“No.” She answers, almost sheepishly.
“Ever want to?”
“I never thought about it. But I do like horses.”
“Well, we don’t have any lessons until tomorrow, if y’all want to come see them after we’re done here?” I offer.
Felicia looks at me and smiles. “Well, shoot, darlin’. This boy’s awful busy. You ought to take him up on that offer quick.”
“Okay.” Ava grins. “That sounds like fun.”
It’s more than fun to her. Gosh, while we sit in my truck, on the ride back to the ranch, she’s all but vibrating, she’s so excited. “You okay?” I chuckle, watching her foot push her entire leg up and down rapidly. The smile on her face is telling.
“I’m great. Gosh, I never thought I’d be so tickled to do something.”
“Well, you’ll love the horses. Lollipop’s a doll. She loves everyone. I’ll fix you with her and have y’all galloping in no time.”
When we get back to the ranch, mama’s got fresh cinnamon rolls just coming out of the oven. “Hey, mama. This is Ava.” I introduce.
Ava’s smile is a mile wide as she shakes mama’s proffered hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Call me Emma, darlin’.” Mama says, putting a roll on a plate, and handing it to her. “You want some tea?”
“Sure.”
“Uh oh…mama’s in her glory.” I say warmly, giving mama a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “You just can’t help spoiling anyone new coming through here, can ya?”
“Well, anyone that’s got a good vibe, darlin’. You know me.”
Ava looks at mama, as she takes a bite of the roll. Her eyes roll into the back of her head. “Oh…Lord, ma’am. This is divine!”
“Thank you, doll. I make them from scratch.”
Ava nods. I’m thankful that none of my brothers are in the house. I don’t need them embarrassing the shit out of me, like they would be doing if they were here. They can’t seem to let any opportunity pass them by. Then again, I’m not much better.
…and for the next two hours it’s almost like the last year never happened.
Chapter 13
Ava
Lollipop is the sweetest horse ever. Gunner keeps telling me that it can sometimes take some people a while to get up the courage to mount a horse, but not me, I climb on her like it’s second nature. And I immediately fall in love. Being on a horse is more liberating than anything else I’ve ever experienced. Up high enough to see the world, being one with nature, and trusting another one of God’s creatures, it’s just…it’s the whole package. The smile on my face is so evident that the muscles at the back of my head hurt.
“You wanna go head into that trail in the brush? Feel comfortable enough?” Gunner asks tentatively, yet with an encouraging smile.
“Sure. I’m up for anything.”
“I can tell.” He scoffs, good-naturedly. Gunner looks so different on a horse. He’s raw and uninhibited, and it’s like the horse is just another appendage. Like he was born on one. It’s the most fascinating connection I’ve ever seen. It’s like he and the horse can read each other’s minds. There’s a natural telepathic energy between them.
After I draw in a deep breath, taking in the sweet air, I feel more at ease than I have in months, years, maybe all my life. It’s the best anxiety reliever in the world. “God, Gunner. This is my happy place.”
He looks at me and smiles. “Mine, too. I think I’m on a horse more than I’m on foot sometimes.”
“I can see why. This is so exhilarating, yet all the same, I’m more relaxed than I’ve ever been.”
“Just heed your rear end until you get used to it. Tomorrow you’re going to need a sitz bath. Trust me.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, chuckling, almost cringing at the thought.
