Page 32 of Unstable

“Alrighty then, I’ll find him on my own.”

I walk across to the barn and fire up the Gator, once again taking a moment to consider the keychain. It doesn’t say “Hadley,” or “HJC,” her initials—it’s just an “H”—representing us both. And the sign above the gate—still “Double H Ranch”—again, including us both. The pictures in her bedroom—of the two of us, not excluding me.

I’ve been begging for “a sign” when I’ve had several right in front of me this whole time. I just wasn’t seeing them for what they were.

My mom loved me, forgave me, and wanted me here.

The revelation finally sets in, for good, and feels…like I can breathe just a bit deeper, some of the weight off my lungs.

This is my farm now, my prophecy…and those are my horses.

Time to go find out why they were mistreated.

I find him in the back forty, mending a fence. Of course he’s shirtless, his skin glistening with a sheen of sweat, muscles taut from hard work. His build is leaner than Keaton’s, but just as tempting to ogle.

Lord, it’s hormone overload around here, coming at me from all sides. I came out here to chew his ass—not stare at it.

“Hey.” He strolls my way and I force my eyes to his. “Where you been hiding?”

“Oh, you know, rooftops.”

“What?” he laughs.

“No really, I was hiding on the roof. And the horse barn,” I edge my voice on the latter, watching his eyes very closely for reaction.

His gaze doesn’t change or waver, actually lighting up if anything. “Not even gonna ask about the roof, but it’s great you spent time with the horses. Kinda figured when I saw them out to pasture.”

“Yeah,” I drawl, “but I had some concerns I needed to ask you about.”

Now his eyes widen and he shifts his stance. “What happened, they okay?”

“They’re fine, but why were they in the stalls? Have they been there this whole time, since, you know? Their hooves were in pretty bad shape.”

“No, of course not. I’ve been taking care of them.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “I’d just brought them back in that morning to pick their hooves, but I had to stop to get the roof on the hay barn fixed. Good thing too, storm came no sooner than I got it done. So yeah, I’m a little behind, I admit, should’ve gotten to their hooves quicker, but they haven’t been cooped up or ignored.”

Thank God.

I give him an appreciative smile, but I can feel the shame holding it back from being full. “Thank you, Gatlin, for taking care of them, and fixing the roof. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. I know you have a lot to do around here, but I’m gonna start helping more.”

Well damn, I have no idea where that speech came from, but my mood has obviously improved. Maybe it’s the relief of knowing the horses weren’t neglected. Or the signs I finally recognized. Whatever it is, I’ll take it.

“You wanna help, huh?” He gives me a crooked smile, eyes glimmering with challenge.

“Yes, absolutely.” I curtly bob my head.

“Well then, get your ass up and come help me fix this fence, cowgirl,” he chuckles.

Looks like it’s time to learn how to mend fences.

I can do this too.

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