“Yeah.”
But she didn’t move.
I got out of the truck first and let Lenni get herself together while I walked toward the porch.
“Morning,” I greeted Mr.Powell.
“Hey Wyn.”He took another sip of his coffee.“Is she gonna get out of the truck?”
“She just needs a moment,” I explained.
The door to the truck opened and Lenni climbed out.She straightened her back and shoulders as if to better face the world.
I knew that stance.Forcing bravado when all you wanted to do was curl in on yourself and hide.
“Hi Lenni,” Mr.Powell greeted.
“Hi.”Her tone was glum.She closed the door but made no move to come forward.
“I was about to head to the barn.You ever see a horse get shoed?”
She shook her head.
“Come on,” he said, his gaze sliding to mine.
Thank you,I mouthed.
He inclined his head in understanding.
Lenni looked at me.“Can I go?”
“Sure thing,” I said with a smile.“I’ll be here.”
“You like horses?”Mr.Powell asked Lenni as the two of them started for the barn.
“Sure.Who doesn’t like horses?”she asked.
“Lots of people,” he remarked.
“I don’t want to know those people,” she said, causing Mr.Powell to laugh.
“Have you ridden a horse before?”
“Yeah.On a school field trip.”
I kept my smile as I headed up the porch steps.The house smelled like freshly baked bread and strong coffee.Sure enough, Muddy was at the oven, an apron around her waist as she pulled out a perfectly formed loaf.
“Hey,” she greeted with a smile and looked around me.“Lenni’s not with you?”
“Mr.Powell took her to the barn.She’s going to watch a horse get shoed.”
“Which means she’s going to be spending time with Archer,” she stated.“Good plan.”
“Very good plan.”
“There’s fresh coffee.Help yourself.”
“Thanks,” I said as I went to the coffee pot.
