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Chapter 12
Tyler
On Saturday, I saunter into the barn as Mason is asking questions.“Dad, does it hurt when they put shoes on the horses?Why are their shoes different than ours?”
Kent squats down so that he’s eye-level with his son.“See the part where they put on the horseshoes?”
Mason nods.“It looks hard.”
“That part is like your fingernail.”Kent taps Mason’s nail.“It doesn’t hurt when they nail the shoes onto that part.Parker has to put the shoes on correctly or itwillhurt the horse.But he’s smart and knows how to take care of them so that they don’t hurt.”
“I learned something.”I bump my boot against Mason’s.“Are your feet made of hard stuff?”
His head wags back and forth.“Nope.That’s why I wear different shoes than horses.”
“Smart kid.”
Parker, who has been watching the whole time, opens a stall.“Want to help me feed this guy?”
Mason runs over, leaving me alone with Kent.
“I’m craving a donut.Would Mason like to tag along?Does he like donuts?”
“He’d love that.I can move the booster seat into your truck, or...”Kent glances toward the stall.
While Kent thinks about the booster seat issue, I holler, “Parker, you want a donut?I’m headed to Sweet’s for a midmorning snack.”
Parker pokes his head out of the stall.“Yes, siree.With sprinkles please.”
Mason darts out to where we can see him, his eyes wide.Then his gaze snaps to his dad.“Can I go with Tyler?Please, Dad.”He presses his hands together, and I expect he’s about to drop to his knees.
Kent taps Mason’s hat.“We’ll both go, kiddo.”
Mason throws his arms in the air, then does a little jig.“I’m getting donuts.With Sprinkles.And icing.”
Kent laughs.“It’s a good thing he has lots of room to run out here.He’s going to need it.”
“Sounds like it.”I’m liking having a kid around.
We pile into Kent’s truck and head into town.
I haven’t had much time to chat with Kent, and this seems like a great time to talk.“I’ve been seeing—”
Kent clears his throat and tips his head toward the back seat.“He hears all.”
“Oh, yeah.”The last thing I need is Mason telling everyone what I’ve worked so hard to keep quiet.“Well, things are going well withmy friend, but she still doesn’t remember.And I’m not sure how to proceed.”
Mason swings his legs, kicking the back of my seat.“I always remember stuff when I’m asleep.”
I snap my head around to look at him.“Really?”
“Yep.When my brain isn’t busy.Is your friend a girl?”
Kent stifles a chuckle.
“She is.”I figure it can’t hurt to admit that much to the kid.
“Is she pretty?”
