Nothing smelled sweeter than the rain in Wyoming. Aliza loved to sit outside and just watch it fall, taking in the cool air, and soft sent. Her little country home out in the middle of nowhere was the perfect place to be on days like this. She didn't care much for company since the love of her life had passed away leaving her to figure out this crazy world all by herself. She stood up and threw the last of her cigarette in to the ashtray then went back inside and grabbed another glass of wine. When she returned to the front door way she saw a shadow coming up her road through the rain. Soon she could tell it was a horse with a man on top. It wasn't uncommon for people to go out horseback riding in these parts but it was rather strange to be out in a storm like this.
"Hello! Are you ok?" She shouted out, questioning why she was hollering to a strange man.
"Hi there. I'm sorry but with all this awful weather I seem to have got a little led astray. Is there any chance we could stay here until it passes over?" The man came close enough Eliza could see his face.
He had a rugged look to him but was very handsome. Piercing blue eyes and sandy blonde hair and just soaked to the bone.
"Normally I'd say no but I feel bad for your horse." She said petting the large beast on the snout. "There's a barn out back with some stalls and fresh hay. Starfire is in their too but she won't mind sharing. You both can stay out there tonight. It's nice and warm."
"Well thank you mam. My name is Jeramiah." He jumped off his horse extending his hand towards her. When she just looked at him he dropped it to his side. "Well uh, this here is Goliath." He said pointing at the horse that he now was holding by the reigns.
"Nice to meet you both let me show you the way." She turned towards the barn aware now that her white top was soaked she wrapped her coat around her tightly.
Jeramiah and his horse followed quietly behind her. She felt the mans eyes staring at her and it made a slight shiver go down her spine. It had been a long while before she had, had a mans attention.
"Well here ya are. Like I said fresh hay and warmth. That's Starfire." She pointed to her painted mare who stood in the stall across from them. "I imagine this storm will move on by tomorrow."
She turned to leave and felt Jeramiahs hand reach out and grab her slender wrist. She just looked at his hand there for a minute before pulling away.
"I'm sorry mam, but is there any chance I could trouble you for some food also? I can't very well eat hay and I haven't ate since yesterday."
Curtly she nodded and gestured for him to follow her to the house.
At the doorway she turned to him and looked at his muddy boots and soaked clothes.
"I think David was about your build. Strip off those clothes and I will dry them for you. You're going to get sick." She walked to the stove and turned it on. The soup she was going to make for dinner was all ready there and ready to go. Then she left the kitchen and went to her bedroom closet. In the back sat a box of David's clothes she hadn't touched in years.