Page 83 of Trust Me With Forever

“I doubt that would happen with this family since the Sakamotos are renowned in Sonoma—throughout all of California—for their animals. But yes, there are some sketchy-ass people who will drug a horse right before you visit to hide their temperament.”

“Kind of like people who will sell you puppies with Parvo or other life-threatening diseases without telling you to make a quick buck?”

“Yes, kind of like that. But don’t worry, if all goes well, my brother Beck has a vet he trusts with his horses and he can do the pre-purchase exam.” I glanced over at Rafe. “Did you not research any of this?”

“I could have and would have, if you hadn’t agreed to help me.”

Which meant he completely trusted my opinion.

That only made me more determined than ever to pair him with the right horses.

I gestured toward Star and the gelding. “Watch them.”

The woman and horse were at ease around each other, as she patted his flank, walked around his back, and came around to the other side.

She brought him over, tied him to a post not too far away from us, and came back. “Midnight’s ready whenever you are. We’ll see how you do with him first.”

I nodded. “Thank you.” I looked up at Rafe. “Now, it’s your turn to approach the horse and see how he reacts to you.”

“Can’t you do it?”

“No, these are for you, Rafe. If you’re not comfortable around him, then it won’t be a good match.”

As he went to inspect the horse, memories of going with my father flashed into my mind. How he’d shown me the steps to assessing a horse, him smiling at me as I rode her for the first time, and the many, many times he’d helped me cool down my pony and the best way to take care of her.

It was still painful, and yet, there was also happiness. My father was gone, but the memories didn’t make me as sad as they once had.

Once Rafe finished his inspection, it wasn’t long before the gelding was saddled and ready to be ridden by the owner. Rafe returned to my side as Star went through the motions. He asked, “What am I looking for now?”

“When you’re in the saddle, there are a lot of things you might miss but can easily spot while watching someone else. Look at his gait, how he moves, and interacts.”

“Then I get to try him?”

“Yes.”

We both watched in silence as Star finished her demonstration and came back in our direction. Before she reached us, Rafe asked, “Do you want to try riding him now?”

My first instinct was to say no. I wouldn’t do it. I couldn’t.

But as I watched the beautiful gelding come to a stop and the owner dismount, I longed to jump back into the saddle.

Rather than focus on how much I wanted to say yes, I asked, “Why?”

“It’s important for you to trust and like him too, since you’re living with me. I might even have to ask for your help from time to time to exercise him.” He faced me. “So? What do you say? I wouldn’t want to buy a horse who hates you.” I hesitated, and he asked, softly, “Please? I trust your judgment about whether he has the right temperament or not.”

He trusts me.And not with something as simple as picking out what to eat for dinner, but an animal he would have for years, hopefully decades.

The image of Rafe and I riding together, maybe even racing, flashed into my mind. To feel the power of the horse between my legs, the wind on my face, and to feel the pure joy at galloping through the trails close to my family’s land was tempting.

And for the first time in a long time, I wanted that. I wanted to embrace a former passion, to remember the good times with my parents, and to rediscover a little of myself.

A part of myself I’d given up for too long.

“Okay, I’ll ride him first.”

Once the owner discussed a few more things, I approached the gelding and let him sniff my hand. His lips tickled my palm, and I smiled. “Hello there, Midnight. It’s a fine day to be outside, isn’t it? A little cold, but not too bad.”

The horse huffed, and I stroked him. As he relaxed, I moved around, rubbing his flank, and finally murmured, “It’s been a while for me, so help me out, okay?”

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