“I’ll hold him for the demo. And later, if you want to work up to doing the whole thing alone, you can. This rig’s rated for unassisted use. Auburn’s been using a similar design for years with their equine therapy program. I called in a bunch of favors to get this here in time. So, uh… if you could pretend to like it, that’d be great for my ego.”
She huffed out a laugh in spite of herself. “You called Auburn?”
“I sweet-talked half of Alabama and UPS,” he said. “Christmas miracles all around.”
The flutters in her stomach intensified. Part of her wanted to bolt. Part of her wanted to launch herself onto that horse and never come down. And part of her wanted to throw her arms around Wade Reynolds and kiss him senseless.
“Okay,” she said, hearing the tremor in her voice and deciding not to care. “Show me.”
Wade stepped behind her chair and gave a gentle push to line her up with the platform. “Straight on,” he murmured. “That’s it. A little more…yes. Perfect. Lock your brakes.”
His hands brushed hers as she set the brakes, sending a shiver up her arms.
“Ready?” he asked.
No, not even close. “Yes.”
“Press this button,” he said, indicating a lighted panel.
She did and the lift hummed, smooth and steady, raising slowly her until she was level with Copper’s withers. From this vantage point, she could see the top of the horse’s back, the gleam of the new leather saddle rig.
The saddle had soft extra padding at the thighs, with a slightly deeper seat that would hold her more securely than a standard style. She noticed a curved, thick handle built into the front horn—not obvious, but practical and reassuring.
Straps along the side could fasten around her hips and thighs, keeping her secure without looking like she was being attached to the contraption.
Copper flicked an ear back toward her and snorted softly.
“Hey, handsome,” Elise murmured, reaching out to scratch his neck. “You’re in on this scheme, huh?”
“He’s been very patient,” Wade said with a smile, a hand on Copper’s halter. “We did a couple test runs so he wouldn’t freak. He’s good to go.”
She studied the space between her body and the saddle. She’d done transfers a thousand times—bed, chair, car, exam tables. This was the same process, just a little higher, a little scarier, and with a large, breathing animal attached.
But no one had to carry or hold her.
Fear nipped at the edges of her bravado. Before the accident, riding had been freedom. After, it had become…abject sadness. Until Nicole and Copper, she’d given up completely.
Since then, she’d gotten used to two people lifting her, someone pushing her, escorting her,babysittingher. Grateful as she was, it always felt like borrowing freedom instead of owning it.
She tightened her grip on the bar, set her jaw, and shifted her weight.
“Easy,” Wade murmured, his hands hovering near her waist, not touching unless she needed him. “Strong transfer, just like you do with your shower and bed. You can do this, Elise.”
He’d never seen her do any of those transfers, but the fact that he knew she did and respected the work involved meant a lot to her.
Taking a steadying inhale, she pivoted on her chair cushion, lifted with her arms and shoulders, slid across. For a breathless second, her center of gravity wobbled and the world tilted—but then the saddle caught her. Wade’s hand stayed close, but not on her.
In her next breath, she was seated, centered, and she’d done it alone!
Wade made a sound that was almost a laugh and a groan together. “You are incredible,” he said, his voice thick.
“Don’t you forget it,” she replied, but her eyes stung as she reached down to fasten the low-profile hip strap, securing herself to the saddle.
“That’s mostly for the unexpected,” he explained as he watched her work. “Spooks, little slips. You’ve got good core strength. I wanted something that gives you an extra second to grab a hold if needed.”
She glanced down. Her boots rested in the low stirrups more for appearance than function, but it felt…right, somehow. Herflowing burgundy skirt split easily but still covered everything. It would be even better in riding clothes. But the skirt made her feel pretty.
The lift platform lowered back to the floor with her empty chair in place. Copper shifted one step, and Elise’s body moved with him. She sucked in a breath. It was like a missing piece sliding into place.
