Spring Forward, Fall Back in Love Read online

  Spring Forward, Fall Back in Love

  Title Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  SPRING FORWARD,

  FALL BACK IN LOVE

  Carol Preflatish

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright © 2013 Carol Preflatish

  Second Edition 2015

  This book is available in print at most online retailers.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ALL RIGHT RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright holder.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  Cover Art Layout: DusktilDawn Designs

  Cover Artist: Dawné Dominique

  Chapter One

  Grace Taylor exited her car at the small hotel in Summit, Colorado. Her hometown had grown so much since she left ten years ago after high school. She never thought she would return, but here she was.

  After checking in at the hotel, she drove outside of town to the Buck Creek Ranch and Stables. When she walked into the office, she immediately recognized the man behind the counter.

  "Mr. Watkins?" she asked.

  "Yes. Can I help you?" He had an inquisitive look on his face as if trying to figure out who she was. "Grace? Grace Caldwell?"

  "That's me, except it's Taylor now."

  "Oh my gosh. Come here and let me give you a hug." He came around the counter and did just that. "I don't think I've seen you since your high school graduation."

  "That's right. This is my first trip back."

  "How are your parents? You all moved Colorado Springs, right?"

  "Yes. Dad got a job there and I attended the university. They're still there and doing well."

  "That's good to hear. What brings you back?"

  "My company is hosting a retreat for some of the employees. My co-workers know that I used to ride horses in competition, but that's been so long ago that I thought I would come for a refresher course."

  "You know as well as I do that you never forget how to ride. There's something else." He crooked his head waiting for an answer.

  "The last time I rode was my first year in college and I got thrown. I haven't been back on since."

  "Well, we'll fix you right up. When do you want to start?"

  "How about tomorrow morning?"

  "Be here by ten and I'll have a horse and instructor waiting for you."

  "That would be great."

  "I'll tell Cindy you're in town too, if you don't mind."

  "Is she still around?"

  "She went to college but moved back about five years ago. She practically runs the Blue Spruce Hotel."

  "Really? That's where I'm staying. I'll make sure to look her up."

  "You two were practically inseparable when you were kids."

  "I know. I can't wait to see her. Is her last name still Watkins?"

  "Yeah, her mom and I keep hoping she'll marry and give us some grandkids, but that hasn't happened yet. How about you?"

  "Me, kids? No, I actually just divorced a few months ago."

  "I'm sorry to hear that, but you keep looking. You never know when the right person will show up."

  "I suppose. I'll see you in the morning."

  Watkins gave her wave goodbye and she headed outside to her car. She looked around the ranch remembering how it used to look. Several men stood next to the stable and then walked inside. With the sun so bright, she had difficulty seeing. Was that? No, it couldn't have been.

  "That couldn't have been Andy. He wanted out of this town as much as I did back then," she said aloud. She got in her car and drove back to the hotel. When she walked into the lobby, she heard someone call her name.

  "Grace, wait."

  She turned around to see Cindy Watkins hurrying to catch up to her. The two ladies hugged. "It's so good to see you. I just left your dad."

  "I know. He called to tell me you were in town and staying here." Cindy held up her cell phone.

  Grace chuckled. "I forgot how fast news travels around here. You look wonderful and your dad said you run the hotel."

  Now it was Cindy's turn to laugh. "Not exactly. Dad gets a little carried away when he talks about me. I'm the Events Coordinator for the conferences held here at the hotel. I set up the entertainment, a concert every once in a while, but mostly I work with corporations for their conferences."

  "I guess you set up the retreat for my company next weekend."

  "Probably so. What's the company?"

  "The Myers Corporation out of Denver."

  "Yes, that would be me. As I recall, there's a trail ride scheduled."

  "And, that's why I'm here now. I need to brush up on my riding skills."

  "You? You were a champion rider back in school. One whole wall of your room was covered with ribbons and trophies."

  "It's a long story, but I haven't ridden since my first year of college."

  Cindy's cell phone began to buzz. She looked at it and then at Grace. "I've got to go, but I'd love to catch up. Would you like to meet for dinner tonight?"

  "I'm afraid I have a conference call this evening for work. Could we make it tomorrow night?"

  "Sure, that would work better for me anyway. How about seven o'clock in the hotel's restaurant?"

  "Perfect."

  "I'll make the reservation. See you then." Cindy rushed off, and Grace took the elevator to her room.

  The next morning, Grace walked into the office at Buck Creek Ranch. This time, instead of Mr. Watkins, a young lady stood behind the counter. "Can I help you?"

  "Yes. I'm Grace Taylor and I have a riding lesson scheduled at ten."

  The lady typed something on the computer. "We have you listed right here. How many lessons will you be taking?"

  "I'd like to try it for three days."

