I crouch beside the foal as he wobbles on spindly legs, struggling to find his balance. His coat is a soft, warm brown, and a determined glimmer shines in his eyes. I bite my lip, watching him.
“How’s he doing?” I ask Josh, glancing between the mare and the foal.
“He’s strong,” Josh says.“Just figuring out how to walk without falling on his face. Typical first-timers.”
A familiar voice calls from behind me.“Hey, Sunset.”
I turn and blush as Cas steps up, hands in his pockets, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“So… what did you name him, Dad?” Cas asks, playful dimples showing.
Josh grins.“Penny’s going to name him.”
All eyes turn to me. My heart races as I look at the foal again. He wobbles, falls, then tries again. I watch his persistence and feel a surge of inspiration.
“Storm,” I whisper softly.
Cas’s eyes light up.“Storm,” he repeats, turning to look at the foal.
Jude just nods silently, a small smile tugging at his lips, but Josh beams.“Storm! I like it!”
I reach out and stroke Storm’s soft muzzle. He wobbles again but refuses to give up.“The name fits him,” I murmur.
Cas steps beside me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.“How are you doing today?” I shiver under his touch.
I take a slow breath.“I’m… better. Slowly getting used to this freedom, I guess.”
He smiles softly.“I have to get back to the station, but I’ll see you at dinner tonight?”
“Yes,” I say, smiling.“See you at dinner.”
He tips his hat, dimples flashing, and walks toward his truck.
I step outside, the afternoon sunlight glinting through the trees as Grace’s car rolls up the driveway.
“Penny!” she calls, hopping out and racing over to me. She pulls me into a hug, backpack slung over her shoulder.
“Hey there,” I say, hugging her back.
“I need to talk to you,” she says, her voice excited.
“Sure, we can talk,” I reply, letting her go.
Her eyes dart over my shoulder.“Not here,” she whispers. I follow her gaze and see her looking at Jude and Ethan, who are walking over to see the foal.
“How about we get coffee in town and then come back for dinner?” she suggests, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“Perfect,” I say.“I know just the place.”
Grace hurries inside to put her backpack away, and I wait by the car.
We arrive at Sugar & Spice, the sweet scent of fresh-baked pastries and rich coffee spilling out as we step inside. Warm amber lights hang from the ceiling, reflecting off glass jars filled with cookies, muffins, and cinnamon rolls. The hum of conversation and the hiss of the espresso machine create a cozy, welcoming buzz.
“This place looks amazing,” Grace says, her eyes darting around.“I’ve never been here, but Cas says the coffee is the best.”
Summer spots us immediately and walks over, grinning.“Penny! Hi! And who’s this gorgeous lady?”
“Hi, Summer,” I say.“This is Grace, Cas’s little sister.”
