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“Are they all broken to the saddle?”
“The older ones are.”
“May I have some bribes? Apples, carrots—whatever you have.”
“Yes. Hold on.” He hurried to the barn and disappeared inside.
While he was gone, she wrapped her arms around Colt’s waist, raised herself on her toes, and gave him a kiss. “Thank you. I feel like it’s my birthday, or Christmas.”
“As long as you don’t ride back to Arizona.”
“Not a chance.”
“Good. Not sure what I’d do if you did.”
His serious tone made her go still. Was he saying what she thought he was?
He whispered, “I think I’ve stumbled into a love match, Mrs. Lee.”
She placed her cheek against his chest and held him as tightly as he held her. Happiness filled her heart. All she felt for him was now free to savor, enjoy, and grow.
“Excuse me.” Ed was back with a small basket holding apples and carrots. “Save that for later. You’re supposed to be picking out a horse.”
Amused, Regan reluctantly stepped out of the embrace and took the basket.
Colt asked, “Do you want help?”
“Maybe in a bit. Are you in a hurry to return home?”
“No.”
“Okay, because I’d like to take my time.”
“As much as you need.”
Leaving them, she walked to the middle of the meadow and sat down in the grass. With the basket in her lap, she waited to see which horses were curious enough to see what she was about. After ten minutes or so, the two chestnut colts stopped racing long enough to walk over. They were too young to be ridden, but not to take the carrot she offered. Smiling, she let them munch and noted a few of the other horses raised their heads to watch. Once the colts consumed the offering, they galloped off to resume their play. A brown-and-white palomino whose coloring brought to mind her sister’s mare, Arizona, walked over. Regan thought the animal might be a good candidate. She looked healthy and strong. The mare took a bite of the apple, but when Regan slowly rose to her feet to examine her more closely, the mare raced away. A couple more mares paid her a visit, took the bribes only to race away as well, and disappointment began to set in. Although Ed had offered his assistance, her pride kept her from signaling for help. Suddenly, a mare she hadn’t noticed before trotted over. She was a beauty with a dark cinnamon coat, black legs, mane, and tail. A light brown patch spanning the length of her nose resembled an elongated star. She ate the carrot bribe and didn’t flee when Regan stood, which she took as a good sign. Regan gently rubbed her neck. “Hello, Star. Do you want to go home with me? I promise to take good care of you and we’ll go on lots of adventures.”
The horse turned her head, eyed her, walked a short distance away, and then reared. A surprised Regan startled, but held her position. As the mare galloped off and stopped to glare, Regan gave thanks that the sharp hooves hadn’t come down on her head. “If you don’t like adventure just say so!” she called out.
But to her elation, the mare raced back, and this time let herself be touched without complaint. “Were you testing me, Star?” Regan asked. “Will you let me make sure the bones in your legs are strong and straight the way they should be?” When she ran her hands slowly over each black leg, the mare allowed it. Regan spent a few more moments evaluating her and letting the horse become accustomed to her touch and voice.
Ed and Colt must’ve seen the progress she was making because they walked out to join her. Ed was carrying a saddle.
“Found your candidate?” Colt asked.
“Maybe.”
Ed asked, “Do you want me to saddle her?”
She rolled her eyes and took the saddle.
Colt chuckled. “I could’ve predicted that reaction.”
Ed said to her, “Okay. I’ll just move out of your way.”
Going about the task, she continued speaking to Star in quiet reassuring tones. Once the last few cinches were done and checked, she put her foot in the stirrup and mounted. The mare danced a bit, but Regan kept her under control with a firm but gentle hand. “Does she jump?”
Ed asked, “Jump?”