  "Great." She typed more on the computer. "I'll need a credit card and you know these are non-refundable lessons."

  "I understand."

  The girl swiped the credit card and then gave Grace the slip to sign, as well as a couple release forms. "Thanks you. If you'll have a seat on the porch, I'll send the trail guide out to get you."

  Grace walked out and sat down in one of the wooden rocking chairs. The spring day couldn't have been better for riding—sunny and cool with a light breeze. She remembered days like this when she, Cindy and Andy used to clean the stables at the Carver's ranch down the road. She had the best memories from working there.

  "Miss Taylor?" a male voice called from the end of the porch.

  She rose from the chair and turned to find Andy Granger waiting for her. "Andy?" She rose from the chair and turned to find Andy Granger waiting for her. Her high school boyfriend was the last person she had hoped to run into, but now that he was in front of her, she felt her knees go a little weak. He took off his cowboy hat and wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. His clingy shirt and tight jeans sent her heart into palpitations. She had to take a deep breath to calm herself.

  He stepped upon t
he porch. "Gracie, what are you doing here?"

  "I'm here for riding lessons."

  "I'm your trail guide."

  "No! No way am I going out on a ride with you. Get me another guide," she demanded.

  "I'm the only one available.”

  Grace turned and went back into the main office followed by Andy. With the young lady gone, Mr. Watkins now stood behind the counter.

  "Hello, Grace. Ready for your ride?" He glanced at Andy.

  "Mr. Watkins, are there any other guides available, other than Andy?"

  "What's wrong with Andy?"

  "Remember, he and I used to date in high school and then we broke up?"

  "But, that was eight years ago. Don't you think you've both put your past behind you?"

  "I would really prefer a different guide."

  Mr. Watkins scratched his head. "Well, honey, I'm really sorry, but all the other guides are already out for the day."

  Grace looked at Andy.

  "It's me or nothing," he said.

  "Fine!" She stomped out of the building, her boots clacking on the hardwood floor as she did.

  Andy followed her out. "Gracie, wait." He grabbed her arm.

  "Don't call me that." She jerked her arm out of his grasp.

  "I always called you that."

  "Not any more. That was a long time ago. Let's just stick to Grace."

  "Whatever you want."

  She turned and started toward the barn.

  "Will you wait? I want to talk to you."

  She stopped and put her hands on her hips. "What?"

  "Why do you need riding lessons? You used to be one of the best riders around."

  "I'm getting tired of explaining that. During my first year of college, I was riding with some friends and I got thrown when my horse stepped in a prairie dog hole. I hit my head resulting in a concussion, but even worse, my horse broke her leg and we had to put Oreo down. I wasn't paying attention. It was all my fault." A tear escaped the corner of her eye and trailed down her cheek before she wiped it away.

  "Oreo? The horse you grew up with?"

  "Yes."

  "I'm sorry. I know how much you love that horse."

  "I haven't ridden since."

  "It wasn't your fault. Prairie dog holes are hard to see. It could happen to anyone."

  "Can we get started?" She wiped her eyes and headed toward the barn,

  Andy caught up and walked in silence along side of her. When they entered the barn, she stopped when she saw the two horses saddled and waiting for them.

  "Is that Ricochet?" She walked over to the black horse and it immediately started nuzzling her.

  "He remembers you," Andy said. "I don't usually ride him here at work, but I thought I was teaching a beginner today and it would be an easy ride for him."

  "An easy ride is what I want."

  "You'll be riding Rosebud. She's about as gentle as they come."

  Grace walked over to the chestnut colored horse. "Hi girl, I'm Grace." The horse dipped her head as if to say hi back.

  Andy got on Ricochet and turned to Grace. "I don't know how much instruction you need, so you'll have to let me know when you need help."

  "I will." She grabbed the horn of the saddle, but hesitated before mounting the horse, just staring at the saddle.

  "Grace, are you okay?"

  His voice startled her. "Yes, I just needed a minute." She mounted the horse and let out a sigh of relief.

  "We're going to take the low land trail. It's a mile loop, level, and a pretty easy ride."

  "That sounds like a good start."

  Through a gate and along a row of fencing and she was off on her first ride in ten years.

  "Can I ask you a question," Andy inquired.

  "You can ask, but I might not answer."

  "Fair enough. Your name on the registration form said Taylor. Are you married?"

  Since they had known each other for a long time, Grace decided it was a fair question. "I was. My divorce was recently final. I probably should have changed my name back, but with work and all, it was just easier to keep his name."

  "I'm sorry to hear about the divorce."

  "Oh, I'm not. He was a jerk. I divorced him. He cheated on me," she admitted.

  "I can't imagine anyone cheating on you."

  "Can we not talk about this?"

  "Sure. Sorry."

