Page 34 of Holiday Hire

"He needs to lean farther when he turns," I answer.

Wilder pounds past us, and within a second, Ace follows.

Wilder turns his horse and stops next to us. He pumps his fist in the air. "I win!"

A disappointed Ace trots over to us.

"You didn't lean enough into your turn," I point out.

"Ha ha! I told you I'd win!" Wilder exclaims.

Phoebe interjects, "You did well, but no bragging, remember? Ace, you can challenge him again in a month, okay?"

"We need to keep working on your turn. You could have had him," I tell Ace.

"But he didn't!" Wilder points out.

Ace groans. "You're so annoying."

"Okay, boys. Time for a snack and homework," Phoebe orders.

"Aww, come on. We just got on our horses," Wilder whines.

She points across the yard. "Sorry. But no more riding until you finish your homework. Now, go wash your hands. I have your snacks on the picnic table. We can do homework there while it's still nice out."

Wilder huffs and takes off on his horse toward the barn.

Ace slowly follows.

"Poor Ace," Phoebe mumbles once they're out of earshot.

"He has to lean into his turns," I repeat.

"I still feel bad for him."

"Don't. Once he gets it, he'll ride better than Wilder," I declare.

"How do you know that?"

I chuckle. "I know my boys. Ace is further ahead than Wilder was at his age."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Okay. Good to know."

I stare at her for a moment.

She takes a deep breath and nods. "Okay. Off to homework."

"I should help them," I say.

She stares back at me. "Is that what you want to do?"

No way. Homework sucks.

But I need to step up and prove she doesn't have to be here.

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