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“You know, Ellie, that’s not a bad idea. I’ll call him.”
“Thank you,” she said gratefully, abruptly hugging him. “It’s so great to have your support.”
“Hey, we’ll figure this out, but quietly and calmly. There may be an innocent explanation.”
“It’s not just the sounds. That witch is up to something, I just know it.”
“Put it out of your mind for now. It’s time to meet Candy. Focus all your attention on that.”
* * *
Ellie couldn’t wait to spend time with the horses, and on the way out, she picked up her bag carrying her sketch pad, and dropped it off at the viewing platform.
As they walked into the barn, Noah handed her a halter, then guided her out to a small paddock. Three horses were lazily grazing, and as they raised their heads and pricked their ears. Ellie grabbed Noah’s arm.
“I’ve never been in a field with horses before,” she murmured nervously.
“If they come chargin’ towards us, duck behind me.”
“Oh, my gosh, seriously?”
He laughed.
“Do they look like a bunch of wild bulls?”
“Uh, I guess not. More like sleepy cows.”
“I would never put you at risk. Remember that, but if you’ve changed your mind—“
“No, no, not for a second.”
“Good, I’m glad. Now take a breath and relax,” he said as Sherlock raced past them. “Sherlock, stay close!”
“Are you worried he’ll run away?”
“No, but I don’t want him leavin’ the barn area, and I especially don’t want him chasin’ any critters into those trees,” Noah replied, pointing to a thicket behind the field as they drew close to the mares. “Candy is the grey. She’ll stand still while you slip the halter over her head, then hold the lead rope and just start walkin’. She’ll follow you.”
“Noah, this is so much fun! Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Go on, put it on her. She won’t bat an eye.”
As they reached the placid grey mare, Ellie held the lead rope in one hand, slipped the halter over the horse’s head with the other, and snapped on the throat latch.
“She’s so sweet,” Ellie said softly, stroking the mare’s neck.
“They all are, but Candy has an exceptionally kind nature. Let’s get her back into the barn and tack her up. Then we’ll go to the arena and you can climb on.”
“Noah, I have a confession to make,” she said as they started back to the barn.
“You’re actually a professional show jumper,” he declared with a grin.
“I can’t believe you said that.”
“Because?”
“I watch show jumping whenever it’s on. I think it’s amazing.”
“There’s no reason you can’t learn how to jump.”
