Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

“It’s one of my favorite meals.” She grinned. “Which one of you is the cook?”

“Actually we both are.” Josh gazed into her gorgeous, golden brown eyes. “You can’t be a Phong without knowing your way around a kitchen.”

“Let’s get on our way,” Jacob said. “The place we picked out for our picnic is about an hour’s ride away. I’m sure we’ll all have quite the appetite by then.”

They led her to the horses.

“This is Dusty,” he told her, “the best horse I’ve ever owned.”

She smiled. “I’ve always loved quarter horses.”

“That’s good to know, since my horse is the same breed.” Jacob put his arm around Carrie. “This is Pecos.”

“He looks like he’s got quite the spirit.”

“He sure does,” Jacob said with pride.

“And this is the horse you’re riding today,” Josh told her, leading her to the mare. “This is Fancy.”

“Hi Fancy. Aren’t you gorgeous?” Carrie rubbed her nose.

The mare responded with a neigh.

Carri

e smiled and jumped into the saddle. “Seems like Fancy is ready to go.”

“Then let’s not keep her waiting.” He got on top of Dusty.

Jacob nodded, and mounted Pecos. “Let’s ride.”

The ride to the spot he and Jacob had chosen was incredible, all because of Carrie. She told them about how Jena had found her in Dallas and how shocked she’d been to learn her brother was alive. When she mentioned what her life had been like with the man named Willie, Josh felt a deep rage growing inside his body for what the lying bastard had done to Carrie. As he glanced at Jacob, he could tell his cousin was having the same reaction. But when she began talking about how glad she was to be in Destiny with her new family, his and Jacob’s spirits were lifted. Carrie had suffered so much her entire life. She deserved happiness, and he vowed to do whatever he could to make sure she got it.

“We’re here,” Jacob said, as they came to the place where the picnic was going to be.

Tall trees surrounded the crystal-clear mountain stream. It was one of the prettiest spots in all of Swanson County.

“Oh my God.” She dismounted Fancy. “This is even more beautiful than the ride yesterday.”

He tied up the horses and walked next to her, while Jacob spread out the blanket for their picnic.

“Guys, can we walk over to the water before we eat? I want to put my feet in.”

“Mountain streams are really cold,” Jacob told her. “Are you sure?”

She grinned. “I’m sure. At least for a minute. I’ve just got to feel it. That way it will help me remember this wonderful day.”

He put his arm around her, enjoying the closeness of their bodies. “We can do anything you like.”

“If Carrie is doing it, so am I.” Jacob pulled off his boots.

“Me, too,” he said, taking off his own.

They all three walked down to the stream’s edge and stepped in.

“O–hh m–my,” she stuttered. “You weren’t kidding. It’s very cold. Just like ice water.”

Jacob took her hand and laughed. “That’s because we’re not far from the top where the snow melts.”