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“He’s running to the trailer right now for you.”

“Wouldn’t you do the same?”

“I wouldn’t baby you. I’ve seen you go through much worse. You’re a grown ass woman, Chlo.”

Riley was probably right. Jerry took a walk to take some background footage and returned, asking questions before they called my class. Cole rushed to me as we waited at the in-gate, knowing he only had a second. He smiled encouragingly.

“It will be better to move it,” Riley said. “Don’t think about it.”

I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

We waited for the prior class to exit, ribbons in hand. I smiled at the amateur exhibitors as they left. Since it wasn’t my horse, I couldn’t show in amateur division. So, here I was against a bunch of trainers. My only goal was to let Opal work the ring and do a good job. I had to stay out of her way. She was the schoolmaster and I was a passenger. But as I glanced once more at Cole, I knew I’d be okay.

* * *

COLE

Chloe rode her first class like a wooden doll. Opal didn’t show particularly well. In fact, it was one of the worst western pleasure classes I’d seen in years. After a pep talk, Chloe spent some time jogging and letting herself relax in the warmup. The crazy junior horses were now in the arena. I had to have faith in Chloe’s ability, though I doubted that this experiment would work. Several interested buyers were here today to see Opal, and this wasn’t the plan.

Dad approached. He’d come up to see this silly experiment, even though I’d asked him not to. It was Piper’s birthday. She’d arrive this afternoon when her mom dropped her off. My parents brought her a small homemade cake that currently rested in our trailer’s tiny fridge. My mom never missed a reason to celebrate her granddaughter.

“How’s your English girl?” He ribbed.

“She’s a wreck and I don’t blame her,” I said.

“Nah, she’s looking better. I thought she looked fine. She’s new. She’s only ridden her what? A handful of times and she’s still green. Give her a break.”

“If she doesn’t nail this, Dad, I won’t have a choice but to ride in western riding.”

“Don’t do that. One, it’s unfair to the class. Two, you’ll upset that pretty girl, and I have a feeling that’s the last thing you want to do.”

Mortified, my face flushed. Riley lunged Mack in the second warmup, acclimating him to chaos. I changed the subject and nodded in their direction. “That’s Chloe’s baby. Well, one of them. The one she thinks will end up flunking out of dressage.”

“Oh, really?”

“I’ve put miles on him and he’s a nice little mover, but he’s liked jumping much more than working with Chloe on dressage. I laughed a little bit watching Piper pilot him this week. She’s not much for fences, but she’ll try almost anything for a free ride on one of those big horses. Chloe spoils her.”

“And that’s all there is?”

“She has other horses⁠—”

“No, don’t play dumb. You’ve been babying that girl all day. You loathe needy ammies, Cole. And you want me to believe there is nothing going on?”

“We’re not dating,” I said honestly.

“She’s very pretty. I think she likes you.”

I set my jaw, annoyed. “Dad, we live on her property. We keep our horses there. It would be very stupid⁠—”

“Stranger things have happened, son. Obviously, she cares about Piper and she’s a good rider. Maybe you could end up with a woman who appreciates horses for once? And one with a good heart? You could do a lot worse.”

As soon as I introduced them, Chloe became Dad’s new favorite person. No matter where she went, Chloe made friends.

Chloe trotted back and stopped at my side, looking more confident in the saddle. Opal nudged me with her nose and I fixed her forelock.

“You feeling a little more at home?” Dad asked.

“A lot,” Chloe said. “She’s so steady. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to take care of me. I’m more worried about Mack right now.”