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Why is she here? What did Hattie say that made her feel like she needed to book a flight? Is she here to convince her to go home earlier?

Grabbing the hay rake, I force myself to take a deep breath. I should be glad Hattie has a supportive friend, someone who’s there for her. Someone who would fly to Montana at a moment’s notice.

My skin prickles at the thought of being up in the air, trapped inside a metal cylinder—being stuck as the plane goes down. I take a deep breath and force the thought out of my mind.

My phone vibrates with a notification from my back pocket, and I pull it out and read the unread messages in my group chat with Owen and Jackson.

Owen

are you guys joining me for ladies’ night at Bobcat’s Beer Garden?

Jackson

I’ve only lived here for two years and I’m pretty sure I’ve already met every lady who lives in Honey Badger Creek.

Owen

You never know when a beautiful woman might pass through town.

Linc

no one passes through Honey Badger Creek.

Owen

you two are no fun.

Jackson

I have nothing better to do. I’ll join you.

Owen

Yes! Linc?

I stare at his text before locking my phone and sliding it back into my pocket. I’m not making any plans until I know what Hattie’s doing tonight.

When I’m finished cleaning all the stalls, I stride out to the corral to check in on Tripp’s first jump lesson. I spot my nephew standing beside Dolly and feeding her a peppermint, so the lesson must be over.

Tripp sees me, and a grin lights up his face. He runs toward me, but Hattie clears her throat, and he stops in his tracks.

“Sorry, Uncle Linc. I’ve gotta take care of Dolly before I can chat.” He turns and stalks toward the mare, taking her reins and walking her to the barn with Hattie close behind him.

When Tripp passes me, he says, “part of show jumping is being responsible for your horse.”

I tilt my head, impressed by how much Hattie has taught him already.

Hattie winks at me, and I watch the two of them walk away.

My gaze moves to Blair and my sister. I hesitate, then finally cross the distance that separates us.

I won’t lie…I’m scared as hell of Blair. I get the sense that she can see right through me. That she can take my measure in the blink of an eye. And if I don’t measure up, she can convince Hattie not to give me the time of day.

When I stop in front of the two women sitting on the fence, Blair squints her eyes, studying me.

“Hattie’s such a great instructor,” Poppy says, breaking the silence. “Tripp loved his lesson.”

Blair finally looks away from me, her expression softening into a smile. “Hattie’s always been a great instructor. She used to teach kids every summer.”