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“Have fun,” Harley and Hudson call. I throw them a glare through slitted eyes. Those two are such kids. No wonder Olive has taken to them so easily.
“Where to, fearless leader?” Sebastian jokes as he walks a couple of steps behind but beside me. Other people around the ranch glance in our direction. Someone familiar catches my eye—Devon. He’s walking with Odette, holding her hand, but it’s not just them. Parker Kent is with them, along with a woman I’m guessing is his wife, Addison.
“Hey, Deee,” Odette squeals and lunges for me. Thankfully, Holly and Dolly are trained not to flinch in situations like this, but I catch a glimpse of Sebastian, who grips his lead a little tighter, his knuckles whitening.
I hug Odette, dropping Holly’s reins, knowing the horse won’t move. “Hey, Odette. Hey, Devon,” I greet him over Odette’s shoulder. Parker and Addison watch the exchange between us. Odette finally releases me and does a little twirl in a circle. I love her lively spirit. When I look at her, I don’t see her disabilities. I see a vibrant girl whose heart is gold and caring.
“Hello, Dee,” Devon says as his head twitches to the side.
“This my sister, and this is Devon’s sister, Addy,” Odette offers an introduction to Parker and Addison.
“Nice to meet you both. Big fan here, Parker,” I say while attempting to keep my cool and not leap at him like a crazy person. I extend my hand to Addison and then Parker.
“Good to meet you. Odette here has just been telling us all about you and little Olive.”
“Oh, has she now? She can be quite the chatterbox sometimes.” I eye her. She’s swaying side to side while chewing at her nails. Instinctively, I reach up and pull her hand away and keep it in mine. “This is Sebastian. We were just heading off for a ride to show Mr. King here around the property.”
“We did that yesterday. It was great… such a beautiful piece of land. We really enjoyed the creek and had a quick dip… so refreshing. We come here as often as our schedules allow it to spend time with Devon,” Addison says while gently bumping Devon’s shoulder. My eyes drop to their locked hands and then shift back up to their faces.
“Yes, the creek is beautiful when it’s flowing. How long are you guys planning to stay?” I ask as I pat Holly on the neck.
They turn to each other and shrug. “No real timeframe at the moment. Just enjoying some downtime before the new basketball season starts,” Parker says while smiling at Addison.
“I can relate to getting downtime before a big season,” Sebastian agrees.
Parker points at Sebastian. “You would, being a driver for Formula One. I enjoyed watching you race. When do you think you’ll get back to it?”
Addison backhands him in the stomach as if he’s done something wrong.
“Ow, what’s that for?” he asks.
Addison’s face turns beet red as she opens her mouth to respond when Sebastian jumps in. “Hopefully, next year, unless they need a fill-in driver for the rest of this season. So it’s just a waiting game. Not that I mind. I’ve got the two girls to take care of.”
“That’s cool. I look forward to seeing you back behind the wheel, hopefully in the not-too-distant future,” Parker says excitedly.
I jump in. “Will you be around for the big bonfire we’ll have in a couple of nights?”
“I think so. We aren’t rushing off anywhere.” Addison smiles as she bumps Parker.
“Great, well, we’ll catch up again then. It was lovely to meet you both,” I say as we all exchange our goodbyes. Devon and Odette walk on with Parker and Addison. Sebastian and I continue our silent walk, leading the horses until we pass his cabin.
“What’s the bonfire?” he asks, breaking the silence.
“We do it every weekend, and we started it before I left. It’s where the guests, workers, and clients get to hang out. It’s always good to have everyone together in a social setting, not just business, and it’s a great atmosphere here. We provide a cookout for everyone. It’s good fun. Do you think you’ll come?”
“Maybe, if you’re going.”
MY BREATH WHOOSHES FROM MYlungs as I take in his words. I’m sure he didn’t mean them the way they came across. “I’ll be there,” I attempt to respond casually.
“Cool. I’m sure Rylee will have the time of her life.”
“I bet she will, especially when the glow sticks come out, and we roast marshmallows.”
“Sounds like fun.”
I gently tug Holly to a stop at the beginning of the trail walk. “Well, it’s time to climb on. Do you think you’ll be all right? And make sure that you put your phone in the saddle pocket as well. I’ve fallen off a few times and shattered my phone numerous times. So, just a precaution.” I slip mine into the pocket and spot him doing the same.
He has a nervous chuckle as he takes in Dolly’s size, looking her up and down. “I should be.”
