Page 29 of Lost Trust

She’s a gorgeous brunette, her long hair flying behind her, a huge smile lighting up her face.

Bryce barely gets his door open before she reaches him.

“Bryce!”

He steps out just in time to catch her as she launches herself into his arms.

He laughs, wrapping both arms around her and lifting her slightly off the ground.

“Hey, Chuck.”

There is no mistaking it. This has to be Charli.

I unbuckle my seat belt and climb out.

“Come on, buddy.”

I open the back door, and Ryder scrambles out, his hat still perched crookedly on his head. The two of us walk around the truck.

Bryce and Charli finally separate, though he keeps one arm around her waist.

“Charli, this is Marina Kincade.”

Her eyes immediately find mine. “Nice to meet you, Marina.”

“I’m happy to meet you too.”

She smiles warmly, and then her gaze drops. She steps out of Bryce’s arm and crouches down until she’s eye level with Ryder.

“Well, hello there.”

Ryder looks at her from beneath the brim of his giant hat.

“Who is this handsome little cowboy?”

Ryder looks up at me.

I nod.

He looks back at Charli. “I’m Ryder Cassel.”

My heart melts.

Charli’s eyes widen. “Ryder?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh.” Charli presses a hand over her heart. “Well, Ryder, you might be the cutest cowboy I’ve ever seen.”

He grins as she reaches out and gently adjusts his hat.

“That is a very serious cowboy hat.”

“My mamaw got it for me for my birthday.”

“Well, your mamaw has excellent taste.”

Ryder looks at the barn. “Are those your horses?”