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“Colt’s filly. She was born last year about this time. Apparently, he’s decided every horse here is ‘mine.’ He’s too cute to argue with.”
“That’s the truth,” Brighton says from her position helping the mare with the afterbirth. “I won’t argue with him. I’m his favorite aunt. At least, that’s what I keep telling him.”
“Brainwashing,” Braxton coughs into his hand.
“I’m simply reminding him, Brax. I repeat the truth in case he’s as stubborn as you are.”
“That’s rich coming from you.”
Livy’s head is ping-ponging between the rancher and the equine vet. They work so closely together and with the same goals in mind, they might as well be a dynamic duo.
“I learned it from you.”
“The hell you did,” he shoots back.
“I’ve got to agree with Bright on this one,” I say from my position on the wall.
“Of course, you would,” he shoots back. “You two are thick as thieves. Always ganging up on us.”
“Oh, poor Braxton,” Brighton teases, her smile saying more than words do. “Are we going to name this one, or does he already have a buyer?”
“We have bids, but he’s from good stock. I’ll have to think about that one. His markings are stunning.”
The gangly foal walks away from his mom, willing to explore. He’s bold and wanders toward Livy sitting on the ground.
“It’s okay,” I say quietly.
“I know,” she whispers back.
“You know horses?”
“Not at all. But you’re here, so I know I’m safe.”
I suck in a breath, not at all expecting that response from her.
She continues, “And Brighton is here and Braxton, too, so the foal is safe as well.”
The colt stops in front of Livy and sniffs around her face until she giggles. He’s startled and tumbles backward with the sound.
“I’m sorry, baby. Are you okay?” She extends a hand slowly and nuzzles his nose, just as she would Kyle’s. “How fast will he grow?” she asks the ether while scratching under his chin.
“He won’t be double his size in four weeks, but it won’t take long. He’s probably at one hundred pounds today. We’ll weigh him tomorrow. He should be two hundred in six weeks or so,” Bright replies.
“Thank you for letting me be here.” I don’t know if she’s speaking to my sister or the colt or to me.
When the lanky foal wanders back to his mom, she looks up at me. I extend a hand, hoping I can stand if she falls. She accepts and pops up to my side. Wordlessly, we walk out of the stall to find Kyle, lying just outside, sound asleep and snoring.
“I’ll show you around sometime. But, for now, are you ready?”
She nods and limps to her crutches, handling them with ease to get her to the Gator. I left my walker there, a decision I now regret, but I keep pace with her much shorter stride.
“You okay to get us back?”
“It was the first time… Well, the last time I—”
“I get it.” Her voice is calm and reassuring. “But you’ve crossed that hurdle now.” She lets her words drift off.
Sometimes the kindest thing anyone can do is remind you of what you already know.
