AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Any questions?” Beth had finished her lengthy rule discussion. The kids all shook their heads. “Okay then, we’re going to get things ready, then we’ll pair each of you with your horse you’ll be riding this week, then we’ll get you into the saddle.”
“Here, take this.” Grayson helped her clip her radio onto her belt. “I’m Wrangler-one.”
“Yes…Mr. Grayson.” She said his name with a teasing lilt, a softness and familiarity that caused him to pause. “I guess that makes me Wrangler-two?”
She was messing with his head. Watching her rediscover a love for horses caused a lightness in his chest. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit that she made the very ordinary, easy trail ride something of an adventure. He couldn’t help but lean into her laughter and listen for the quiet jokes meant only for his ears.
She had the kids line up, and he matched each youth to a horse. Lucky for him, these were the horse-crazy kids who were too eager, if anything.
Beth stopped to adjust the stirrups on one of the saddles, and he saw Eli heading for the barn.
Huh.
He hustled over. “Where you heading? Today’s our first big ride.”
The boy cut toward the gate.
“Whoa there.” Grayson caught up, circled in front, and blocked the path.
He caught a glimpse of Beth across the arena. She motioned for him to lower himself. Yeah, he probably looked like a giant. He squatted in the arena dirt. “What’s up, Eli?”
“I don’t think I want to go.”
“But you were looking forward to it—begging me to let you ride last week.”
The boy shook his head and crossed his arms.
“What’s changed?”
Eli crumpled a little, blinked. Ran his forearm across his eyes. “My mom has an appointment today. A scan. I don’t feel like going on the ride.”
“Oh, buddy.” Grayson reached for the arena rail. Fisted his hand around it. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Eli nodded. “That’s what everyone says.”
Grayson let out a half laugh. “You know, you’re right.” He placed a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “It’s because people care and it’s hard to have the words to express all the sorrow they feel for what you’re going through.” He stood upright.
Eli tipped his face toward Grayson. It was splotchy and his blue-green eyes were rimmed red. “Does everyone think she’s going to die?”
“No, no. Not at all. But it is hard to go through these things. People care about you, your mom, your dad.”
Eli nodded again.
“I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I actually didn’t want to be here my first day when I was a kid either.”
“Really?”
“Really. I think you’ll find the same thing I did, though. Horses are lots of fun.”
Eli looked over his shoulder at the group. Beth had made the kids laugh again. They were laughing almost as hard as she was.
“You know, you can invite your mom to watch you ride at the end of the week.”
“I could do that?”
“Sure. But you’ll have to be a rider in order to do that.” Grayson leaned back against the arena rail. “You know, I need a helper with me on today’s ride. I could really use your help.”
“Me?”
