I grabbed the saddle horn and the back of the saddle, got one foot in the stirrup and bounced up as if I did it every day. I was sure I couldn’t pull that off twice. The brute I was riding was named Princess. She was more agile than I expected and had a nice, easy gait. This was like riding in a Cadillac. You just seemed to float in the saddle. I followed Devin around the side of the barn to a trail. It had snowed earlier in the day, and there was about 18 inches of the stuff on the ground. I could tell we were on a busy trail because the snow was packed down by horses and four-wheel drives.
Devin started talking as we rode.
“We have 120 acres worth of paddocks surrounding the ranch. The ranch extends for the full length of the valley, basically as far as you can see. The remainder of the acreage is open range. We’re going to get some elevation under us so you can see the full layout.”
After several minutes, we broke off the main path. We were on a twisting trail that started to climb slowly up the Northern ridge. When we got a little higher, we entered a wooded area. The whole time Devin was telling me about the ranch. We wound through forest and suddenly we were out of it. A few minutes later, we could see over the trees, and it opened up to a bluff overlooking everything. I could see for miles. The ranch looked like a model from this distance, complete with miniature people and horses.
“This is breathtaking,” I said as we gazed up the valley. “I can see why you love it.”
Devin got excited.
“See that.”
I looked up along where he was pointing. There was a big buck and three does peeking out of the trees. They suddenly became alert. It was like watching National Geographic as a pack of four wolves broke cover. The deer exploded into motion to flee. One of the does stumbled and miraculously avoided being taken down. I was shocked when the wolves didn’t pursue the deer.
“Why didn’t the wolves give chase?”
Devin had a sparkle in his eyes.
“Those four are pups. They were just having fun. If the rest of pack was here, that doe would never have gotten away. We call them the four stooges. They’re always getting into trouble. We’ve had to chase them off a couple of times when they got too close to the farm.”
I watched as the smallest wolf suddenly pounced on the biggest one. They were soon rolling in the snow. The other two trotted into the woods, ignoring their sister’s antics. When the big male looked like he had the upper hand, she yelped. The other two suddenly burst from the woods and tackled the bully. Devin and I just sat quietly and watched the fun unfold. As if some signal was made, they all stopped and cocked their heads. They were soon bounding into the woods after whatever caught their attention.
“We’re hoping for a little more snow tonight,” Devin said. “We have areas in the north valley that will really show off our gear. First thing in the morning, we’ll head into the lodge at the ski resort and shoot some of the clothes. Do you know how to snowboard?”
“I know how to fall off one.”
I could tell by the excitement in Devin’s voice that he loved to snowboard. I was looking forward to him teaching me how to stay upright.
“I’ll spend some time teaching you. You’re an athlete, so it shouldn’t take you long to learn.” His face brightened. “You’ll love it. There’s nothing like the feeling of slicing down a hill. Once you’re ready, we’ll let you loose on one of the runs we’ve shut down for the shoots. We want to show you coming down a hill on virgin snow.”
“I can’t wait,” I said, and Devin smiled, seeing I meant it.
He then took me to some other spots of interest. I was sure we could have spent the day riding and exploring the wonders of the valley. He seemed to revel in seeing my expressions when he showed me something new. I felt a little jealous that he grew up with this as his backyard. I could just imagine Greg and me camping out and running wild.
We rode for another hour and then we worked our way back. I was glad Sandy had clued me into the Vaseline tip. The wind was cold and biting, and I was sure I would’ve had rosy cheeks if I hadn’t used it. On the trip back, Devin quizzed me about my flight with Sandy. I answered his questions, and I think he was relieved when he heard there was no romantic interest. He then quizzed me about Kendal. I teased him about her but stood firm when he wanted details and I told him he needed to talk to her. I knew Kendal was still seeing her boyfriend from college. I also knew they were planning to split when school ended, so I didn’t want to give anything away.
WE HAD DINNER THAT night at the main house. It was a log home. When you entered, you were in a great room with 20-foot ceilings. Devin had told me on the ride that the home was built for a bootlegger in the late 1920s. Their family purchased it in the early ’60s. In the mid-’90s the home was in disrepair, so they moved out and had it completely redone.
Clare had shown up at the ranch when we were out riding, so it was the six of us for dinner. As soon as we sat down, Clare started giving me shit.
“I got a strange call today from Adrienne’s people. Apparently, she’s upset you’re not taking her to your prom.”
If no one was paying attention before, they were now. Kendal’s face went white and I thought she might throw up. Mom was choking on her wine, and neither one of them would make eye contact with me. I got the idea I was on my own with this one.
“Why the hell not?” asked Sandy.
She was looking at me as if I was an idiot, which I was. I tried to come up with a plausible explanation.
“Adrienne’s my backup plan. We’re in negotiations with Hannah Minacci to be my prom date,” I said to Sandy, giving her a serious look.
I watched as she and Devin did matching double takes, and then I turned to Clare.
“Who let the cat out of the bag? I hadn’t officially asked Adrienne yet.”
Clare now had a shocked look on her face. I saw the wheels turning.
“Oh shit. I need to make some calls.”
I gave a heavy sigh and looked deflated.
“Give me Adrienne’s direct number and I’ll straighten it out.”
To my amazement, she gave me her number. You’d better believe it was programmed into my cell phone in a flash. Kendal and Mom rolled their eyes at me as I dialed, because they knew what I’d pulled off. Now Clare, Sandy and Devin were all looking at me as if I were a rock star.
“Hello.”
Holy shit, she answered!
“Hey, it’s David. I hear you’re mad at me.”
“David?”
She was trying to figure out who I was. Then she sounded annoyed.
“I hear you aren’t taking me to your prom. Are you dumping me for Hannah?”
“Oh Baby, you’re my number one. What Hannah and I had was fleeting. I would love it if you went to Prom with me.”
She laughed out loud.
“I bet you have a bunch of people listening, don’t you?”
“You know me, Baby. So how about a little fun, and you and I do Prom? I promise it’ll be a night you’ll never forget.”
“You kill me. Who all is with you?”
“Now don’t get jealous, Baby, I know I was supposed to check in. I’m having dinner with Clare Thomas, Kendal Miller, my mom, and Devin and Sandy Range from Range Sports.”
Adrienne broke out laughing again.
“Seriously, that was smooth. I’m glad you aren’t a little older or I’d be very interested in your cute butt.”
“Babycakes, you don’t have to put conditions on it. You can have my cute butt anytime you want it.”
She dropped the phone, apparently from laughing too hard. While she was picking it up, I was snapping my fingers at Kendal and mouthing ‘What date is Prom?’ Mom picked up a dinner roll and whipped it at my head, but I caught it with my free hand and gave her a dirty look. The other three all had their mouths open in shock.
Adrienne came back on the line.
“Okay, my favorite young stud.”