Settled in her stall, Whinny stuck her head through the drop window with a snort. Gemma gritted her teeth and breathed against the sting of emotion.
“She doesn’t want to go,” Imani said with a sob.
“She’s fine, Imani-girl.” Daddy handed over Silver to Jeb. “She’s just saying goodbye.”
Silver pranced toward the trailer like she was queen of the parade and trotted up the ramp, smiling at her view of the world from her low window.
“What adventure are we going on now?”
Oh Silver you do make me laugh. I wish I was more like you.
Steady. Steady. No tears, no tears. Jeb’s place was a good place. His grandkids would spoil the herd rotten.
But she wasn’t prepared to see Hercules. The big boy walked so steady, so graceful toward his new ride. His giant hooves crushed the gravel, then banged up the ramp. When he appeared in his window and gazed toward Gemma, she buckled to one knee.
How could a Clydesdale make her feel so loved? So forgiven? His expression was kind and gentle, as if he understood. As if he wanted to say, “Thank you.”
The yard reverberated with the clank of Jeb closing the gate and dropping the pin.
“You’ve done a mighty fine job with them, Gemma,” he said. “Especially Whinny. She’s not afraid of men anymore.”
“It—it was the prince,” she answered while staring at her teardrops in the gravel and dust.
“You girls best say goodbye.” Daddy’s large, kind hand touched her shoulder. “Gemma? Imani?”
When Imani moved, the old truck gate creaked. Gemma tried to stand but Blue was leaning against her. For her strength or his, she couldn’t tell. Maybe both. Then another dog, probably Tweedy, sniffed her hair. Marcus, Barksy, and Hal were last seen under Imani’s dangling feet.
“You and Imani are welcome anytime,” Jeb said. “Even if Winona and I ain’t there.”
Gemma nodded her thank-you and accepted the hanky Daddy shoved into her hand. When she stood, Imani was loving on Silver, then Whinny.
“Y’all be good,” she said. “I’ll see you in a few days at Mr. Jeb’s. Now look, Whinny, be nice to Silver, and don’t give Herc a hard time, he’s in love with you. I’ll miss you something fierce.”
Justin followed, saying his piece. Then Daddy got in line. Even Blue trotted over and raised his paws to the side of the trailer.
At last it was her turn. But she couldn’t—
“Gemma,” Daddy said. “Jeb’s a busy man.”
“Right.” She wrung her hands together as she stepped forward with the goal to be as upbeat as Imani, but her voice betrayed her.
“You heard Imani, y’all. Jeb’s a good man and we’ll visit. You’ll be well loved at his place.”
Whinny tossed her head with a neigh and snort.“I’ll be the judge of that.”
“Silver,” Gemma knelt beside the mini. “Look after everyone. You know you’re the boss, right?” Silver mopped up Gemma’s tears with her thick lips.
“Oh, Races to Win…you’re a beauty. But remember how you’ve learned to trust. And Imani’s right, Hercules is in love with you.”
The thoroughbred gently brushed her nose against Gemma’s cheek.
Last but not least, Hercules. Gemma rested her forehead against his majestic muzzle and her reserved tears overflowed. “I’m going to miss you the most. You saved me as much as I saved you.” She looked into his eyes and stroked his head. “You will always have a part of my heart.”
Hercules stretched down until his chin rested on her shoulder—his version of a hug—then he sweetly tasted her hair. His version of a kiss.
She stayed with Hercules for a long time, crying softly, shoving aside memories of when he first arrived, to the first night in the barn with the puppies and the prince, to when Herc smiled and ran after Whinny. To the night the prince kissed her, and Hercules knocked him into the rain.
Eventually Daddy cleared his throat and she couldn’t delay any longer. Gemma stepped back for a final speech.