  They rode a few more yards down the trail. "It's so beautiful here. I never thought I would miss this place, but coming back I think I'm beginning to."

  "Where do you live now?" he asked.

  "In Denver."

  "A city girl now, eh?"

  "Maybe a little, but I think I'm feeling the country coming back."

  The trail now led them out into a large field that Grace knew contained prairie dog holes. She stopped her horse.

  "Why are you stopping?"

  "I don't want her stepping in a hole.”

  "You can tell by the worn grass where the trail is, so there shouldn't be any to step in. I'll go in front and keep an eye out."

  "Okay."

  They made it through the field with no problems and the trail now led them along the base of a mountain. She watched Andy ahead of her as they maneuvered around trees and boulders. She noticed how he hadn't changed much since high school. Older now, but just as handsome. He had definitely stayed in shape over the years. Working on a ranch will keep you that way, she figured.

  One thing she didn't notice was whether he wore a wedding ring. She chastised herself for the thought. He was the last person she needed to become interested in.

  An hour later, they came to a shelter house with a picnic table and a stream flowing by. "This is the halfway point. We can take a break here," he suggested, dismounting from his horse.

  Grace got down from her horse, feeling a little stiff. "I have a feeling I may not be able to move tomorrow."

  "After this short trip?"

  "I haven't used these muscles in ten years, remember?"

  Andy laughed. "I suppose you’re right."

  He opened one of his saddlebags and got out two bottles of water and a couple small plastic zipper bags. "Here, some water and something to snack on."

  When he handed her the water, she looked at his hand. No wedding ring and no tan line indicating one he wasn't wearing.

  "Thanks." She took the water and he placed one of the bags on the table. "What's in the other bag?"

  "Carrots for the horses."

  "Can I give it to them?" she asked.

  "Sure." He handed her the bag.

  She walked over to where the horses were getting a drink from the water trough by the stream.

  "Here you go, Ricochet. A little treat for you and Rosebud." She held her hand out flat with a few carrots on her palm. She took turns letting the horses eat.

  "How long are you here for, Grace?"

  "Three days for lessons and then back next weekend for my company retreat and ride."

  "Is Buck Creek doing your trail ride?"

  "No, Blue Spruce Hotel is handing the whole retreat." With no more carrots left, she walked back over to join him at the table.

  "I guess Cindy is handling things over there then."

  "Yes. I saw her yesterday and she said he set up the whole thing. We're having dinner together tonight at the hotel."

  "I'm sure she'll catch you up on the old gang. Who's married to who and who's divorced from who, and who's sleeping with who."

  "It sounds like things don't change much."

  "No, not much. If you're finished, we probably should be heading back to the ranch."

  "I'm ready." She took one last drink of water and handed the bottle and empty carrot bag back to Andy, and he stowed it back in his saddlebag.

  Back on the horses and on the trail, Grace paid closer attention to the mountains in front of them. Even with the spring warming in the valley, the winter snows were still in the mountains. "Do you think we could take a trip on a mountain trail on the l
ast day?" she asked.

  "If you think you'll be up to that, I don't see why not. You seem to be getting comfortable again in the saddle."

  "We'll see how tomorrow goes first."

  "I think I'll take you on a moderate trail tomorrow, with a little more grade to it, especially if you want to go on a mountain trail the next day."

  "Okay." She did feel more comfortable than when she first got on the horse. She hated to admit it to herself, but it helped having Andy as her guide.

  When they reached the field, she didn't hesitate this time. In fact, she rode next to Andy instead of following behind him. She still kept a close eye out for holes though.

  Around the bend and they reached the fencerow, the last stretch of the ride.

  "Feel like taking it a little faster to the finish?" he asked.

  "Maybe just an easy gallop, but not full speed."

  "Let's go." He gave Ricochet a little kick with his heels and off he went.

  "Andy, I said easy gallop," she called after him. Kicking her heels she took off after him.

  * * * *

  "Grace, over here." Cindy Watkins waved at Grace as she came into the restaurant.

  "Hi, Cindy. I thought I was going to be so late and you'd be gone." Grace sat down, winded.

  "You're not so late. Did you have a busy day?"

  "I did." The waitress came to the table to take Grace's drink order. "I'll have a Cosmopolitan, please." With her order, the waitress left. "I had my riding lesson this morning and then had some work to do in my room before coming here."

  "You did have a big day. How was your lesson? Is everything coming back?"

  Grace laughed. "More things came back than I hoped. Did you know that Andy was a trail guide at Buck Creek Stables?"

  "Yes, I did. He works for dad. I wish I had thought of that to warn you. Sorry."

  "I nearly went into shock when he stepped on the porch!” I had hoped I wouldn't run into him while here. I even asked your dad if anyone else was available but there wasn't." She shook her head. "I don't know how I'm going to make it through two more rides with him."