Page 89 of Home Is Where You Are

Your next question is, what’s something everyone likes that you don’t?

All my love,

Gentry

What he didn’t know was I was the blessed one. He had every right to turn his back on me and run, and he’d given me another chance. I wouldn’t blow this second chance no matter the cost.

I shook my head and laughed at his next question. Technically it was my turn to ask the question, but he found a way to be sneaky. I had to ponder what my response would be.

“You’re in a chipper mood this morning,” she said with a laugh as she turned and handed me my cup of coffee.

“I am,” I replied, not giving away the reason.

I leaned in and hugged my mom with my free arm and kissed her on the cheek.

“Have a wonderful day, Mama,” I said as I grabbed my walkie-talkie and walked outside. Nothing could ruin this day, not even shoveling horse manure at the crack of dawn.

After I finished my morning chores, I went over to the office to check my posting for the day.

Loretta greeted me with a wave as I walked into the office. Every time I saw Loretta she was always cheerful and upbeat. Things sure would be different around here when she leaves.

“Good morning, Miss Loretta. How’re you today?”

“Someone seems happy this morning?”

“I am. Do you have today’s assignments, or do I need to meet up with Gentry to get them?” Nothing could put a damper on my happy mood.

“What’s got you beaming this morning? For someone who usually drags until midday, you seem awfully chipper. Would your good mood have anything to do with your date with Gentry yesterday?”

I could only laugh. Gossip around this ranch spread like wildfire.

“Who spilled?”

“So, there was a date?”

I furrowed my brow, confused. If someone didn’t spill the beans, how’d she know?

“Yes, there was a date. It was amazing. He was so sweet, and we had a picnic at the tree,” I said as I leaned against her desk.

“Y’all are so cute together. I’m happy you’re both giving each other another chance.”

I was happy too. I hadn’t been this happy in a very long time.

“Thank you,” I replied, a blush coming across my cheeks as I remembered the way he kissed me the night before.

“Gentry brought the assignments by earlier. You’re with him today,” she replied as she handed me the schedule.

Reviewing the schedule, I noticed that we had a few one hour sessions on teaching children the basics of riding a horse.

“Thanks, Loretta. Have an amazing day,” I said with a smile as I walked out of the office and toward the riding arena.

I loved teaching children how to ride horses. I loved showing them how to brush and care for them and how to lead them around the arena so they could get familiar with the horses. Then when they finally get to ride the horse, I loved showing them there was nothing to be afraid of.

When I arrived at the arena, Gentry was already there getting everything set up. He had several brushes in a bucket and step stools set out so the kids could get up beside the horse comfortably to brush them.

“Hey there, cowboy,” I greeted him as I climbed on the side of the fence, sitting on the top rail.

“Good morning, butterfly,” he said as he finished setting up the last step stool.