by Kim Redford
“That’s Spot, a fine paint pony.”
“Spot! That’s the best name in the whole, wide world. And she’s the most beautiful pony in the whole, wide world.” Hannah twirled around in excitement, eyes wide with wonder. “May I touch her?”
“Come on.” Lauren clasped her daughter’s small hand, feeling as if her heart might burst with so much love and happiness. “It’s time for you to meet your new friend.”
“Spot. Spot. Spot.” Hannah danced beside Lauren, bouncing up and down in excitement.
“Billye Jo, this is my daughter. And Hannah, this is the horse trainer who brought you Spot.”
Hannah stuck out her small hand, shyly ducking her head. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Billye Jo reached down and shook Hannah’s hand. “I’m delighted to know you, too.”
“Thank you.” Hannah raised her head to look at Spot. “Do you think she’ll like me? I’m not a cowgirl.”
“I think she’ll like you very much.” Billye Jo squatted to be on the same eye level as Hannah. “You see, Spot lost her cowgirl when that girl grew too big for a pony, so now Spot needs another little girl who’ll love her and ride her and give her treats.”
“I bet Spot’s sad, isn’t she?” Hannah straightened to her full height with determination in her brown eyes. “I may not be as good as Spot’s cowgirl. I don’t know how to ride and I don’t have treats, but I’ll love her with all my heart. And I’ll do my best to keep her from feeling sad.” She gave Lauren a worried look. “Mommy, isn’t that right?”
“Oh, yes. And love is the most important part of all.” Lauren glanced from her daughter to Kent and was rewarded with a slow, tender smile. If her heart had been full before, now it was overflowing with love. She felt proud of Hannah, who’d been sad for so long and now recognized how another could feel that same emotion. In reaching out to this pony with compassion, Hannah was also reaching out to herself as she moved into the healing process.
“I agree,” Kent said in a voice gone deep and husky. “And soon, Hannah, you’ll be the best cowgirl in the whole, wide world.”
“Yay!” Hannah clapped her hands together, throwing off concern for excitement as she seesawed between the two emotions.
Billye Jo stood up, clasped Spot’s halter, and led her forward. “Spot, meet Hannah. She’s promised to love you and take care of you.”
Hannah reached up and put her hand on Spot’s velvety nose. She was rewarded with a burst of soft breath and an even softer nicker. “Oh, you’re the best pony ever!” She threw her arms around Spot’s neck and hugged while Spot turned her head, leaned down, and hugged Hannah back in that special way that horses show affection.
Lauren sniffed back tears of happiness. With so much love in Hannah’s life, she would surely now leave her sad past behind and embrace her happy future in Wildcat Bluff. Lauren glanced at Kent, realizing that her daughter wasn’t the only one discovering how much difference love could make in life.
“Horses heal.” Kent put an arm around Lauren’s waist and gently tugged her to his side. “Think how much good you’re going to do with your equine-assisted therapy.”
“What’s that?” Billye Jo turned toward them. “Did you say something about hippotherapy?”
“Yes,” Lauren agreed as she watched Hannah stroked Spot’s long mane and murmur endearments. “I’m a physical therapist. I’ve had some training in equine-assisted therapy, but I intend to get a special certification.”
“Lauren’s got an idea to help folks in Wildcat Bluff County. I bet others will come here, too,” Kent added with a touch of pride in his voice.
Billye Jo’s eyes grew wide with admiration. “That’s wonderful news. In Sure-Shot, we’ve been talking about training horses in equine-assisted therapy for some time, but we needed a therapist to bring our plan together.”
“You’ve got her now.” Kent dimpled as he gave them a big grin.
“That’s terrific news.” Billye Jo looked left and right, then leaned in close. “Nobody but a few of us know this, but I’ve got a hippotherapy-certified horse right now.”
“Really? I’m thrilled to hear it.” Lauren felt her heart speed up with excitement. Hedy wouldn’t need to wait for an appropriate horse.
“You’re a sly one.” Kent chuckled with good humor.
