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“Well, yeah, that was me, wasn’t it?”
“It wasn’t Holly here, that’s for sure.” Turning to Harley, I say, “It’s his fault.”
Harley’s grin spreads from ear to ear as he takes in the exchange in front of him, and then it clicks. I see his mischievous eyes ticking with ideas and thoughts on what’s going on with Sebastian and me. When he catches me staring, he shrugs and mouths,“What?”
Sebastian’s full focus seems to be on brushing Dolly down now. I shake my head at my brother and go back to the job at hand.
“It sounds like a good ride. I checked in on Olive and the girls before, and they were all having the time of their lives. It’s only them in there today, so Mabel is fully attentive to the girls. Oh, and Dee, I’m Olive’s favorite uncle.”
I face him, my hand cocked on my hip. “Are you now?”
“Yes, Hudson and I ran a test.”
“A test?”
He nods. “We both sat in the corner of the vacation care, and Mabel put Olive on the floor to see who she’d come to, and it took her a moment and a promise of a horse, but her little legs moved in my direction so fast.” He stands tall and kind of puffs out his chest. “Oh, and Sebastian, I’m your girls’ favorite as well, but I’m not sure if it’s because Olive came to me or the horse thing. I think it was because of the horse thing. Rylee screamed with excitement.”
That brings laughter from all of us. I shake my head again at Harley, whose arms are crossed over, resting on the gate.
Of course, Harley would want to claim that title and beat Hudson. Those two are super competitive, and it’s only become worse as they’ve gotten older. The big kids.
“Thanks for that,” Sebastian says. “I’m in no hurry to buy any horses or ponies because after my experience today, I’m scared for her to get on one.” He says it as though it’s a joke, and we all have a little chuckle, but I can see he’s being serious. His smile is strained, and the worry lines on his forehead crinkle.
“She’ll be riding a little horse compared to Dolly.” I gently smack her on the behind a few times. “I’ll show you after we’re done here. Rylee is safe with me.”
“That’s a hundred percent the truth,” Harley throws in his own opinion. “If you want your daughter learning from anyone, it’s Dee. We call her the horse whisperer. She’s always had a way with these animals, and no one we’ve had while she’s been away has measured up when it comes to the magic she works with these beauties. I can’t wait to see how those three in the other barn come along.”
I set my brush aside and make my way to the gate. Sebastian follows suit. “Thanks, Harley. Diamond is a tricky one, though. She’s going to need the most work of all of them. When is the vet coming? It’s been days, and I need them checked to make sure they’re all good to go.”
“He said tomorrow. He’s been busy with the neighboring ranches. It seems to be birthing season for little lambs. I think Dad’s going to buy a few.” Harley gestures toward Dad’s office on the other side of the barn.
“Oh, my goodness, they’re going to be so cute, but I’m not getting up to feed them bottles. I’m already a zombie because of my daughter,” I say. Harley and Sebastian chuckle while I unhook the gate and exit the stall, Sebastian following close behind. “Come with me, and I’ll show you the horse I’ll let Rylee ride. Where’s Butter?” I ask Harley.
“He’s in a therapy session at the moment in the far round pen.” He points to the back of the barn. I know exactly where he means—this place hasn’t changed much at all. Why would you change something that’s working and thriving?
“Come on.” I wave an arm to Sebastian. Our clothes are still wet, and as I flick my hair back, drops of water spill to the ground. “I think I’m going to need another shower because of our little dip.”
“You and me both. Damp me and the horse scent don’t really mesh well together. Well, that’s just me thinking out loud. It was still a great time.” He steps into line with me as we exit the barn.
Behind the barn is a large open field. Horses and their trainers and clients are busy in quite a few pens. White metal fences outline each separate space. I make my way down the middle of the pens, and in the far back corner, I spot Butter, a stunning chestnut pony. She’s got a small build, but she’s super gentle. A teenage girl sits on her back with support workers standing on either side of Butter and another holding the reins.
“Hold here,” a worker says with a smile and taps the horn. The brown-haired girl with high-tied pigtails tries to speak, but she can’t seem to form a sentence—just a series of broken-sounding words. The workers appear to understand what she needs, and one of them takes her hand.
“It’s okay. Butter is gentle. She’ll keep you safe,” she assures the girl. I can see the fear in the guest’s eyes. Instinct takes over because I remember seeing Odette in this same situation. The workers are great, but some of these kids need to feel in control, and she’s not getting that right now.
I climb over the fence, grab a lead rope from the fence, and approach slowly. “Hey, guys,” I say gently, not wanting to startle anyone, especially the girl. “Do you think I can offer some help?”
All three sets of eyes fall on me, puzzled. “I’m Delilah,” I say. Recognition shines in the workers’ eyes at the mention of my name.
“Sure. Thank you. She’s a bit nervous, and any time we get her on the horse, she won’t hold on and let us guide her around,” the one who was trying to get the girl to hang onto the horn says.
“I understand. I was watching as I walked over.” I glance up at the girl. Her pale cheeks are flushed with pink, and her eyes are red with unshed tears. These little souls—they’re so beautiful, and it’s hard when their bodies won’t let them communicate what they want. “Hello, I’m Dee. What’s your name?”
The girl’s eyes focus on me, and her hand comes up as a finger points to her chest. Following her direction, I notice the badge she wears. Taking a step closer, I read her name tag. “Claire?”
She nods and does a little wiggle in the seat as if trying to get Butter to move.
“Do you want Butter to move?” I ask, and she gives another nod. “Okay, let’s try something.”
