Page 21 of Broken Boundaries

Ok, even I can admit that last one is a bit extreme, but I’m still worried.

“Yes, it’s a good idea. You’re going to have a blast. Trust me. And Beck is a really good teacher.”

“That’s what I’ve heard,” I say quietly.

“Then believe it. Come on. If a five-year-old can do this, you can do it.”

Well, when she puts it that way… “Yeah, I guess so.”

As we get closer to the stables, Harper yells, “Beck, your next victim is here!”

Oh, great. That’s reassuring.

Beck doesn’t come to the lodge often, but every time he has, he’s been very friendly. Today, his face lights up with a smile when he sees me. He’s in his standard jeans, cut-off T-shirt, and a worn-in baseball hat. I swear there’s something in the water here at the ranch that makes men extra attractive.

“Hey, Aspen. You ready?” he asks me, taking in my pretend cowgirl outfit.

“Uh. . .”

“She is,” Harper answers for me as she shoves me forward a little.

“That was rude,” I mumble, and the two of them chuckle. “Yes, I’m ready.”

“I’ll see you in a bit! Have fun.” Harper waves before she turns and heads back to the lodge.

“You look a little nervous,” Beck states the obvious.

“Well, yeah. These horses are pretty big, and the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized how scary that is.”

He laughs and motions for me to follow behind him. “I get it. Horses can be dangerous. They are animals after all. That’s why I’ll go over safety with you before you even touch a horse. But trust me, if my five-year-old daughter can ride a horse, you can too.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“And remember, the horses can tell when you’re nervous, so you need to try to relax a little before you get up there.”

I swallow against my dry throat and nod. That’s not very reassuring.

Beck gives me a tour of the stable. He shows me where they keep the saddles, the saddle blankets, and the bridles. Then he takes me to the horses. He says each of their names as we pass them, but I know there’s no way I’m going to remember them.

“And this is Sparkly Tutu a.k.a Sparkles.”

I raise an eyebrow. “That’s an interesting name for a horse.”

He laughs. “Yeah, Brooks let my daughter, Jade, name her when we got her. She was three at the time, so Sparkly Tutu was obviously the only option.”

“Obviously.”

“But Sparkles is very tame. I’ve been using her with my beginners for the past year. She’s easy and will give you a smooth ride.”

“Alright. I’ll take your word for it.”

He shows me how to hold my hand up to Sparkles so she can smell me. She nudges my hand, allowing me to pet her.

“Good girl,” Beck says as he opens her stall, taking the equipment we grabbed earlier in with him. He gets her all tacked up and ready for me. He goes over a few other safety points as he walks us out to the fenced-in circle just outside the stable. Sparkles trots along next to us, and her calm demeanor definitely reduces my nervousness.

“Alright, I’m gonna hand you this, and you’re just gonna lead her around the circle a few times.”

I nod and take the bridle in my sweaty hands. Sparkles seems to already know the drill because she starts walking. I do my best to stay a few feet ahead of her, and she seems pretty content to follow me.