“Well, I wanted to see if I could do it. And I did.” Billye Jo grinned, looking pleased with her accomplishment.
“Is your certified horse for sale?” Lauren asked, hoping she could afford the probably steep price.
“Nope.”
Lauren felt deflated, realizing she might not be able to get Hedy help as quickly as she’d thought.
“But he can be borrowed.”
“That’ll work, too.” Lauren felt a great sense of relief, not only for Hedy but for Hannah, who was now pressing kisses down Spot’s long nose.
“Where are you going to be setting up shop?” Billye Jo asked.
“My place,” Kent said. “At least for now. I’ve got that empty barn just waiting to be used again.”
Billye Jo nodded in agreement. “Tell you what, let me know when you’re ready to start and I’ll bring my horse over.”
“Do you trust us to take care of him?” Kent asked, obviously serious about the responsibility.
“Sure do.” Billye Jo put her hands on her hips. “Besides, I plan to be there plenty to learn and help out.”
“Thank you.” Lauren felt almost overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, but she still didn’t want impose on them. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to volunteer so much. I’m happy to pay you for the use of your horse and your expertise.”
“Won’t hear a word of it.” Billye Jo shook her head. “We’re all learning at this stage. If we get this up and running, there’ll be plenty to keep us going and help others at the same time. There are always horse folks, along with their horses, who can use work.”
“Thanks.” Lauren glanced over at Hannah, who was hugging Spot again. “But I’m definitely paying you for Spot.”
“That’s a deal because the money goes to a little cowgirl’s college fund. I’m just handling the sale for her family.”
“Be sure to let her know how happy Hannah is with Spot.” Lauren had a sudden thought. “And let her know she’s welcome to come and visit her former pony anytime she’d like.”
“That’s right generous,” Billye Jo said, smiling. “I’ll let her family know.”
Kent gestured toward Hannah. “Maybe she’d like to take her first ride as a cowgirl.”
Lauren grinned with happiness. “Hannah, would you like to sit in the saddle?”
Hannah stepped back and whirled around. “Now?”
“Sure,” Lauren agreed.
“But how will I get up there?”
Kent walked over to her. “If you’ll allow me, I’ll lift you up and set you in the saddle.”
Hannah’s eyes grew big. “She won’t run away with me, will she?”
“No,” Billye Jo said. “I’ll hold her halter.”
“And I’ll keep my hands on the saddle,” Kent added. “When you want to get down, just let me know.”
“Mommy?”
“I’ll be right here.” Lauren walked over and gave her daughter a hug. “You’re a big girl now that you’ve got your very own pony friend.”
“Okay.” Hannah held up her arms to Kent. “Cowboy Daddy, I’m ready to ride.”
Lauren watched while Billye Jo took hold of Spot’s bridle. Kent gently lifted Hannah and set her in the saddle with her feet hanging well below the stirrups. She grabbed the saddle horn and held on as if for dear life. Lauren suppressed a chuckle at her daughter’s reaction, wondering if she’d reacted the same way when she’d first been put on the back of a horse. Probably so.
“Mommy! I’m riding a horse.”
/> “You look just like a cowgirl.”
“I am a cowgirl!”
“That’s right,” Kent quickly agreed.
“You look mighty fine,” Billye Jo added.
“Hold still and I’ll get your photo.” Lauren pulled out her phone and snapped several quick shots. Now she’d have a photo of this miraculous moment to keep and to share. She quickly texted a copy to her parents so they could share in this wonderful moment.
About that time, several people pushed open the front door of the Bluebonnet Café and stepped outside. They waved at Hannah, laughing in enjoyment at the sight.
Hannah waved back. “I’m a cowgirl!”
One of the diners gave Hannah a thumbs-up before the group walked toward a pickup and got inside.
Lauren felt tears sting her eyes. Her daughter—who’d been so withdrawn for so long—was actually talking to strangers. And she was even proclaiming herself to be exactly what she’d wanted to be for so long. Life in Wildcat Bluff was definitely going in the right direction.
“Guess we’d better save more horseback riding for the arena at home,” Kent said. “Pretty quick, we’ll be putting on a show for the whole town.”
