Watching Sara Beth take the final jump, knowing her fear had finally been conquered, filled Johnny with an intense satisfaction. Even if Tim didn’t allow her onto the Circuit, she’d ridden better than most of professional riders. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, they knew it too.

 

She trotted her horse toward the return gate.

 

Johnny stood to the side, careful to keep her in view.

 

At the gate, where most of the other riders would swing off the saddle and let the assistants care for the horses, Sara Beth waved to Michael and he took the reins, towing her deeper into the bowels of the rodeo barn.

 

Johnny spun on his boot and rushed back into the holding area. He’d scouted out the Rourke Ranch stalls while waiting for Sara Beth to arrive. Finding them was easier than getting to them through the throng of people and animals.

 

From forty feet away, Johnny hesitated in his footing at seeing Tim approaching Sara Beth from the opposite side. A large Arabian crossed in front of Johnny, blocking him from view. The moment passed and Tim was gone.

 

Searching the crowd for his uncle, Johnny finally reached Sara Beth. He reached up with Michael and helped her dismount and settle into her chair set up on the side of the stall. Michael pulled Sugar inside and removed the tack, giving Johnny and Sara Beth some privacy.

 

Looking around once more, Johnny sat on the bench a foot from Sara Beth. “What happened? That was fast. He’d be a fool not to let you on.”

 

Eyes aglow with her success, Sara Beth’s words tumbled out. “He agreed to let me into the competition.”

 

Gut sinking, Johnny forced excitement. “Oh, that’s terrific. You’ll enjoy the Circuit. There’s a lot going on.” He’d miss her though. But it was what she wanted.

 

She shook her head, eyes dancing. “I turned him down.”

 

“You what? Why? This is your dream.” Flabbergasted, he watched her. If she toyed with him, he didn’t know what he would do with the hopeful emotions rising inside him.

 

“No. Independence is my dream. Not a pageant. I just always thought this was the only way I’d get it.” She half-shrugged, unstrapping the helmet-like hat covering her burnished curls.

 

“Isn’t it?” He sent a silent prayer out to the heavens. He hadn’t had a chance to talk with Slate and Robbie since he’d told them his idea. They’d jumped on the opportunity and had the papers brought up for the partnership. Part of Johnny didn’t want to know if Sara Beth had agreed or not. He really only wanted her to be happy with whatever she chose to do.

 

“No. I’m going to be training horses and riders at the Lonely Rivers Ranch. I actually got a job doing something I love.” She bounced in the seat, hands clenched in her lap.

 

Refusing to lie, or even hide anything from her, Johnny held out his hand. “Well, I’m glad to have you on board.”

 

She wrinkled her forehead and slowly took his proffered hand. “What do you mean? I just told you I’m not going to be on the Circuit.”

 

“Me either. My uncle doesn’t need me and I thought you’d be riding with them. I didn’t want to get in your way. Then I had the idea for the therapeutic saddle training school at Lonely Rivers and the training position just seemed a natural fit for you.” He reluctantly released her fingers. “I’m a full partner in the training business out there.”

 

Lips parted, Sara Beth stared at Johnny for almost a minute. She blinked. “Are you serious?”

 

“Yep.” Her reaction mattered very much to him. He waited for more.

 

“I work for you, now?” Her joy morphed into a frown and her lower lip trembled.

 

“Not necessarily…” He allowed his voice to trail off. How did he proceed? How did he tell her everything in his heart? Without scaring her off?

 

Clearing his throat, Johnny adjusted the collar on his shirt before looking into the dusky blue of Sara Beth’s eyes. “I’ve wanted to get my own place for a while, but I always thought I had to work the Circuit because I’m a Mayfair. I found out I don’t have to and my uncle has agreed to buy my shares of the Mayfair estate. I didn’t realize how much I was worth.”

 

His sardonic laugh fell softly between them. “I know I just left without any explanations. I’m not perfect.” He scooted closer to her, taking her hands in his. “But I know you. I can’t stop thinking about you, making plans for my future and they all center around you.” He searched her face for acknowledgement, even a hint that she might feel the same way.

