“Trail rides intrigue me,” she says as she stops in front of a stall holding a beautiful chestnut gelding. “This guy here was rescued from a bad situation about six months ago. He’s safe to pat. His name’s Apollo.”
“He’s gorgeous.” I put up my hand to let him sniff it before patting him.
“I’m hoping he can be ridden again sometime. He was nearly impossible to manage at first, but now he loves to be patted.”
“Is he your first rescue?”
“Yes, but I’d love to take in more horses. There’s such a need. We’d need more finances to afford to care for them, though.”
“Circle PR is thinking of opening a foundation for equine rescue,” I say before I can stop myself. “It would help provide funds for ranches like yours who want to take in abandoned and abused horses and give them a chance at a new life.”
A foundation for abused horses is a dream I’ve had for years. Mom and I shared that dream, but Dad’s always been worried we’ll get in over our heads and won’t be able to meet our expenses. So, I’ve let him hold the line on that, and I’ve stepped back. I always planned to pursue a foundation, though, just as soon as I was in charge.
“Really? That would be wonderful.”
“It would be. We have to make sure it’s viable before going forward with it,” I say. “Let’s finish looking over your ranch so I can assess other possible income streams for you.”
* * *
My afternoon is dragging.
I can’t wait to see Declan, and I keep checking the time on my phone impatiently. I don’t expect him home before midnight, and right now, that feels like it’s ages away.
“Mia!” Dean rushes into my office just before five. “Channel Five News just called. Chronicle Montana wants to do a segment on Circle PR for its section dedicated to local ranches.”
I shoot up from my chair behind my desk. “Are you serious?”
Dean raises his hand, and I give him a high-five. Then, I rush around my desk and give him a hug.
“This is so awesome!” I say. “Did they say who’s doing the interview? Is it Angie Fells? I love Angie!”
“I’m not sure who it will be,” Dean says, his blue eyes sparkling with the same excitement I’m feeling. “But this is huge for the company. You’ve been wanting to get on that show for years.”
“I know. My mom wanted Circle PR to be on Chronicle Montana so badly; she must have called them dozens of times.”
Dean’s expression turns somber. “You can dedicate this to her then.” He runs his hand over his nearly bald head. “She was the one who hired me all those years ago. I started in the mailroom and made my way up here. I owe her a lot.”
I put my hand on his flannel-covered arm. “And that’s why you’ll do the segment with me.”
Dean’s eyes widen with fear. “No way. I’m terrible in front of a camera.”
“How do you know?” I ask him. “Do you have experience?”
“No,” he says. “That’s my point. I have no experience because it’s not my thing. Your dad should do it with you.”
I laugh. “I’d agree with you except my dad freezes whenever he has to do any kind of public speaking. He handles the money and the behind-the-scenes stuff great, but the client part, not so much. After Mom passed, he panicked. I guess he thought maybe I shared my mom’s gift of gabbing and handling public speaking. She was amazing, and I always hope to be a quarter as good. I figure that’s good enough for most accounts.”
Dean smiles at me fondly. “You’re far better than a quarter as good, Mia.”
* * *
Between my long talk with Dad about our television slot and finishing up my work, by the time I leave the office, I’m exhausted. And it’s long after five.
I’m so tired I don’t even want to ride my motorcycle home.
I’m standing outside the elevator bank on my floor while I debate calling for a cab when I hear—
“Mia.”