Billye Jo laughed. “I kind of doubt it. If they’ve seen one horseback rider, they’ve seen a million.”
“But they haven’t seen me!” Hannah exclaimed, raising her fist in the air. “Look, Cowboy Daddy, I’m the best cowgirl ever.”
“That’s right,” Lauren agreed. “But for now, let’s go home so Billye Jo can bring Spot to the ranch later.”
“Now?” Hannah looked downcast.
“Don’t you want to have Spot at home?” Kent asked, stroking her long hair with one hand.
Hannah nodded, then reached down and patted Spot’s mane. “Now you be a good pony till you come home. I’ll get you some—” She stopped and looked at Lauren. “Mommy, may we get treats?”
“I’ll bring some with Spot,” Billye Jo said. “Is tomorrow okay? I think there’s a cowgirl in town who’d like to say good-bye to her former pony.”
Hannah suddenly looked contrite. “Tell her, please, not to be sad. I’ll take good care of Spot.”
“I’ll be happy to tell her,” Billye Joe agreed.
“Come on, let’s get down.” Kent lifted Hannah out of the saddle and set her on the ground.
She ran around and gave Spot a loud smack of a kiss on her long nose. “Don’t be lonely now. You’ve got a good home.”
Billye Jo held out her hand to Lauren. “Thanks. I’m excited to be working with you. Equine-assisted therapy. Just think about it.”
“I’m thrilled to be working with you, too.” Lauren shook her hand. “And I’ve got someone in mind who’ll greatly benefit from our services.”
“Who is it, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’ll be happy to tell you later.” Lauren hoped against hope that somehow she could get Hedy to change her mind. “First, let’s just get everything in working order.”
“Fine by me.” Billye Jo picked up Spot’s lead, then easily leaped up on the back of Rowdy. “Let’s talk tomorrow and set up a time to bring the horses to your place.”
“Sounds good,” Kent agreed. “You know I’m living at the old farmhouse, don’t you?”
“Sure do.”
“Need directions?”
“Nope. It’s been awhile, but I’ve been there.”
“Good. See you tomorrow.” Kent raised a hand in good-bye.
Billye Jo nodded, clicked to her horses, and started back toward the Sinclair station where Dune’s truck was still parked in front.
Lauren glanced at Kent. “I’m amazed at how quickly and easily everything is coming together.”
“That’s because it’s right.” He clasped her hand with a gentle squeeze. “Like we are.” He held out his other fingers to Hannah, and she trustingly grabbed his hand as she grinned up at him.
And Lauren felt as if she’d truly come home.
Chapter 30
Kent felt an almost overwhelming sense of protectiveness as he held hands with Lauren on one side and Hannah on the other. He’d had no idea he could become a family man so fast or want it so much. He guessed he’d put a family of his own on the back burner after Lauren had left Wildcat Bluff. Now he realized he’d wandered in a whole lot of directions till he’d come back to the one that felt most like home.
He supposed pride and youth could get in the way of a lot of sound decisions. He’d felt rejected by Lauren when she’d left, he realized now, even if the move hadn’t been her fault. He’d run hard to fill in the space she’d left in his heart. He’d even tried to fill that gap with Charlene, but she hadn’t belonged in Wildcat Bluff any more than he belonged in Dallas.
He knew he shouldn’t rush Lauren, but it didn’t feel like rushing her. He felt like he’d been waiting forever for her to come home. Now they both had baggage from their lives. He was willing to put his false starts behind him, but could she move on from losing her husband for a second chance? He didn’t know, but he was willing to put everything on the line to find out.
“Ladies,” he said, glancing from one to the other, “we’ve worn the morning away. How about getting some lunch, or dinner as we say around here?”
“Yay!” Hannah kicked up her feet. “Ice cream!”
Lauren chuckled as she shook her head. “I’m starving, but it’s time for some real food.”
“Stick to our ribs?” He smiled down at her.
“Perfect.”
“Chicken strips?” Hannah asked, swinging Kent’s arm back and forth. “Yummy!”
