Page 57 of Saddle Storm

Storm comes into view again. Seeming a lot more relaxed now that the horses are back in their stalls for the night. Between one carrying precious jewels and the other stubborn and rowdy, I don’t blame her for being stressed out through the whole thing.

I roll my shoulder and bicep, careful and deliberate. The therapist said movement matters now, that stiffness is the real enemy.

“You all right?” Dallas asks, Willow behind him looking blissfully tired.

“Yeah. I’m good.”

He fixates on my shoulder. “Took the sling off?”

“So long as there’s no heavy lifting or fast movement, Jenny says I can limit wear so I can work the muscles.”

He nods, concern still etched on his features.

“In fact, I should be in good shape to get back to the arena in two weeks—not playing. But watching games and practice from the boards, working out with my team. And if I can sweet-talk her into it, Jenny might sign off on non-contact skating.”

He shakes his head like he knows better. “Five weeks after surgery? You sure that’s a good idea?”

“I need to do something. And I’ve sure never been any good here.”

He cocks his head. “Now, listen here—”

“Congratulations,” I tell the bride. “Already feels like you’ve been married a year.”

Willow side-eyes me. “Very funny.” Then turns her head up to her husband. “Would it be rude to leave?”

“Not when you’re the bride.” Dallas turns to me and I read his silent promise that we need to continue our conversation.

Not if I can help it. I turn to look for Max and make good on my promise for that photo.

“Hang on,” he calls and dips his hand into his pocket, holding out a key. “This one’s number nine. Take her and Max there tonight.”

“Tonight?” I glance down at the key.

“It’s late. It’s furnished and clean. We’ll take care of the rest later.”

“Thought you said you already won—with or without her yes.”

“Silas, you’re right. Storm can’t stay where she is. Wilder and I have looked the other way too long and this is the best we can do for now.”

I take it. “You’re not doing me any favors here. I’m paying for it.”

He bites back a comment. “Whatever you want.”

I cover for him and Willow while they sneak off back to the house, then I go and look for Max. Finding him next to Ellie and looking like they’re in the middle of a cake-eating contest. “Hey, you two having fun?” I sit across from them, reaching for the Polaroid camera. “Have you tested this thing yet?”

“Yeah, it’s all right.” His eyes suddenly light up. “Hey can we take that picture now?”

“Let’s do it.” I hand it to Dad. “Think you can handle one of these, Dad?”

He grumbles under his breath and examines the kid’s Polaroid. Then holds it up with both hands as I wrap an arm around Max’s back.

The photo snaps and rolls out an image of the two of us. “Whoa, it’s awesome.” Max beams holding it up to me.

“Oh we look good,” I agree, knowing the quality won’t stand the test of time.

“Not fair you get to keep it though. How about we take one with my phone too, and I can send it to your mom.” I wink.

Dad takes another one of us—and this time, my smile is different as I picture Storm on the other side.