7
Sutton
Happy something #108: Feeling the wind whip through my hair as I race my horse around the barrels.
My boots hit the ground in a cloud of dust. The summer heat mixed with minimal rain is turning the arena’s fluffy sand into compacted concrete. I’ll have to water and drag the grounds before my next ride. Not that I have any intention of pushing Daisy faster than a relaxed lope. The need to turn and burn died with Pago. Any riding I do now is strictly for the sake of enjoyment.
I reach for Daisy’s reins and loop them over her head, leading us to the hitching post. Her velvet nose wiggles against my pocket in search of a treat. With a laugh, I remove her bridle and pass one over. My horse chomps the apple wafer while I slip on her halter. I loosen the cinch and slide the saddle off Daisy’s back. After grabbing the pad, I set both on the nearby stand. The movements come automatically out of habit, regardless of the months that have passed since I’ve done this.
The early morning sun gains strength as I drift a brush along her shiny coat. Her neck is still damp, but she’s cooled off. May has officially faded into June and taken any remaining chill with the passing spring. Today will be great for the lake. Not that there’s ever a bad one.
Memories from the other night filter in with that image. If I try hard enough, the lazy slap of water against the shore echoes in my ears. I wasn’t sure what to expect when pulling into Grady’s driveway. It wasn’t the massive German Shepherd trying to claw his way through my door panel. When I got over the initial shock from Bear and stepped out of the car, all the air was yanked from my lungs.
His house is...the house.
It’s a place I once described very vividly as a happy something. It needs a ton of work, but the bones are all there. I could see a new wraparound porch with two chairs sitting out front. The colonial pillars will need a fresh coat of paint but they’re solid. I absently wonder if he plans to add a swing to that large oak by the lake. If Grady doesn’t think I noticed, he’s more lost than I pegged him for.
Daisy bumps my hip and those thoughts vanish in a whoosh. I’m stretching out the tremble from my fingers when she knocks into me again. She earns a soothing stroke down her blaze. I untie her lead rope and head toward the gate. “Ready to roam, pretty girl?”
The rapid clomp of her hooves is my only response. I pass over another treat and set her free. Daisy doesn’t hesitate. She kicks up her hind legs and runs off to find our other horse. That spunk never translates while riding her. I let a giggle loose while walking to the barn.
“What’s so funny?”
I lift a hand to shade my eyes. Jace is leaning against the fence, waiting for me to approach. I smile at him. “Daisy is feeling her oats.”
He nods. “She doesn’t get out much. I’m sure the exercise gave her a boost.”
“She did seem overly eager for attention. What happened to all the lesson kids?”
“Mom still works with a few. They tend to choose Buster and his spots.” He shrugs.
Our other remaining horse is an appaloosa and a favorite with kids. “Sad news for Daisy.”
He nudges my shoulder. “She’s got you.”
“It was nice getting back in the saddle.”
Jace’s blue eyes laser into mine. “Do you ever miss competing?”
It’s my turn to shrug. “That depends.”
“He was just a—”
I hold up a palm. “Don’t even start with that shit. You’re not attached to animals, but I sure am. Don’t pass more judgment about how I feel. Horses are like dogs—part of the family.”
His scoff drives a stake through my heart. “To you, maybe.”
“And every other little kid who has felt that bond.” I continue striding toward the barn, more than done with this conversation.
Jace jogs to catch up. “Speaking of, we should get another dog.”
“You mean mom and dad?”
Without looking at him, I know his gaze is set on the empty kennel. “Every farm needs at least one.”
“No argument from me. Maybe a big breed that’ll protect the land.”
He grunts. “Pretty sure Maggie never chased anyone away.”
