“Careful that halo doesn’t slip,” Red cracked, making them laugh.
“He sounds like a good man,” her father said.
“He is.” She met her dad’s eyes, her heart swelling. “I really want you to get to know him better today. More than that quick handshake on the bunny slope.”
“Looking forward to it,” Jack said sincerely.
As if on cue, the low rumble of an engine approached. Nicole and Jack moved toward the wide barn doors just as the handicap-accessible van pulled up on the drive to the stable.
After he parked, Cameron hopped out, bundled in a dark parka, his breath puffing in the cold air.
“Morning!” he called, giving Nicole a smile that definitely took away the cold.
She jogged toward him, excited that he’d agreed to do this. “Morning! Perfect day for a ride.”
Jack followed, extending his hand. “Good to see you again, Cameron.”
“Mr. Kessler,” Cameron said, shaking firmly. “Thanks for letting us do this.”
“Call me Jack. And it’s our pleasure.”
While they exchanged greetings, Nicole rounded to the passenger side as the van’s hydraulic lift whirred. Elise appeared, radiant and glowing, her hair braided beneath a knit beanie. Her grin was wide and uncontainable.
“You ready for this?” Nicole asked.
“I haven’t slept all night,” Elise admitted with a laugh, practically vibrating with excitement. “Let me at that horse!”
Nicole hugged her tightly, the metal of the wheelchair frame pressing against her coat. “You’re going to love Copper.”
As Cameron maneuvered the chair down the ramp, his movements careful and precise, Nicole caught the flash of tension in his jaw. He was excited for Elise, but his concern radiated like heat.
Jack seemed to notice, too. “Don’t worry,” he said in his calm, steady way. “We’ve done this before. Safety’s our top priority.”
Cameron nodded, though his knuckles were white on the handles. “I know. It’s just…” His gaze softened as he looked at Elise. “She’s my little sister.”
“And your biggest pain in the butt,” Elise teased, rolling her eyes. “Relax, Cam. I’m not made of glass.”
“Let’s meet Copper,” Nicole said, her voice bubbling with excitement as she took over the wheelchair. She guided Elise into the stable, where Red was standing in front of the horse, the ramp, and the rig.
“This is my grandfather, Red Starling,” Nicole said. “And my baby, Copper. This is Elise, our rider.”
Elise gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as she met Copper’s big gaze. “Oh. My. Gosh. Nicole, he’s…he’s beautiful.”
“I get that a lot,” Red joked.
Elise pointed at him, not missing a beat. “I can see why.”
Red chuckled and stroked Copper’s big head. “Copper’s a fine boy. Smarter than some folks I know.” His weathered face creased into a grin.
Cameron came in with Jack, and Nicole introduced him to Red, all of them talking and laughing about the big day.
Cameron crouched beside Elise’s wheelchair, his voice soft. “You ready, E?”
“Ready doesn’t begin to cover it,” Elise said, her hazel eyes bright with excitement. “How are we going to do this?”
Jack joined them, looking serious. “Okay, here’s the plan. We’ll roll Elise up the ramp until she’s level with the saddle. Then, using the transfer sling and side-walker belt, we’ll help her pivot and swing her leg over. I’ll stabilize her upper body while I secure the harness. Cameron, you can support her torso until she’s fully seated.”
Cameron’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. “Got it.”
