“Your secret is safe with me.We’re not defined by our parents’ shortcomings, you know.And like Pops always said, if you’re lucky enough to own a horse you better know how to care for it.”
Miranda just nodded.“They’d kick me off the women’s committee if they found out how broke we are.”
“Is that why you’re marrying Mr.Dubois, or is it true love?”Shelby asked but then instantly regretted it when Miranda flinched.She reached out to her.“Hey I’m sorry.It’s none of my business.”
Miranda sighed and shook her head, “I don’t think I can actually go through with it.I think I just said yes because I was so mad at Charlie and my father for leaving me with this mess.But lately I’ve been thinking it might be easier to just get out of this town altogether.”
Before Shelby could ask her anything else a teenage boy with curly blonde hair wearing a backpack walked into the barn.
“Andy, I’m heading off to school, mama’s sitting with her tea.”
Miranda painted on a smile.“Okay, I’ll walk you down to the bus stop.But first say hello to my friend.Shelby this is my baby brother, he’s brilliant and handsome.
“Hello, I’m Jeremy Sutton, it’s nice to meet you,” the young man said in a formal tone before turning back to face Miranda.“You don’t need to walk me to the bus stop, I’m not five.”
“Yes, but I’ll just walk you anyway then I can mean-mug Billy Rogers so he knows he better not try to start any stuff with you again, or he’ll have to deal with me.”
“Just what I need is my sassy sister fighting my battles.”But then he turned his attention to Shelby.“You must love horses too if you’re here this early.”
“Yep, I was hoping if I help your sister out with chores that she’ll have time to go riding today.”
“Good, she works too much.Make sure you choose Sugar, she’s the sweetest.”The young man said with confidence and walked over to the brown horse that clearly loved him.“She’s my favorite.”
“I’d be happy to,” Shelby said.
“I’ll be right back,” Miranda said, then wrapped her arm around brother.“Come on, that bus waits for no one.”
By the time Miranda returned, Shelby had walked the remaining horses out to the pen and started on mucking out the first stall, which meant removing the old hay to supply fresh, clean hay.
“A lot sure has changed since high school,” Miranda said.
Shelby stopped with the shovel in her hand.“Who knew the outcast and the cheerleader would end up being so alike.”
Miranda laughed and picked up a shovel to start on the next stall and shook her head.“You might be the first person to surprise me in this town in a good way.”
“Sounds like I have some catching up to do.”
“Well I’m not really one to gossip but…” They both laughed.And for the next hour they worked easily together while Miranda told Shelby all about people in town.
By the time they exercised each horse, Shelby’s body was sore and exhausted.
“I can’t believe you do this every day by yourself,” Shelby said.
“You get used to it, you know.”
“Which days do you need the most help?”
“You don’t have to worry about it.I mean come any day you want to ride and if you’re in time to muck a stall all the better.”
“Alright, if you’re sure you don’t mind?Maybe you should consider offering horseback riding to the tourists, like an excursion?”
Miranda nodded.“I doubt that would satisfy the bill collectors, but I do have Beast on the stud roster.If he can get a few successful pairings that’ll buy me more time.In the meantime, I’ll keep planning this wedding,” she said, twirling the massive ring on her finger and rolling her eyes.
Shelby nodded.It was clear Miranda wasn’t thrilled to be marrying a man almost twice her age.Without a second thought Shelby gave Miranda a big hug.“You’ve got a lot of grit, Miranda Sutton.Thank you for letting me get dirty and ride today.”
“I hope I see you again soon.Sandy Point could use more people like you,” Miranda said.
On her drive back home, Shelby passed through town and for the first time saw big red banners being hung downtown.Wesley Hart for Sheriffin big bold letters hung on several storefronts.And in the middle of town was city hall where there were more signs for Wesley, and then an equal amount with her brother’s name sat along the walkways in the grass, like dueling lawn ornaments.Either Wes had changed his mind about running for sheriff or he’d always planned to.Maybe she should attend the town hall and see for herself what was going on, she did own property in Sandy Point now.
