“Hindsight’s 50-50.”
“I suppose.”
He glanced back at the living room. “I wonder what they’re talking about.”
“Probably about him visiting her.”
“I can’t even imagine it.” His voice was gravelly. “I couldn’t trust her with him.”
Scarlet’s heart went out to him. Now that she had time to think, she knew she couldn’t be part of taking the boy’s mother away. “Joe, do you want to give her a second chance? I can bow out of all this.”
“What? How can you even ask me that?”
“Because I love you. And I love Seth. I want what’s best for the two of you.”
“The answer’s no, Scarlet.”
“Don’t you want your family back?”
“No. You, me and Seth will make a new family.”
Scarlet was relieved. She trusted Joe, she did, but Seth had a right to see his own mother. “I think it’s best that I leave for now. I’ll go out the back door and get Stanley.”
“He’s tied up outside the stall. When we left, he’d bent his head over the gate and Cinnamon went right to him.”
“Call me later.”
“I will. When she leaves.”
Scarlet kissed him briefly on the lips.
* * *
Evangelina finally left, saying she’d be back and wasn’t giving up. Joe decided not to question Seth about her private time with him; instead, he wanted to do something fun for the boy—and letting him ride Cinnamon fit the bill. So he called Scarlet and asked her to come over to the barn to help get Seth on the pony. She arrived smiling.
“All right, Seth. You ready?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” He wore his little cowboy boots and hat. He looked adorable and at her direction, led Cinnamon around the red block of steps that came with the tack. It stood about two feet high.
Scarlet moved closer. “Now step up to the top…put your right hand on the saddle…take the reins in the other. Now push downon your right hand while pushing off with your right foot…you’re doing great, Seth…now swing your left foot over her back bracing yourself with your forearms. Grasp the reins and sit up.”
When he straightened, he said, “I’m on the pony, Dad, look.”
Joe stood back with a camera in his hand, recording Seth’s first mount. She’d bet his eyes were wet at his son’s happiness.
“Yeah, kid.” His voice was hoarse. “You got it. Make sure you hold on tight.”
“Don’t worry,” she called out to him. “I’m going to lead them both slowly forward.” He was glad she walked close enough to Seth to catch him if he fell.
Cinnamon’s coat glistened in the sun. “Now pick up the reins and squeeze your thighs together making this sound.” She clicked her mouth as she held a spare rope around the pony.
Cinnamon moved forward. “We’ll go in a circle. Don’t kick her torso because she’ll go too fast. My lead is enough.”
Scarlet walked slowly forward. They made a small circle, then went around once more…twice more…three times, increasing the speed several times until she and the horse were at a trot. The motion blew her hair back. Finally, they were nearing the start again. “Now, pull the reins back and sayWhoa.”
“Whoa, girl. Whoa.” They stopped right at the block of red steps.
“First, Seth, let go of the reins…I’ll hold you while you put your left foot down to the step…that’s it…then swing your right foot off her like you got on her.” Soon Seth was standing on the steps. He threw out his arms. “I did it all, Dad!.”
