Page 16 of A Tinsel Tale

I panic.

“Randy’s not here!”

“We’ll find him. Let’s put these two up,” he says, voice low and calm. He grabs a lead rope, slinging it around Bunny’s neck, and she follows him into her stall. He throws in a flake of hay and secures the latch, then does the same with Fred. I feel useless. My hands are shaking, and my imagination is going wild. Randy hit by a car, Randy in a panic. I’m really not sure if it’s from the cold, the missing horse, or the shocking revelation of a few moments ago, but I’m a wreck.

Jamie looks at me, eyebrows dipping with concern. “It’s gonna be alright. You look as pale as a ghost.”

“My imagination is in overdrive,” I admit.

“Let’s go find Randy.” He takes my hand and weaves his fingers through mine and squeezes. “We’ll find him.” He grabs a halter and lead rope off a peg and slings it over his shoulder. He grabs the flashlight by the door then pulls me along behind him. “Let’s hoof it first then we’ll come back for the truck if we need to.”

I nod. He stops and turns, then wraps his strong arms around me crushing me against him. “I’ve got you, girl,” he says gruffly into my hair. He smells so good… all outdoorsy and manly. The years between then and now vanish and I’m seventeen again and he’s holding me after my dog Zoey died. His comfort washes over me and I feel a sense of calm. Then he releases me and takes my hand again. We walk the perimeter of the pasture calling and whistling for Randy. Nothing. When we reach the open gate, we step through onto the deserted road. I hear an owl in the distance; the sound carries clearly on this cold November night.Who cooks for you?

“Thank God we live on such a quiet road,” I say.

He squeezes my hand. “Got that right. Just you, me, and the owl. I’ve been a first responder to a collision between a horse and a car. It still haunts me. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

I shudder. “I can’t imagine.” Suddenly we hear nickering and Jamie shines the light on the chestnut gelding. I hear him blowing nervously. “Randy, it’s okay. It’s just me and Jamie. Come here, boy,” I croon softly. He whinnies then trots over and just like that he’s haltered and we’re walking back to the barn.

* * *

“Iknow I didn’t open that gate,” I say as we fill everyone in on Randy’s escape and rescue.

“I never open that gate unless I have to get the tractor through,” Dad says his brow furrowed.

“Probably some kids pulling a prank, Coach,” Caleb says. “Or maybe the latch rusted out.”

“That’s what I’m wondering. You’ll have better luck figuring it out in the daylight. But if it were me, I wouldn’t use the front pasture for now, until I can get a sturdy lock and reinforce the gate,” Jamie says.

“Definitely not,” Dad agrees. “I’ll snoop around tomorrow and see if there’s anything suspicious. Thanks for stopping. My God, I’m sure glad you caught it.”

“Right? By the time I would have let them in for the night, anything could have happened,” I say.

Jamie stands by the door, thumbs hooked in his front jean pockets. “I’ll let y’all get back to your visit.”

“Stay and have some pie,” Dad says.

Impishly I say, “We have two.”

His eyes crinkle and he winks. “That’s a fact. But I start my 24-hour shift tomorrow, so I need to turn in. I’m still stuffed from supper. You know Mom. Enough to feed an army.”

Dad stands up and walks to the door. “Can’t thank you enough. Me and Evie will be by this Sunday to pick out our tree. You working?”

“Yessir. I’ll make sure to allow a couple hours so the princess can find the perfect tree.” I stick my tongue out at him, and he chuckles. I still have that weird sense of déjà vu like I’m back in high school again. How is that possible after all this time?

Caleb says, “We’re going to wait until next week to get ours. I’ll do the chopping but if you’re working that day and it’s not too crazy you can help us pick. If you think Evie’s bad, wait till you pick a tree with Dee.” He rolls his eyes heavenward. “She’s the worst.”

“I remember. This ain’t my first rodeo,” Jamie jokes.

Dee puts her hands on her hips squinting at her husband. “You’d pick the first tree you saw if it were up to you. I have standards.”

“I’ll see you at my house for the Saturday game, right?” he says to Caleb.

“Yes, Dee’s parents are going to babysit.”

“How about you, Coach? Did you talk Evie into it?”

Dad looks at me and smiles. “Not yet.”

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