Page 109 of The Making of Marnie Jones

It had to be.

Chapter thirty-five

ThenextSaturdaymorning,the women made quick work of cereal and juice and headed out. As Marnie drove, Olivia vibrated with enthusiasm. An odd reaction for someone off to her first counseling appointment, but this was no ordinary counselor.

Seth had recommended Dr. Kennedy Dixon and her unconventional animal therapy. The first appointment today was going to involve a tour of the stables and an introduction to the horses.

If they were comfortable, the women would buy riding gear and begin lessons the following week.

It seemed weird to Marnie, but Seth assured her Kennedy came highly recommended and had a stellar reputation with both her peers and her clients.

Both Marnie and Olivia had tried traditional counseling, but without being able to connect with their therapists, neither found success.

She wasn’t placing all her hopes on Kennedy, but was, at the very least, hoping Olivia might be comfortable. If it was a complete disaster, she’d look for another counselor, and still find a way to give the young woman riding lessons.

As long as Olivia kept up with her studies and volunteering, Marnie figured a little spoiling wasn't likely to hurt. Already Olivia’d read the books from the English Lit list and tackled mathematics with an enthusiasm Marnie admired. Plus there was the volunteer position working every Monday at the local shelter for senior animals.

When they pulled into the parking lot, a young woman came from the ranch house to greet them.

She had the most beautiful blue-black hair Marnie’d ever seen, and her eyes were a clear pale blue.

The woman held out her hand. “My name is Rainbow. I’m Kennedy's assistant. And her sister.” She winked. “You'll love it here.”

As they rounded the corner, Olivia grasped Marnie's hand in unspoken excitement.

Huge, tall trees buffered the large riding ring. Stables were off to one side of the riding ring, and a barn off to the other.

Two riders were out on mounts. One was a young girl and the other an older gentleman. They meandered around the inside edge of the fence.

“Hello.”

The women pivoted to face the cheerful voice.

A stunning brunette with dark-brown eyes approached them, hand extended. In her jeans, chambray shirt, a pair of riding boots, and a cowboy hat, she looked like a stereotypical cowgirl. One with a PhD in psychology, but a cowgirl nonetheless.

“I'm Kennedy. Welcome to Healing Horses Ranch.”

“I’m Marnie Jones.” The doctor had a formidable grip. “And this is Olivia Bater.”

The two women shook hands.

“Let’s start with the barn.” Kennedy headed off with Marnie and Olivia trailing behind.

Where Marnie expected the doctor to extol the virtues of therapy, she instead talked about the horses who lived on the property.

Fallon, Sienna, Briar, and Sugar were former show horses, brought to the ranch for comfortable retirement. Their inherently gentle natures made them perfect for beginners, the doctor assured them.

“Doctor—”

“Kennedy, please.” She radiated calm and compassion, appeared easygoing and content. “We don't stand on ceremony here.”

“Okay, Kennedy.” Marnie mentally shifted gears. “How does the therapy aspect work?”

“Like I said, we don't stand on ceremony.” She ushered them into the barn.

It took Marnie a moment to remove her ever-present sunglasses.

Olivia was already halfway across the space. “Puppies!”

---