 

He reached up and tucked a stray curl behind her ear, his chest aching with emotion. “Sara Beth, I really like you. I would love to date you officially. I’ve missed you so much. I can get that ranch south of Colby. I’ll be close enough to Rourke Ranch, we can hang out whenever you want. You can work with me at Lonely Rivers. What do you say?” He swallowed, his mouth dry. He had to add one last plea. “You became my closest friend and if nothing else, I want that back. I miss you.”

 

Eyes shining with unshed tears, Sara Beth shook her head slowly side to side.

 

Johnny’s stomach dropped and what felt like a solid axe split through his heart. He swallowed. “No?”

 

She burst out laughing mingled with sobs. “You dolt. I can’t wait to work with you. And I’ve missed you so much. Not no. Just…” The tears fell and she pointed at her legs. “I don’t want you to date me, maybe we even fall for each other and then get married without you knowing that I might not be able to have kids. I can’t give up trying to get Lisa to see me as her sister. I don’t want to let you down – chain you to this life with me when you could be with someone who’s… I don’t know, normal?”

 

“You’re so much more than normal. I’m not going to argue this with you. Quit pitying your legs. You have so much to be proud of. If you never walk again, who cares? I couldn’t care less one way or the other. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.” Beside her on the bench, Johnny pressed his lips together. “When we get to the having-children bridge, we’ll cross it. I’m not opposed to adoption. But I’m not worried about any of that. I just want you.”

 

He pointed over his shoulder like Lisa stood there. “And as for Lisa, if it makes you happy to try to get her into your life? I can handle it. Maybe I can even help you figure out how to get through to her. I do know her more than you do, after all. I’m sure that if we get you and Rosie together, you can convince her to at least listen.”

 

“As my boyfriend, you’re going to have to go to Michael and Rosie’s wedding.” She gnawed on her lip. “Do you think we should invite Lisa?”

 

His heart melded back together in one fell binding of the tissue and spirit. “You’re okay with all this?” Johnny almost didn’t speak loud for fear her answer would be scared away.

 

“I am definitely okay with all of this!” She threw her arms around his neck and their lips met, tentatively at first and then firmly with intent.

 

Finally in each other’s arms, Johnny welcomed the slight weight of her against his chest. She was his. He could breathe again. He’d thought he’d lost her – his friend and the woman he loved. He wasn’t ready to tell her how he felt. He’d have to break the news to her gently over time. Sara Beth might not know it yet, but they were destined to be together. He could wait until she was ready to acknowledge her feelings. Until then, he would bide his time and fall further in love with her every day. Oh, boy, he was a sap.

 

They pulled back as if in a well-choreographed dance. Without hesitation, their lips met again, sealing the whispered promises between them.

 

Johnny would let Sara Beth know later about a man named Jason Mendes who was asking about her and Lisa the other day at the offices. Jason had identified himself as FBI. For the moment, Johnny just wanted to hold his girl and partner and think of how far they’d both come since finding each other.

 

Falling had taken more than gravity to push them closer.

 

Rosie’s Redemption is right after this! Keep scrolling! This is the end of Riding for Redemption, KEEP READING for the first chapter of Lisa’s story, , where you can order ! Sign up for my and get more information about all things survival and my work.

 

Dear Reader,

 

Thank you so much for following the story of Sara Beth and her trials at discovering she’s so much more than a pair of legs.

 

One thing I would hope for you is that you realize no matter what your limitations are, your potential is so much greater than even you can imagine. Don’t give up. Pretend you have a Sugar to conquer and then go out and conquer it!

 

The Caracus girls are warming my heart the more I get to know them. I hope you are enjoying them as well. Lisa gets into trouble and her heart is in danger of never loving – but even her cynicism can’t hold back affection from the unlikeliest of sources.

 

If you’re curious about whom the MacAllisters are and haven’t had a chance to read the Lonely Lace Series, check out the first book!

 

This was a fun story to tell and what started out as just a two book series quickly turned into five. The five sisters all play an integral part in each other’s recovery toward redemption. I do hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

Thank you again for spending time with me and the Clearwater County residents.

 

I hope to hear from you and am enjoying each and every email I receive.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

Bonnie Paulson

 

Sign up for my and get free reads and so much more delivered to your inbox. It’s a chance for us to connect!