Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
At least since that night when I’d slipped into his bed to comfort him, Julian had seemed to take my advice about Mercy. I’d found him in the barn with George on more than one occasion, carefully grooming Mercy, and my heart would squeeze with affection each time. But I also didn’t want him to think I was checking up on him, so I’d tiptoed away, not wanting to disturb him.
And now I was standing near the paddock as Dr. Barnes continued her session with Ainsley. Today was a big day, and I knew that any minute now, Sienna would be coming along from the office, where she was gathering receipts for later. If we didn’t go over everything with a fine-tooth comb, we’d be over budget and in over our heads, which was another reason it was so important for Sienna and me to remain on friendly terms.
Just as Sienna sidled up beside me, Ainsley waved, excitement blazing in her eyes. She used a mounting block to get into the saddle, where she sat tall and proud atop Piper. Next, Dr. Barnes took the lead rope in hand and encouraged Piper to walk around the perimeter of the paddock with Ainsley holding the reins. She had a smile on her face the entire time, except during a momentary falter as Piper suddenly switched to a trot.
“Whoa,” Dr. Barnes ordered at about the same time Ainsley performed a half-halt, possibly out of muscle memory from the ranch, and Piper immediately reduced her speed.
“Did you see that?” Sienna whispered in a tone of awe. The tightening of Ainsley’s back muscles while flexing her wrist to slow Piper was so subtle, but being around horses our entire lives, we recognized it instantly.
“It came naturally,” I replied. “She remembers.”
When they got around to our section of the fence, Ainsley lifted her hand in a wave, careful not to startle her horse, which was the exact thing Dr. Barnes had coached her on, especially for her first ride on a rescue horse.
“You look like such a big girl,” Sienna said, and Ainsley’s smile only widened.
When movement over my shoulder caught my eye, I turned to see Julian standing behind us, his gaze focused on Ainsley and Piper, his cheeks tinged pink.
“Hey, you,” I said, motioning for him to join us.
“Sorry, didn’t want to disturb your proud parent moment,” he replied with a sheepish grin. “Ainsley told me this was happening today, and I wanted to cheer her on.”
“That’s sweet, Julian,” Sienna said. “I’m so glad she’s taken to you.”
He dipped his head. “Well, I’ve taken to her too.”
My heart rose to my throat. Why the hell did he have to be so damned thoughtful and hot and gorgeous too? The perfect package. He’d make someone very happy someday. I swallowed down the taste of bile before I really got stuck in fantasy land.
Once the session was finished, and Ainsley had untacked her horse, she ran through the gate and into Sienna’s arms.
“Did you see me, Julian?” she asked over Sienna’s shoulder.
“I did!” he replied. “You were awesome.”
“She absolutely was,” Dr. Barnes said with a smile. “And some of her natural instincts returned.”
“We noticed,” Sienna said with a kiss to Ainsley’s cheek before setting her back down.
“With more practice, we’ll be ready for a family outing again,” I said, squeezing my daughter’s shoulder.
“Maybe Julian will want to ride Mercy too,” Ainsley said, and I froze.
She looked up at him with such an innocently optimistic glint, obviously not realizing how her words might’ve opened up a can of worms.
“I, uh…” He took a step back, wariness crossing his features.
“Everyone’s on a different timeline,” Dr. Barnes said to my relief as I stood there dumbfounded, unable to find the right words. “You’re on your own path, Julian too, and if they ever match up, great. If not, that’s all right too.”
“Okay,” Ainsley said. “Maybe someday.” And as she wandered toward the goats playing in the pasture, the idea was probably already forgotten.
Sienna thanked Dr. Barnes, then followed Ainsley.
Per usual, I began walking Dr. Barnes to her vehicle, but she and Julian had fallen behind a couple of steps when she pointed out the cute baby goats in the field. As Dr. Barnes told Julian about the frenzy on the farm during the birthing season, I realized how much I wished Julian could experience all the spring chaos with us. But his time here was becoming limited as it was—if I counted right, it was less than a month before he flew home to be part of his sister’s wedding festivities.
As they resumed walking, I heard the mixture of hesitation and curiosity in Julian’s voice as he asked, “The work you do with Ainsley…is it the same sort you do with combat veterans?”
I began whistling a low tune, pretending not to listen, but also hanging on every word. I certainly hadn’t wanted to force the issue after his latest nightmare, but I figured someone like Dr. Barnes might be good for Julian.