabby knew she had to shift the mood.

"Heath," Gabby said standing to her feet and bringing her eyes back to his blue ones. "I... wanted to clear the air. I'm not usually as clumsy as I've been while here. The other day..."

"Is something we never need to speak of," Heath interrupted as he stepped closer. Gabby could smell his manly aftershave as a gentle breeze blew by. "I'm sorry I forgot to lock the door and that you were embarrassed. Can we leave it in the past and move forward?"

"I would like that. Thank you," she replied, then turned curious. "I meant to ask about the mare. She is beautiful. What is her name?"

"I just bought her and returned home a few days before you arrived. I haven't had the chance to name her yet."

Gabby walked to where Heath held the mare's reins. Demarco had been left outside the enclosure tied to a tree where he could graze. Raising her hands, Gabby ran them across the horse's face, from the bridge of her nose up to her forelock. Heath noticed how calm the mare was and seemed to appreciate the attention from Gabby as she spoke softly and petted her.

"She needs a regal name, I think."

"What do you have in mind?" Heath asked, intrigued by this side of Nora's sister.

"Perhaps... Lady Josephine."

Heath chuckled, bringing a smile to Gabby's face. "That's quite a mouthful."

"Maybe call her Josie for short."

"Josie. I like it. Alright, Lady Josephine, it is."

"Do you mean it, Heath? I can name her?" Heath saw the childlike wonder in her eyes as she asked.

"She needs a name and Josie seems to fit her. I think she likes it."

The mare nodded her head as if in agreement, causing them both to laugh out loud.

"Hello, Josie." Gabby stood there petting the horse before Heath saw a mischievous look cross her beautiful face. "You know, Demarco is quite fast."

"So, I've heard," Heath replied as he waited for her to continue.

"Perhaps Josie is also fast."

"I'm sure she is. Comes from good stock. What are you proposing?"

"I thought perhaps we might like to see which one is the fastest..." Gabby was endearing herself to Heath the longer he spent with her.

"A race, you mean." Heath smiled as he awaited her answer.

"Are you up for it, Cowboy?"

The nickname took him by surprise, but he liked hearing it on her lips. "I am if you are," he replied as he headed back out of the area and mounted Josie.

Gabby hurried over and was in the saddle quickly. "Where to?" She asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Around that tree and back to this spot." Gabby looked where he was pointing and saw the large tree about 20 yards from the property fence.

"Alright," she replied as they positioned their mounts next to each other. "On your mark, get set, GO!" she called as both kicked their horses into a run. Gabby laughed as she took the lead, then glanced over and saw Heath and Josie only a head behind. His happy face was imprinted on her mind; apparently, he liked a little fun and competition.

Heath could see what he was up against as they rode, almost side by side and nearing the big oak. The lady next to him was nothing like he had imagined and certainly enjoyed a bit of sport. While certain that Demarco would easily win this race, he maintained his competitive spirit as they raced along next to each other, Gabby now stretching out her lead.

They were almost to the tree when suddenly a shot rang out. Josie reared up in fright as Heath controlled her, but he quickly turned around when he noticed that Demarco's saddle was empty. A few yards behind, Gabby lay still on the ground causing Heath to hurry back to her and dismount. Marco had stopped and stood still.

"Gabby, Gabby, are you alright?" Heath smoothed her hair back and watched her chest rise and fall- at least she was breathing. Looking around, he didn't see anyone; the shot must have come from the other side of the fence near a crop of trees. Hopefully, they wouldn't fire again as he helped Gabby. He wasn't sure how badly she was injured.

"Gabby," he said lightly slapping her cheek to try and wake her. Examining her, he saw the blood on her side, suddenly very concerned about where the bullet might be lodged. Reaching down, he ripped her shirt to get a closer look.

"Heath..." Gabby quietly said. Then "Heath! What are you doing? Don't..." Her response was encouraging but weak.

"Hang on, Gabby." Heath had never been more terrified in his life. She was under his protection on his ranch and somehow had gotten shot. Pulling off his bandana, he pressed it into her injured side. "We have to get you home. Can you ride?"

"I... think so," she replied feebly as he helped her to her feet before wooziness overtook her and her knees buckled. Heath quickly picked her up and brought her to Demarco. At least she was aware enough to help him place her in the saddle, before he mounted behind her, wondering about who had shot her and why. And praying there would be no more shots fired as they rode to the house.

Holding her close to him, Heath spoke. "Hurry Marco. Let's go home," not even having to tap his sides before the large horse took off in a run towards the house.

"Hold on, Gabby. We will be there soon," he encouraged in her ear, noticing she was unconscious again and hoping that Eugene hadn't left for town.

The ride seemed like forever, but in reality, it was only a few moments before they arrived, Heath pulling back on the reins as he yelled. "Jarrod! Nick! Eugene!" He wasn't sure who might be here but hoped at least one of his brothers was home. Jarrod had mentioned some paperwork he needed to attend to.

Eugene and Jarrod both rushed from the house, taking in the sight before them. "What happened?" Gene asked, instantly in doctor mode, as Heath dismounted and eased Gabby off the horse and back into his arms. Victoria soon followed them out.

"Someone shot her. Where's Nora?"

"Oh, the poor girl." Victoria's visage showed her concern. "Nora and Audra went visiting," she added.

"What can I do?" Jarrod asked.

"Find Nick and go check out the fence line close to Paradise. I left the mare there. See if you spot anyone, and Jarrod, be careful." All this was said as he was carrying Gabby into the house and upstairs to her room, Gene checking her pulse as they ran.

"Mother, I'll need your help and some bandages. Heath, I need hot water," Eugene directed as Heath lay Gabby down on the bed and touched her cheek with his palm, pausing a moment to take a brief look at her pale face before rushing from the room.