“I trust your judgment,” Mom said immediately as she wrapped an arm around his waist.
“Me too,” Spencer declared.
“What do you think?” Jay asked, gaze directed at me.
I shifted on my feet, and one of the planks on the porch creaked. “I agree with Dad. They were urgent and warned us about an incoming threat. They could’ve just gone on their way, but they didn’t.”
Jay nodded, but Daisy frowned.
“Did you decide what you’re going to do?” A gruff voice jolted our attention toward the guys standing at the base of the porch steps.
“We’re coming. Just need to secure the place,” Dad told them.
The brunette nodded, his warm gaze shifting over the group before landing on me. “I’m Micah.”
“Nathan.” The blond didn’t even bother looking at the group as he winked toward me. “We’d be happy to help you lock up. We can’t spend more than ten minutes at most. Then wehaveto leave.”
“Gather any supplies you can. Food and water would be top priority,” Micah added.
“Thanks.” Mom smiled, oddly at ease as I was with the strangers. “I’m Grace.”
“I’m Tom.” Dad reached a hand out and shook theirs.
“Tori.” I shook their hands, and Spencer introduced herself as she did the same.
“Why are you helping us?” Jay’s jaw tightened, not offering them his name.
“Congratulations on using your brain.” Nathan chuckled. “Most people these days will kill you without batting an eye, but we’re not doing this for anything but good karma and extra hands for the Oasis we call home.”
“We can come back if we want, right?” Daisy asked timidly as Jay wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close.
“Of course. We’re not kidnapping you.” Micah ran a hand through his hair. “Gather everything you need. We need to be moving.”
Twenty minutes later,the ranch was secured tight, and the animals had food to last them the week while we were gone.
Anxiety and dread coiled tight in my gut at the thought of a horde of zombies running through, but I hoped that our fence would maybe deter it if we were lucky.
We had gone this long without a horde breaking in after all.
“He’s a beauty.” Micah’s gruff voice skittered down my spine as I finished cinching the saddle on Kovu and turned toward him.
“Thanks. He’s my best friend.” I smiled, heart swelling as I stroked my horse’s neck. “He was born the same year I was, so he’s always been there for me.”
Kovu neighed like he was thanking him.
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-six.” I smiled softly. “A horse’s life-span is usually around thirty years, so Kovu’s pretty much an elder.”
Kovu was a Rocky Mountain horse, and he was stunning. He had a sleek black coat with a light brown mane and tail. His looks only got better with age, and he was in great shape.
I made sure to take him on rides every single day—weather permitting.
A smile formed on my lips as I watched the man hold his hand out for Kovu to sniff before petting his head. “I think he likes you.”
“That’s good.” His chuckle was deep and raspy, and it sent an excited chill through me. “I don’t know much about horses.”
“I could teach you some stuff if you want.”
