Page 43 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

Noah sits next to her. “Yep, sorry for runnin’ late. Donut was giving me attitude this mornin’ and Fisher wouldn’t stop annoying me about gettin’ off him.”

That’s Noah’s show horse she practices all her training on. A few years ago, she fell off him during a trick-riding stunt and got badly injured. After she had Poppy, she promised Fisher she wouldn’t do it anymore, but Delilah wanted help with advancing her skills before she went on a cross-country tour. So now Noah only practices when Fisher’s there to spot her.

“So what’s that have to do with you two meetin’ here for breakfast?” I ask.

“We’re havin’ a client-trainer meetin’, if ya must be nosy.” Noah scoffs.

“Talkin’ about that sick leg lift move she did last night?” Wilder asks.

“Yeah, you’re welcome for teachin’ her that,” I deadpan. “And wait, why wasn’t I invited to this meetin’? I’m her part-time trainer.”

Instead of acknowledging what I said, Ellie directs her attention to Noah. “Since Ranger didn’t get his hooves checked last week, I was hopin’ Fisher could see him before I leave on Wednesday. Give him a couple days with new shoes before the race on Friday.”

“Absolutely. Jase and he are going on a father-son fishing trip this weekend, but I’ll put Ranger on Fisher’s schedule first thing Monday morning. We’re headin’ out after chores on Wednesday, but I can meet you for a quick practice run on Thursday.”

“I’ll be there, too,” I interject with my fork in the air. “So, just tell me when and where.”

“My parents won’t be comin’ with me, so I’ll be free anytime,” Ellie tells Noah.

They don’t even offer me a glance.

“You’re drivin’ alone?” she asks.

“I could drive her. Since I’m going there, too,” I suggest, punching each word.

“Yeah, it’ll be fine. I’ll listen to an audiobook and chug some Red Bull.” Ellie smiles at Noah when she laughs.

“Hello? Does anyone hear me…” I tilt my head toward Wilder and Waylon, who are watching in amusement.

“I think they’re ignorin’ ya,” Wilder taunts with his mouth half full. “You can tell me about that hot brunette you were with last night instead if ya want.”

I don’t.

“Well, since no one’s listenin’, then Iwon’tsuggest Ellie should wear her shoulder brace to keep it from droppin’ again. And Iwon’tsuggest that she should work on Ranger’s third turn. I alsowon’tmention he got a little spooked when thestirrup smacked against him and y’all lost a few microseconds. Coulda taken first. But since no one’s listenin’, Iwon’tmention how to avoid it next time.”

“I’ll pack my shoulder brace too,” Ellie tells Noah as she violently stabs a piece of her watermelon. “I was gonna anyway…but I know it’ll keep me from droppin’ it and turnin’ the reins too soon.”

“Greatidea.” Noah grins because she knows I just said the same damn thing.

“Are you ready, bud?” I pat Antonio’s shoulder as he anxiously waits for his turn.

“Ellie said she’d watch me. She’s not here. Is she comin’?” He looks toward the bleachers that are mostly filled with parents. It’s still early afternoon and most people don’t come until the evening events.

“If she said she would, then I’m sure she is.” I try to reassure him without making any promises.

“I watched her last night with my mom. She’s the GOAT! She deserved first place, though.”

“Yeah, I saw,” I deadpan, inhaling a sharp breath.

We continue waiting as a few other kids take their turns roping, and the closer we get to Antonio’s, the more nervous he gets.

“She’s not here!” he whisper-shouts.

Sighing, I take out my phone. “Hold on.”

We’ve only texted a few times, but it’s never been anything personal, only business.

Landen

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