Page 25 of Holiday Hire

"Coco?" I mumble, still embarrassed.

"Yeah. She's our fastest horse."

"What?" I shriek.

He chuckles. "I'm kidding. Don't worry. Coco won't hurt you. She's our tamest horse, and is perfect for a beginning rider."

It should make me feel better, but it doesn't calm my fears.

Alexander points to my legs. "I suggest you put on a pair of jeans."

I meekly reply, "Okay."

"See you outside," he cheerfully proclaims and then disappears.

I do nothing for a moment, then force myself to unpack, unable to stop thinking about how I'll get out of riding. I'm breaking down the last box when the kids come home.

"Phoebe!" Ace sings.

I step out of the room, and he flings himself at me.

"Whoa!" I laugh, hugging him.

"Hey, Phoebe," Wilder calls out, waving from near the door.

"Hi!" I reply.

Ace pulls away, gushing, "Dad said we get to teach you how to ride?"

My gut dives. "That's what I hear."

"He says you're scared," Wilder adds.

"Well, that was nice of him to say," I reply.

Ace insists, "You don't have to be scared. Horses won't be mean to you unless you're mean to them."

"Is that so?"

"Yep! Plus, Dad taught us all the tricks to get them to do what we want. We'll show you!" Ace exclaims.

I put on a false smile. "Great. Did you two want a snack?"

"Yes! I'm starving," Wilder replies.

"Okay. Let's see what's in the kitchen."

"We don't keep a ton here. Most of the good food is in the main house," Ace informs me.

"I'll be the judge of that," I state, and go into the kitchen with the boys in tow. I open the refrigerator, but the only things in it are fresh milk, jelly, cheese, orange juice, and three bottles of beer.

"We eat almost all our meals at Grandma and Grandpa's. Everyone there cooks better than Dad anyway," Wilder declares.

"I see. But what's in here?" I open the pantry. There are a few boxes of cereal, a jar of peanut butter, half a loaf of bread, and some crackers.

"See, we told you so," Wilder chirps.

I shut the pantry, making a mental note to get some food in the house. I tell the boys, "Guess we're going to the main house. Lead the way."

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