Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
When I returned to the paddock, Haven was rubbing a dry towel around on Lady. She then took a handful of hay and put it out for her to eat.
“Was she very sweaty?” I asked, walking up and leaning against a pole as I watched Haven put the wick-smart blanket on Lady.
“Not really. It was a nice, cool day, and we didn’t work that hard. Your dad said to put her out to pasture since the sun is out, and it’s warming up.”
I glanced down and watched as Lady took a long drink. I smiled. “She really does trust you, doesn’t she?”
Haven gave the mare another pat before going to get a bit more hay for her. All the animals seemed to trust Haven. It was clear she threw all of her love into taking care of them, and it broke my heart because I had a feeling I knew the reason why.
“I can put her out if you need to leave.”
Without looking at me, Haven replied, “That’s okay. I don’t mind, and I don’t have anywhere I need to be right away.”
“How is the dog walking going?” I asked as I watched her lift each leg and inspect Lady’s shoes.
Haven’s face glowed with a wide grin, and I couldn’t help but smile back. What was it about this girl’s smile that made me feel…happy? It was unlike any feeling I had ever had; only her smile brought it out.
“It’s going great. I’ve got five now and devised a great way of walking them all simultaneously. It’s a belt I came up with and you attach their leashes right to it.”
My brows shot up. “You’re not afraid of them dragging you?”
She laughed, and I tried to ignore how it felt like a bolt of energy raced through my body.
“They’re all well-behaved dogs. I’d like to learn to do some training someday.”
“What happens when you leave for college?”
She stopped running her hand down Lady’s neck and looked at me. “I’m not going to college.”
“You’re not? How does your mother feel about that?”
She shrugged. “Can’t go to college if you don’t have any money.”
“Scholarship?”
Haven shook her head. “I can’t leave my mom.”
I wanted to ask her why but kept my mouth shut.
“Besides, I have a plan, and if I stick to it, I’ll be fine without going.”
“What does your mom think about your plan?”
“She’s okay with it. She also knows that I’ve gotten a few scholarships, but even with that, I can’t afford to go.”
I kicked a nonexistent rock on the ground. “I’m sorry, Haven.”
She shrugged. “It’s okay. I’ve got enough money saved up to hopefully be able to buy my own house someday. I plan on learning how to train the dogs as well. I’ve been reading about it for the last year.”
“Reading about dogs?”
Nodding, she untied Lady and started walking her toward the south pasture gate. “Yeah. And our vet knows a girl who trains, and she offered to teach me. If that follows through, I won’t have to pay for the classes. More money to save up.”
Following her, I marveled at how different she was from most other girls in my senior class. Was it because of what her father had done to her? We hadn’t ever spoken about it again except once when she asked if I had kept her promise.
Haven stopped at the gate before opening it. Once it was open, Lady walked into the pasture. “Will you remove her blanket in a bit?”
“Sure.”
We watched as Lady trotted out to the middle of the pasture where a small group of horses were grazing. She saddled up to Thunder, my horse, and she let out a whinny.
Haven laughed. “Spicy girl.”
“Thunder doesn’t seem to mind,” I said with a soft laugh.
We turned and walked back to the barn, neither saying anything. Once inside, Haven started toward the small office. I assumed she was getting her things to leave.
I walked to a stall to check on another horse.
“Hey, girl,” I softly said as I opened the door and walked in. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small peppermint stick and handed it to her. She bit off a piece and started bobbing her head.
Moving my hand lightly over her neck, I chuckled. “Like that, don’t you?”
I heard Haven let out a small yelp. I quickly entered the room and saw her standing on a ladder, reaching for something in the rafter.
“What in the hell are you doing, Haven?”
“There’s a kitten stuck up here, and I’m trying to get it.”
The ladder wobbled.
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to stand on the top of a ladder?” I said as I held onto the bottom rungs.
“I couldn’t reach her; I needed to get higher.”
“Get down, Haven.”
“Not until I get the kitten. She’s afraid.”
Rolling my eyes, I looked up. “Just get down, and I’ll get her.”