Promise Canyon (Virgin River #13)(11)

"I brought a jacket and a--" She felt silly about the sleeping bag. Did she really plan to lie on the ground next to a twisting, kicking horse through the night? Even in August, in the mountains or surrounded by them, it was cold after dark. "I'd be willing to share the sandwich," she said. "Who knows, you might not get pot roast delivery for a long time."

"I don't know. I feel like I'm taking a chance on a mushroom sandwich."

"You might actually like it. Hey, you aren't planning on leaving this horse in the pasture, are you? Because, if I remember, she can't be grazing. Isn't she off food?"

"I'm on top of it, Lilly. The barn and corral where she was kept--Nathaniel looked at it and it's out of the question. It's filthy, cluttered, the fence in poor condition. Once she takes a turn for the better, I'm going to take her to Nathaniel's clinic. And until she's feeling a lot better, believe me, I won't let her graze. She's miserable."

"Yeah," Lilly said, connecting with the mare's eyes. "Be right back," she said. She jogged toward her Jeep. With her hands on a fence post, she put one booted foot on the top barbed wire, pressed down and jumped over. Getting back over the fence was slightly more difficult--her hands were full of food and drink. "Bottled water or apple juice?" she asked him.

"You first," he said. "I have a couple of warm colas in the truck."

She smirked and handed him the apple juice. "This is much better for you. And hold these, please."

"Nuts?" he asked.

"Also good for you, as is the half sandwich."

"I don't know...."

"Be a big boy," she said, and then thought, he is really such a big boy! But she kept her eyes cast down and opened the wrapping of her sandwich. She'd already cut it in half, thankfully. She put her water on the ground and traded with him--sandwich for bags of nuts. "Think she'll let us sit down?" she asked.

Clay dropped the rope and backed away. "Better give her space. She isn't thinking about her human friends right now. She could drop on you and grind you right into the pasture."

Lilly followed him about ten feet away from the mare, then carefully sat. "I probably have a...a blanket or sleeping bag in the Jeep...." She still couldn't admit to planning to sleep beside a sick horse she had no real connection to.

"Yeah, me, too," he said. "But the ground is dry enough." Down he went, crossing his legs. "And so. We have a mushroom sandwich."

"One of my favorites," she said. "What brought you to Nate's practice?" With the question, she bit into hers.

"I have family nearby. A married sister with a family in Grace Valley. And if you come from the mountains, the cold mountains at about seven thousand feet, Los Angeles County is a little low, hot and smoggy. Even out in the hills."

"Why don't you just go back to Flagstaff?"

"Because there's no opportunity in Flagstaff. Do you know how many Northern Arizona U PhDs are waiting tables there because they just can't make themselves leave? And God knows there aren't any rich horse breeders looking for help on the reservation. Nah, this is pretty, around here, and close to family, and Nathaniel is good people and he's offering me a terrific opportunity to help grow his business. How'd you end up here?" he asked. And then he bit into his sandwich. He chewed a bit, then winced and made a face.

She couldn't help it--she laughed and covered her mouth with her hand.

"How do you eat this?" he asked.

"I like it," she said, still laughing. "Give it to me. Eat nuts, that'll hold you awhile."

"So?" he asked, passing the sandwich back.

"So my grandma died and a few years later my grandpa heard through a friend that the feed company was for sale and he thought he could make it work. He'd always wanted his own business. And it was just him and me, so..."

"Where are your parents?" he asked.

"Anyone's guess," she answered, filling her mouth again.

He let her chew. He piled nuts in his mouth while she worked on her mouthful. When she had finally swallowed, he asked, "So, are you...?"

"Grandpa and I moved here when I was thirteen and I think it was the right move," she said, cutting off his next question. "Because I did well in school, made new friends, and although Yaz will never admit it, he's making money on silage and hay." She laughed and shook her head. "Don't try to trick an old Hopi into telling you what he's got in his pocket. He's crafty."

Clay studied her for a moment, really wanting to know a lot more about her and fully aware she was keeping her answers impersonal. "I think maybe you're crafty, too."

She smiled as though she had a secret. "I have been trained by the best."

She bit into her sandwich and the mare farted.

"Well, that was nice," Lilly said. "Very ladylike."

Clay laughed at her. "Music to my ears," he said. He stood up. "I think she'll be going in the trailer real soon. I think what you call that in veterinary medicine is progress."

Lilly hated the idea of ending the conversation even if it was getting a little close for comfort for her. "Shouldn't you wait until you're sure that blockage clears?"