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“Just so long as the horse lives, David. She’ll be ok as long as Samson’s ok. She’s tough.”
“Like her mother.”
“And her father,” I said.
I could feel his eyes on me. “You were right there beside her. You looked as damn well rotten as we did, Debbie and me.”
“We love her, David. As I said.”
His hand landed on my arm. “I can’t say it’s the situation I’d have opted for my daughter, being with two men. I can’t say the revelation filled me with joy, Carl. But despite my initial reservations, having thought things through, having known both you and Rick long enough to know the kind of men you are, you have my blessing.” He laughed gently. “For all that’s bloody worth.”
“It’s worth a lot,” I said.
“I’ve never been much of a fan for the path well-trodden, Carl. You know me. I make my own route, go my own way.” He sighed. “I should have expected Katie would share my lack of respect for mindless convention.”
“We work well, the three of us. You’ll get to see that. Hopefully.”
“Hopefully,” he said. “I’d like that.” He shifted in his seat, exhaled a long breath. “I’d love to get to know my daughter, Carl, that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
“You’ll be impressed. She’s really something.”
“So many years to make up for.”
“Better late than never, David. Tomorrow is a brand new day.”
We followed the truck to Cirencester, parked up alongside as they pulled to a stop at an equine facility. It looked the business. I felt the tension ease just a little.
He was in safe hands, efficient hands. A team of vets and assistants got to work, unloading him with care and supporting him through to their treatment suite.
We took a seat in the waiting area, grabbed a coffee, just like we were at a regular hospital.
“Thanks for this,” I said. “I wouldn’t have had a fucking clue.”
David sighed, took a sip of coffee. “I knew she loved the horse, Carl. Even I knew that. But seeing her on him, the way they rode, before the fall. She was incredible.”
“She loves him.” I smiled. “And he loves her.”
“So much I don’t know,” he said. “So much I need to know. Need to learn.”
“You won’t go far wrong by starting with Samson. He’s her greatest joy. Her dreams revolve around riding, revolve around him.”
“Harrison Gables was a chance call, because of Verity. I figured Katie would enjoy the same trip.”
“You got that right.”
“We’ll be here a while,” he said. “Before we get the prognosis. You could go, I’ll stay.”
“I’ll go as soon as I can, but not until I know the situation with Samson. She’d never forgive me for turning up without answers.”
“Who’d have ever thought it, Carl. What a twist of fate, you ending up loving my daughter, building bridges for a sad old man who’d give anything to get to know her. And finally us, ending up here, waiting for a horse’s salvation.”
“Life is strange,” I said.
He turned to face me, eyes warm. “Another favour for a sad old man, Carl, if you’d be so kind.”
“You’re not so sad, nor so old, David. But fire away.”
He smiled, a wistful smile. “Tell me about her. Tell me about my Katie. Tell me about her life, Carl, the big things, the little things. Tell me about the things that make her smile, the things about her that make you smile. Tell me what she dreams of.”