“Let’s see what Elsie’s got on the menu.” Lauren pointed at the front door of the café.
As Kent started to open the door, he heard the loud rumble of a truck’s engine as it came to a stop in the parking lot. He glanced over and saw a King Ranch pickup painted smoky gray with embossed, black leather seats inside. A couple of rifles stretched in holders across the back window.
Kent would recognize that fancy, one-of-a-kind, clean-as-a-whistle truck anywhere. The Holloway family lived in high clover. Not that Kent was against anybody living life high on the hog, not when they’d earned it fair and square. What concerned him, as a volunteer firefighter, was the string of fires associated with Holloway buildings. All in all, he gave the family a wide berth while remaining on friendly terms.
Kent hesitated, wanting to go inside and avoid the Holloways but knowing it’d be rude to ignore them. Besides, he’d been raised to be friendly the Texas way.
He stepped back from the door, angling Lauren and Hannah toward the pickup.
“What’s up?” Lauren asked.
“Looks like we’ve got company. It’s probably a good idea to say hello.”
“Friends of yours?”
“The Holloways.”
“I’ll be happy to say hello.”
Kent heard truck doors slam simultaneously as two tall men stepped down from the pickup. Both were good-looking guys wearing Western-cut suits—one in navy and the other in charcoal—with Zuni inlay silver-and-turquoise bolo ties, expensive ostrich cowboy boots, and rancher-style gray cowboy hats. Bert had thick, dark hair streaked with silver while Bert Two’s hair was still dark brown. They both had tanned skin from time spent golfing and hunting in the sun.
“Kent Duval!” Bert called jovially. “You’re just the man I want to see.”
“Really?”
“Yep.” Bert quickly walked over and held out his hand. “I can’t thank you and our firefighters enough for putting out that blaze on our property.”
Bert Two stepped beside his dad and held out his hand, too. “Fine job. Thanks.”
Kent shook both their hands, quick, hard, get-it-done movements.
Bert Two tipped his hat. “And who are these two lovely ladies?”
“Looks like you’ve come up in the world,” Bert quickly agreed, tipping his own hat.
Hannah tugged on Kent’s hand and when he looked down, she raised her arms to be picked up. As Morning Glory would say, she must not like the vibes. He quickly raised her and she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her face against his chest. He patted her back, comforting her in a way he hadn’t even known he could do.
“Now that’s real sweet.” Bert Two gave a big smile at the sight.
“Bert Two,” Lauren said, drawing the Holloways’ attention away from her daughter, “don’t you remember me?”
Bert looked her over, frowning, before his face eased into a grin. “You’ve got Hedy’s eyes! Darn tooting I remember you. Lauren, isn’t it?”
“That’s right! You grew up real fine.” Bert Two grabbed Lauren in a tight embrace, hugged her hard, then set her back as he looked her over top to bottom again. “Real fine.”
“You’ve got to admit Wildcat Bluff County has the most beautiful ladies on this green Earth,” Bert said.
“That’s the truth of it,” Bert Two agreed.
“What are you doing in our neck of the woods?” Bert asked.
“She’s visiting her aunt.” Kent gave Lauren a look to let her know he wasn’t willing to let the Holloways know about their venture yet.
“That’s right,” Lauren quickly agreed. “I wanted my daughter Hannah to spend some time with Aunt Hedy.”
“That’s good.” Bert looked at Hannah. “Beautiful little girl. She looks just like her mother and aunt.”
Hannah glanced up at him, then buried her face against Kent’s shoulder again.
“Shy little thing, isn’t she?” Bert Two asked.
“Sometimes.” Lauren stroked a hand down Hannah’s back. “She’s not used to a lot of strangers.”
“That’s the way of children,” Bert agreed.
“What brings you to Sure-Shot?” Kent protectively moved the conversation away from Lauren and Hannah. “Are you buying horses?”
“Not exactly.” Bert pointed past the Sinclair station. “That old drive-in theater beyond the station came up for sale. Not much to it anymore, but—”
