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“I’m sure they will be.” He moved farther into the barn. “We’ll be getting a few new additions from that big client. All the paperwork has finally been completed. Insurance has been verified. It’s officially a go.”
“That’s great. I’d say that Misty will be ready to be sent to her owners. I’m curious about something, though.”
Jason arched a brow. “What’s that?”
“Normally, the clients want to see the progress by now. But you haven’t scheduled anything. Would you like me to reach out to them and set something up?”
He closed the distance between them. Then he reached out his curled hand to let Misty get used to him. “The client purchased Misty as a gift for a family member. When we’re ready to sign off on the training, they’ll come pick her up but not before.”
“Isn’t that a little strange?”
Jason shrugged. “The client is always right.”
“I guess so.” Chet patted Misty once more. “I need to take her on a ride today. Are you available to come along just in case?”
He nodded. “I’ve got a couple hours.”
“Thanks, man. I was worried you’d have to get going since Tate needed you today.”
“That’s later. I wanted to make sure we’re ready for the new arrivals. That won’t take long, though.” He jerked his chin toward Lola’s stall. “You want me to take her or Misty?”
“Take Lola. Misty is used to me and we’re making great progress.”
In no time, they got the horses saddled and headed out onto the trail. Chet had picked a longer route. Misty had been doing well with the shorter distances, and he wanted to see how she handled the stretch beyond the meadow. He kept her at a walk, keeping an eye on her ears as Lola moved ahead of them.
“How are you doing lately?” Jason asked as they plodded along.
“Fine. Why?”
Jason glanced at him. “Just asking, man.”
Chet shrugged. “I’m good.”
His friend cast him another look then fell silent.
“You?”
One side of Jason’s mouth quirked upward. “I’m good.”
“Great.”
Misty hesitated where the trail narrowed, and Chet let Lola get a little farther ahead before asking her to follow. After a moment, the mare stepped forward. He eased his hand against her neck. “There you go.” Jason looked back, and Chet nodded toward the trail ahead. “Let’s take her as far as the bend. If she’s still doing well, we can try the next stretch.”
“That’s everything, thanks.” Chet nodded to the sales associate from the feed store as he shut his tailgate. They shook hands, and Chet checked the time. The spare stalls were ready, both horses had their exercise, and he’d have the feed unloaded before Jason got back. He put his keys in his pocket and headed down the street toward the bakery.
He stepped into Sweet Everything and took a look at all they had to offer today. His gaze landed on the Black Forest brownies and his heart squeezed.
He glanced at the plain chocolate ones beside them. Those were what he liked. Lydia would’ve pointed to the Black Forest brownies and told him he didn’t know what he was missing. He could almost picture her standing beside him, waiting for him to give in and try a bite.
His gaze went back to the brownies with cherries in them.
“What can I get for you?”
Chet looked up at the woman behind the counter, then pointed to the brownies. “Two of those, please.”
“Wonderful choice.”
He handed over his card and waited while she tucked the brownies into a paper bag. “Thanks,” he said as he took it from her.
