The banter continued around us, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Tanner. He looked better today—more color in his cheeks, less tension in his shoulders. The dark circles under his eyes were fading.
“Want to go for a walk?” I asked him quietly. “There’s something I want to show you.”
He nodded immediately, setting down his mug. “Yeah, okay.”
We bundled up and headed outside, but instead of walking the grounds, I led him toward the barn.
“I thought you wanted to show me something,” he said as we approached.
“I do.” I pushed open the barn door and gestured for him to go inside.
Bobby Allen looked up from where he was working with one of the horses. “Oh good, you’re here. Ginger’s been asking for you.”
Tanner looked confused. “Asking for me?”
“She has been extra fussy this morning,” Bobby Allen said with a grin. “Think she’s gotten attached.”
I watched Tanner’s face light up as he made his way over to Ginger’s stall. The mare nickered softly when she saw him, and Tanner reached out to stroke her nose.
“Hey, pretty girl,” he murmured. “Were you lonely?”
“She’s not the only one,” I said, coming up behind him. “Bobby Allen, you mind if we take her out for a bit?”
“She’s all yours.” Bobby Allen handed over the lead rope. “Just have her back before lunch.”
Tanner turned to me, eyes wide. “We’re taking her out?”
“Thought you might want to learn to ride,” I said. “If you’re going to be staying here for a while, it’s a useful skill.”
“I haven’t ridden since I was a kid,” he admitted. “I’m probably terrible.”
“Then it’s good you have me to teach you.” I led Ginger out of her stall and into the main area of the barn. “Come on, bud. Let’s get her saddled up.”
I walked Tanner through the process, showing him how to check the saddle and adjust the stirrups. He listened intently,asking questions and carefully mimicking my movements when I let him try.
“You’re a natural,” I told him as he successfully tightened the girth.
“I’m just following directions,” he said, but he looked pleased.
“That’s what good boys do.”
His breath hitched again, and I bit back a smile. We’d need to have a longer conversation about praise and what it did to him, but for now, I was content to notice and file the information away.
Outside, I helped him mount. I could tell he was nervous, but he trusted me enough to try. I kept one hand on his leg, steadying him.
“I’ve got you,” I assured him. “You’re safe.”
“I know.” And the certainty in his voice made my chest warm.
I swung up behind him, wrapping one arm around his waist and taking the reins with my other hand. He leaned back against me immediately, relaxing into my hold.
“Comfortable?” I asked.
“Very.”
We rode slowly around the property, keeping to the cleared paths. Tanner asked questions about the different buildings, about how the ranch operated, about the animals. I answered everything, enjoying the curiosity in his voice.
“Can I ask you something?” he said after we’d been riding for a while.
