in our family tend the stock at home when one of us falls ill or injured,” Colin said. “They do just as good a job as the cowhands. He needn’t worry about your riding capabilities.”
Leo took the reins from Father, put them over Nutmeg’s head, then positioned his hands to give her a leg up.
“You don’t have to do that,” she said.
He met her gaze. My, but he had nice eyes. Not that the rest of him wasn’t nice too. “I want to,” he said.
She shrugged, put her foot in his hands and let him help her into the saddle. Once she was settled, he mounted his own horse, a dapple gray with black mane and tail. “Why did you name this horse after a spice?”
“That’s Ebba’s horse,” Daniel said. “She named her that ‘cause the horse’s coat’s the same color as nutmeg.”
Parthena patted Nutmeg’s neck. “She’s pretty.”
“Ebba and the children think so,” Daniel said. “Shall we go?”
“We’re waiting for one more,” Leo said with a smile.
Parthena glanced at her father, who also smiled. “Who?”
“Ho there!”
Everyone turned. “Clinton!” Parthena said.
“Clinton!” Savannah echoed. She ran across the barnyard as her brother dismounted. They gave each other a big hug.
Parthena dismounted and hugged him next. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Sorry I didn’t come for breakfast, but it’s always chaotic in the mornings with Harold. That boy can stir up a ruckus.”
“And when do I get to see my new grandnephew?” Father asked.
“As soon as we get back, he should be done with his morning nap.”
Parthena laughed. “Do you like being a father?”
Clinton grinned. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And it looks like it’s going to happen again soon.”
Parthena sighed and glanced at Leo as Savannah hit her brother with a list of questions. Leo smiled back. For some reason she blushed, just as she’d done in Ma’s sewing room. She didn’t know why. What did she care if he thought she looked pretty in the dress she tried on? By the same token, what did she care now? Savannah was the one he should be smiling at, not her …
Oh, now he was. Well, then she could rest easy. He should be smiling at her cousin. After all, that was part of why Savannah was here. She watched her cousins speak with each other, Savannah’s hands waving all over, then finally led her horse toward them. “Would you like to go out with us to look at the stock, Savannah? You can ride with me on Nutmeg.”
Savannah turned to her. “Thank you, but no. I’ll be getting a lesson in hat making from Ma.”
Parthena laughed. “Try not to stick yourself with a pin.”
Savannah rolled her eyes. “You know I will regardless.”
Clinton made a face. “You mean you haven’t got the hang of that yet?”
“Everyone who sews misses once in a while, brother. And millinery is a different beast.”
Leo chuckled atop his horse.
“What’s so funny?” Parthena asked.
He smiled. “It’s just the thought of anyone sticking themselves with a needle after sewing for so many years …”
“You try it,” she countered.
He waved his hands at her. “Oh, no, I know better. I’m sure you’re a better cowhand than I am a seamstress.”
She smiled back mischievously. “I’m sure too. I look forward to showing you. Do any of the Weaver and Cucinotta women herd and rope?”
“Mel, a little. Mostly to be around Clinton as much as she can, I think.”
“Oh, really.” Now her grin was devilish, she was sure.
He swallowed. “Hmmm … you remind me of my sisters with that look.”
“Oh?” She nudged her horse closer to his.
Savannah glanced over but continued her conversation with Clinton.
Parthena smiled at Leo, then rode toward her cousins again. She didn’t want Savannah to think Leo was paying more attention to her. After all, he wasn’t the reason she’d come along on this visit. She’d just wanted to travel, even if it was to Nowhere. She wished Leo would do something to let her cousin know he was interested, but so far he’d only been gentlemanly and cordial save for that moment he and Savannah stared into each other’s eyes yesterday. She’d have to do something about that, but what?
She watched her cousins speak, then jumped in when she could. “Are you sure you don’t want to come along? You two could catch up along the way.”
Savannah shook her head. “No, I want to try on dresses and have a hat-making lesson. I’m not going to pass up a chance to learn from a master.”
“Nonna is the