Page 35 of Redeeming Melodies

I turned to find Caleb approaching, work gloves tucked into his back pocket. His easy smile matched the relaxed set of his shoulders.

"Couldn't resist after your sales pitch at breakfast," I said. "This place is incredible."

"Thanks. Been in my family three generations now." Pride colored his voice as he gestured toward the nearest paddock. "That's Shadow over there - our newest addition. Just got him walking steady yesterday."

The foal in question wobbled near his mother, all gangly legs and uncertain movements. Something about his determination to stay upright made me smile.

"Must be amazing," I found myself saying. "Building something like this, watching it grow."

"It has its moments." Caleb leaned against the fence. "Though I bet it's nothing compared to city life. What brings you to our corner of nowhere, anyway?"

Before I could answer, another voice called out: "Babe, you won't believe what this little guy just-" A man emerged from the barn, stopping short when he saw me. "Oh hey, the guy from Sarah's! I'm Liam."

"Elliot," I offered, shaking his outstretched hand. "Nice place you've got here."

"All Caleb's vision," Liam said, pride evident as he joined us at the fence. "I just help clean stalls between writing sessions."

"And sing to the horses," Caleb added with a grin. "They're his biggest fans."

"You're a musician?"

"Among other things." Liam's smile turned self-deprecating. "Around here, everyone wears multiple hats. What about you? What brings a fancy car like that down our dusty roads?"

I watched Shadow stumble then right himself, determined to keep going. "Needed a change of scenery, I guess. Some place quieter."

"Well, you found it," Caleb said. "Though after last night's excitement with our sheriff, maybe quiet isn't what you're after?"

Heat crept up my neck.

"Small town," they said in unison, sharing a look that spoke of years of inside jokes.

I thought about Tommy, about how much he'd love this place. "My son would go crazy for those horses. He's been begging to learn to ride."

"Bring him by sometime," Caleb offered easily. "We do lessons on weekends. Got a few kids his age in the beginner group."

The simple kindness of the offer caught me off guard. No agenda, no angling for publicity or favors. Just genuine welcome.

"Maybe I will," I said, meaning it despite knowing I had to head back to New York soon. "If I stick around."

"Planning to?" Liam asked, but his tone suggested curiosity rather than prying.

I watched Shadow nuzzle against his mother, completely trusting. "Not sure yet. Depends on a lot of things."

"Well, Jake seems to think you might," Liam said casually. Too casually.

"The sheriff? Why would he-"

"Said you might need a friendly face or two." Liam said.

"Did he now?" I tried to keep my voice neutral, but something warm curled in my chest at the thought of Jake talking about me.

"Want to meet one of our gentler mounts?" Caleb asked, mercifully changing the subject. "Daisy here's perfect for beginners."

He gestured toward a chestnut mare who'd wandered over to investigate us. Her soft eyes and calm demeanor made something in my chest ache - Tommy would adore her.

"I've never actually been on a horse," I admitted.

"No time like the present." Liam was already heading toward the barn. "We've got time for a quick lesson if you're interested."

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