“And, as you can imagine, the bidding was hot and heavy. My friend just kept the paddle up until the gavel fell.”
“What’d she go for?”
“A lot. I didn’t ask the number, but I could find out if you’re interested.”
“Is she for sale?”
“Definitely not.”
Molly felt the crushing news. She’d made the mistake of allowing her hopes to rise.
“What do you mean about the owner keeping her under the radar?”
“Well, my contact says the owner is working hard to stay anonymous. He bought her as a sixteenth birthday present for his daughter. If he kept Ginger in Oregon and word got out that he’s the buyer, it might ruin the surprise for his daughter who’s very active in horse circles. So he’s got Ginger in witness protection at Summer’s End until the girl’s birthday. That’s why the booking is only for one month.”
Molly was disappointed. She took a deep breath. She got it. This is exactly what her father had done to get her Jo for her eighteenth birthday.
“Okay, well, it was worth asking. Thanks for checking. If you learn anything more, let me know.”
“Sorry I don’t have better news, Molly.”
“Hey, it is what it is. Thanks again.”
Molly signed off the call and took a drink of cold beer. She missed Bart. She missed Bear. She missed Jo. She missed Ginger. She didn’t like being alone tonight.
Well, she wasn’t alone. She leaned over and gave Shadow a scruff.
“You want to Ginger again today?”
Molly checked in the next morning with Silas.
“Sure, but I’m happy to stay in the rotation. I know Becky and the guys would like to ride her. She’s a dream.”
“You own the damn resort and you seem taken with her. I thought you might like to ride her again.”
“Well, okay. I’ll ride her today, but after that, put her in the rotation. I’m getting too attached to her, and she’s not available.”
“How do you know she’s not available?”
“I had Charlie check with his contacts. Looks like an anonymous buyer is hiding her here until his daughter’s sixteenth birthday. It’s exactly what Dad did for me with Jo.”
“Going to be a lucky girl.”
“Absolutely.” Molly paused. “But maybe something good has come out of this.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m ready to start looking. I thought I’d want more time, but riding Dusty and Ginger in the exercise program has made me realize I’m ready. So if you want to start the trap lines, I’ll start sending out feelers too.”
“What are you looking for?”
“Safest bet would be a young quarter horse.”
“Color?”
“Honestly, color doesn’t matter. Jo was bay. Ginger is chestnut. It’s about the horse. I’d prefer a young, athletic mare.”
“Thoroughbred?”
