Page 96 of One Wild Chance

“Yeah, but it’s not about the barn,” I say. “You know that, right?”

Larissa sighs. “You’re impossible to please.”

“I probably am,” I say with a self-deprecating laugh. “But don’t take anything I say too seriously. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

“Why didn’t you stop at home first?”

I remove my phone from the car holder. “I will after I unload my truck.”

I knew there would be less of a chance of running into Jaxon tonight, since he has hockey practice followed by a meeting with parents afterward. Meredith was off work, so I didn’t have to drive Remi around.

“Have you heard when Wyatt’s coming home?” Larissa asks casually, trying to pretend she isn’t interested in that Chance brother.

“Nope. But you’ll be the first to know,” I promise.

“Thank you, bestie. And I want another Jaxon report,” Larissa adds with a grin.

“Not happening tonight.” I laugh, then end the call.

When I crawl out of the truck, my vision swims for a second, and I brace myself against the door. Not eating all day was a bad decision. I got slammed at the market today and sold out of flowers by closing. Every flower bouquet sold means more money toward my future, so I didn’t stop to get lunch. And then there was my visit with Mom that went longer than planned.

I wait until the lightheadedness goes away before I start unloading the truck. It’s nearly dark by the time I finish.

“Hey, Summer, have you seen Jaxon?” I whirl around to see Colton striding toward me.

“Not tonight. He’s at hockey practice. Why?”

He stops in front of me and adjusts his hat, worry creasing his brow. “One of the yearlings didn’t come in at feeding time.”

“Which one?”

“Gent’s colt.”

Of course it’s one of our prized stallion’s colts.

“Have you checked the fields?” I ask.

“Haven’t had time yet.” He glances at his watch. “I’m supposed to be at my mom’s birthday party.”

“Don’t worry about the colt,” I say, putting up the tailgate. “You go to the party and I’ll take Sally out to look for him. Hopefully, I’ll find him quickly.”

“Are you sure?” Colton asks. “I could go with you.”

“No,” I say. “You go.” I think of how much I wish I could rewind time, before my mom forgot who I was. “It’s your mom’s special day. That matters more.”

“Thanks, Summer.” Colton gives me a smile before he takes off.

I grab a flashlight from my truck. The nearest Kubota RTV is parked at the foaling barn on the far side of the property. I could track down another one, but saddling Sally is faster. After a day like today, I’d rather be on a horse than behind a steering wheel.

The problem is, it’s dark, I’m alone, and the last time Sally got spooked I ended up getting thrown off. I don’t want to repeat that tonight.

I think about texting Jaxon, but then I hesitate. I don’t want him rushing back for me. Besides, this isn’t the first time I’ve gone out at night on a horse.

I head to the yearling pasture, taking Sally at a slow pace. It’s better to cover the pasture thoroughly than to rush and miss a colt. I hold the reins in one hand and my flashlight in the other, running it along the fence line, trying to spot something moving.

My light catches him near the far fence line, standing too still. I ride over to the colt and figure out why: one front leg is wedged awkwardly beneath the bottom rail.

My stomach turns over in a panic.