Page 17 of Falling Together

Okay, maybe I do need to get out more if I think my horse can understand me. But I wasn’t lying to Maddie. Horses are smart, and I know Queenie knows what I’m saying.

I take a different trail back, slowing to a trot to enjoy the late morning on my own. I don’t know what the afternoon will hold, but I know it will be busy.

The ride back is just as peaceful. By the time I get back to the barn, groups of people are waiting around for rides while others are feeding the horses treats.

Hopping off, I lead Queenie into the barn and find Sam on the phone. He calls me over, ending the call.

“You have time to head back out today?” Sam asks. “Jake called in. His kid has croup.”

“That doesn’t sound good.” I wince. “Sure thing. My classes are over for today.”

“Thanks. I’d head out, but I’ve got a few lessons coming in.”

I smile at him. He gives Poppy, and now Max, riding lessons. Poppy is absolutely smitten with Lollipop, and Sam has wanted nothing more than to get Max on a horse.

“If I don’t see them, tell them I said hi.”

“I will.”

Leading Queenie to her stall, I unsaddle her and brush her out. She laps at the water before moving on to the hay. With morning therapy earlier and then our ride, she’ll get a well-earned rest before we go out again this afternoon.

“That’s my girl.”

Her tail swats at the flies as I give her one last pat before leaving her stall to grab something to eat. It’s a usual morning for me, but I’m ravenous. If I’m going to be leading trail rides this afternoon, Queenie and I need to load up on energy.

I don’t mind. This is what I love doing the most.

Me and my horses.

What else do I need?

Chapter Five

GRANT

“Is this really where we’re going to live?” Luke peers out the front window of the car, taking in the street.

Brick buildings line both sides of the road. People are coming and going from all sorts of places.

A pancake place.

A diner.

A bar.

Hell, even a tarot shop.

That seems out of place for a small town like this, but what do I know.

“You’ll learn to love it,” I say.

At least, I hope he does. Moving my kid away from everything he’s ever known to take a new job might also be the worst decision I’ve ever made.

But with my ex’s new husband taking a job that will have him traveling, and Kari wanting to go with him, it only made sense to bring Luke with me.

“How many people live here?” he asks.

“A few thousand maybe?”