Page 5 of Wilde Ride

“We’ll also need two volunteers, instead of one, to walk alongside the horses, to ensure the riders’ safety. They’ll need to know how to handle a host of different situations that might arise, both medically and emotionally. That’s why I was thinking we could have the parents stay as well, because we could learn so much from them. They could volunteer, and help train our current volunteers. It would be a test run this summer, with a small number of campers, to see if this is even something we can offer in the future. Some kids would be day campers only, while maybe a few we can try out for overnight camping.”

Another wide smile from my mother as she said, “Emeline, that’s a wonderful idea.”

I returned the gesture. “I think so too! Also, you know that new little perfumery that opened on Main Street a few months ago? Wonderland Whimsy, owned by Lilibeth Asher?”

“Yes. Lily and I stopped by there after they opened. The store’s adorable, and she sells the cutest children’s things! And the candles—did you know she makes them all there? And does a class where you can make the candles and the perfume? It’s Alice in Wonderland themed. And she also has an event space above the store. You remember her parents moved here first. Liam and Whitney. They’re a lovely couple. Lily and I’ve gotten to know them while helping them get settled in.”

Lily Waters was my mother’s best friend, a recently retired teacher at River Falls Haven, an orphanage in town. They’d been friends for as long as I could remember. Together, they were such a huge part of the community, and I knew they’d welcomed Lilibeth’s parents with wide-open arms.

“I know Lilibeth appreciates how welcome they’ve all felt.”

Mom smiled and reached out to pet Moose, who was now sitting next to her. “Her name always makes me think of your great-grandmother, Lileth. I miss her something fierce.”

“The few memories I have of her are all happy ones, and most of them have to do with horses.”

We both laughed.

“She was a wonderful woman. You remind me so much of her, Emeline.”

I leaned over and reached for my mother’s hand, giving it a light squeeze.

“I’m sorry I got distracted with tangents for a moment. Why were you bringing up Lilibeth and the store?” Mom asked, clearly not wanting to remain on the subject of my great-grandmother. They were very close. My father said Lileth and my grandmother, Nellie, loved teaching my mom how to ride a horse. Lileth was still riding horses well into her 90s, and almost right up until the day she passed.

“She’s a few years older than me, at twenty-nine, but Lilibeth and I have become good friends over the last few months. I’m sure you’re aware already, since you know her parents, but when she got the idea for the perfumery and candle bar, she knew she wanted to open it in River Falls, so she could be close to her mother and father when they retired here.”

My mother nodded.

“Right, sorry, now I’m getting off topic. I was telling her about our summer camps, the Christmas event we hold each year, and the annual fundraising rodeo. She wants to give back to the community, so she pitched me an idea. She’d like to volunteer to help with the camps, and even do a class to teach the kids how to make candles and perfume! I thought it was a wonderful idea, and something new and fun that we could add to the schedule.”

My mother’s face lit up. “I think it’s a great idea! And she said she’d be willing to do this for free?”

I nodded. “She likes to volunteer. Said her father taught her early on that if she’s able, she should find causes that are dear to her and give to them in any way she can. She also loves kids. Has a niece and nephew from her older brother Ron, who still lives in Denver—where she relocated from—and she misses them a lot. She’s also so fun to be around. The campers will adore her.”

Mom grinned. “She’s definitely full of life. A bit of spit and fire in her, too, from the little I’ve been around her.”

“Definitely. And I don’t think I’ve ever not seen a flower tucked into her hair. She’s also super friendly. I told her once that I swear she wakes up with a smile on her face and falls asleep with the same one.”

“I think she’d be a lovely addition to the summer camps. Would she want to do all three sessions? That’s asking a lot from her.”

I nodded. “Yes, she wants to help not just with the classes she’ll teach, but in any way she can.”

“Won’t her store be busier in the summer, though? How can she be here and there?”

“She wouldn’t be at the camp every day, just the days she’s scheduled to do the classes. Plus, she has an employee who can help at the store.”

Mom thought for a moment. “And she is willing to volunteer her time? What about the supplies?”

“She said she’ll cover it all. It’s a way for her to give back.”

My mother’s brows rose slightly. “That’s very generous of her.”

“Lilibeth really wants to be part of the community, and like I mentioned, she loves kids. It’s a win-win.”

Clapping her hands, my mother beamed back at me. “I love both of these ideas. We’ll need to meet with Jack to go over the legal aspects of the additional week of camp, so we know about liabilities and such, but I don’t foresee any issues.”

Jack Russell was a good friend of my father’s, and the family lawyer.

Mom went on. “Mark and Berkeley volunteer for our camp sessions now, so I can ask them if they’re willing to add a week.”