I spend the next twenty minutes saddling Gentry and warming up his muscles with a slow trot. Rosalie and Edward walk up to the fence right on time.
I dismount and lead Gentry to where they are waiting.
“Hi, Jackson!” Edward grins at our approach.
“Hi there.” I lift a hand and wave. “It’s my two favorite people. Fancy meeting you here.”
Rosalie smiles when my gaze meets hers.
“Who’s this horse?” Edward asks.
“This is Gentry. He’s a gentle soul.” I hand Edward a carrot before the horse can snag it from me. “He likes snacks.”
Edward feeds him the vegetable just like we practiced. The kid has a deep care for animals, and it’s been an honor to witness his confidence grow the more he’s around the horses.
“He’s nice.” Edward grins, looking to me for assurance.
“He is.” I sneak a glance at Rosalie before asking Edward, “Want to ride him?”
Edward doesn’t immediately dismiss my offer. Major progress. He wants to ride, but he’s still a little scared. He worries his bottom lip.
“What if he throws me off?”
“He won’t. And I’ll be right here the whole time.”
“Promise?” His eyes are so wide as he looks up at me.
“Cross my heart.”
I help him mount the saddle, and lead him around the pen once before handing him the reins.
“Okay, Edward. You remember what we’ve practiced.” He nods as I go through the laundry list of safety rules. “I want you to walk him once around the pen, then bring him into a trot. You’re ready. You’ve got this.”
“I’ve got this.” His brows furrow with so much determination. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“I’m right here. Okay? I’ll be watching the entire time.”
He nods and gives the horse a squeeze with his legs.
Gentry, the good horse he is, begins walking immediately. As they move, I walk over to where Rosalie is watching.
“Mama, look! Look at me!”
“I see you, baby!” she calls out. “Don’t let go!”
“He’s got this.”
“If he falls, I will murder you,” she says softly.
I grin. “Fair enough.”
The riding lesson goes well, and after thirty minutes, Edward and I lead Gentry to the barn to wipe him down. After Gentry is cared for and in his stall for the night, we rejoin Rosalie.
“Mama! Did you see me? Did you see me up there riding that horse?” Edward is practically bursting with pride.
“I saw!” Rosalie opens her arms and catches him in an embrace. “I’m so proud of you.”
Her gaze finds mine and her appreciation is written on her face. It makes me want to give this kid a thousand more lessons.
