Page 29 of The Defiant Curse

Yeah, he couldn’t wait to see them again.

“I wish we could all ride. I’d love to have each one back, and have them all have a horse here to heal them. These animals saved me, in a way, and I know each one would save them too.”

That was just like Saint Michael of the Blackhawks.

He was sweet to his core.

As they walked out of the barn, she pointed at the area that was nearby. It was unused.

“I think you should.”

He laughed.

“Like Graham said, we’re all filled up. Each horse needs its own stall.”

Well, she had a solution.

“Build a bigger one,” she stated. “I’ll pay for it. That way you can say I told you I wanted more animals. No one will deny that it was me. You can save more horses, and next time we come here, you can make sure you and your brothers have soul horses.”

That touched his heart.

“I mean it. Build it. Add onto this one, and make it a spectacle. You know how we like to do spectacle. If you need help taking care of the animals, I’m sure you can hire someone to do it. I’ll pay for that too. If you need this, Saint Michael, I want you to have it.”

Spoken like a true mom.

“I’d like that,” he said. “I’d like to save any living thing I can. It’s like penance.”

Oh, she knew that feeling.

“You need a few dogs too,” she added.

That made him laugh.

“German Shepherds, huh?”

She smiled.

And it was genuine.

In that moment, as they were just being themselves, Michael saw it reach her soul, and he knew already that she was finding peace here.

“I mean, if you get puppies here, you know I’m not staying away. I love me some puppies. Now, if you happen to have German floofs here, I’m definitely coming. How could I stay away?”

Oh, he knew how she was when it came to those dogs. Apparently, it all started with a dog named Babylon. What she didn’t know, yet, was there would be dogs.

That was on the agenda.

“Deal,” he said. “I’ll work on it.”

That worked for her.

“Where to next?” he asked.

Considering what he’d asked, Elizabeth scanned the area in front of them. Finally, she pointed off into the distance, and down an incline.

“What’s down there?” she asked.

Oh, boy.