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Until the minister’s gravelly voice is replaced by a familiar one.
“My grandfather was an important man. A proud man. He cared about this community. Where he came from. What legacy he wanted to leave behind. If you asked him why he decided to go into politics, he would say it was because he wanted to contribute something back to a place that had given him so much. That when he left Landry for college is when he truly appreciated all that it had given him. I thought it was just a soundbite one of his aides came up with during his first campaign.”
Polite laughter ripples through the crowd.
“But once we moved here, I understood what he meant.”
I frown at that, but everyone else looks enchanted.
“My grandfather did a lot of incredible things,” Caleb continues. “For this country. For this state. For this town. But no matter what happened with his career, what he loved most was the land we’re standing on now. He was never happier than when he was sitting in his study or watching one of his horses win the Landry Cup. Those moment are always how I’ll remember him. How he would have wanted to be remembered. Thank you all for coming. I know it would have meant a lot to my grandfather.”
Caleb steps away from the lectern, and the minister’s voice replaces his. “That concludes the service. The Winters family would like to invite you all to remain for some light refreshments. There will also be guest books circulated for any messages you’d like to convey or memories you’d like to share.” The service ends, my view of the lectern obscured as attendees rise from their seats to mill about.
“Did you know Caleb was giving a speech?” Cassie whispers to me.
“No, I had no idea.”
“Weird his parents didn’t speak, no?”
“I guess.” Truthfully, I know nothing substantial about Caleb’s family. Whether he’s close to either of his parents.
Cassie’s no longer paying attention, busy scanning the crowd instead. “I see Shannon and Eliza.” She waves. “Let’s go say hi.”
“I’ll come find you guys in a few minutes. I’m just going to grab a drink,” I tell her before weaving through the crowd over to where the refreshments are spread out.
I fill a glass with lemonade and head toward the periphery of the nearest field. There’s a gray filly grazing only a few feet away from the fence. I lean against the closest post to study her. I hold my hand out, but the filly doesn’t venture over. She trots to a fresh patch of grass, tossing her mane haughtily.
“Is the whole town obsessed with horses?” I turn to see Josh walking over toward me. “No one here seems to want to talk about anything else.”
“Pretty much.”
“They are nice to look at,” Josh states. “Is this one old? He’s all gray.”
I laugh. “You don’t know much about horses, huh?”
“Nothing.” He grins.
“I’d guessshe’sabout two,” I inform him. “Wrong on both counts.”
“Tell me something else,” Josh says.
“What do you want to know?” I ask.
“You came.” A new voice joins our conversation.
I look to the right, and Caleb is standing there, hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks.
“Yeah.” My voice comes out too quiet, so I clear my throat. “I’m really sorry, Caleb. About your grandfather.”
“Thanks.” That’s all he says in response.
A heavy pause stretches between us, exacerbated by the sound of dozens of conversations happening around us. Moist mist swirls, coating my skin and infusing some texture into my ordinarily straight hair in what I hope is a flattering way but probably is not.
Josh senses the awkward tension, taking a few steps away. “I’m going to grab some food,” he states, before disappearing into the crowd.
Neither Caleb nor I say anything once he’s gone.
I can’t think of anything to say besides bringing up how our last conversation was not exactly a cordial one.
