Page 4 of Buckled in Barbwire

“Really?”

“Absolutely. You’re chasing what your heart desires. That’s a dream come true. An adventure of a lifetime.” I flick my wrist for theatrical flair. “Not many people get to fly across the ocean to visit a foreign country for as long as their heart desires.”

She gnaws on her bottom lip. “Seems pretty crazy, huh?”

“It’s incredible.” Not that I’d ever be brave enough to follow in her cowboy boots.

Her lashes flutter as moisture collects in her eyes. “You don’t think I’m running away?”

“No.” My voice clangs with conviction. “There’s nothing wrong with leaving your struggles by the door while you kick your feet in a beautiful fairytale cottage.”

Bianca exhales, slumping lower in her seat. “Mhmm, sounds like paradise.”

“Definitely.”

Her nod is resolute. “This is exactly what I need.”

I rub her back, my palm moving in soothing circles. “You’ll be able to breathe easier over there.”

“Gosh, I hope so.” A small smile touches her lips. “And I hope she’d be proud of me for taking the leap.”

“Very much so. It was practically her idea, right? She’ll be watching over you every step of the way.”

“I’ll find her in the sunrise.”

“And in your heart,” I add.

A single tear rolls down her cheek. “I can’t believe she’s gone.”

An ache spreads through my chest. That hollow throb hasn’t ceased in the months since Marion Benson’s life was snatched in an instant. I was there when she collapsed. It’s a moment that haunts me.

My nose stings and I sniff. “She will never be forgotten, Bee. Her spirit lives in your memories. That’s how you keep her with you forever. Just think about her and then she’s there.”

Bianca rests her head on my shoulder when I loop an arm around hers. “That’s a beautiful sentiment. I’m sure she’s smiling at us right now, surrounded by peace and love.”

“Along with Mimi,” I whisper. My grandmother passed years ago but her loss still feels like a fresh wound on certain days.

“They’re probably riding Secretariat and Seattle Slew as we speak.”

“Yeah.” I reach for my drink to chase off the tightness in my throat. “What a race that would be.”

Bianca straightens and wipes at her face. “Whew, okay. Enough of that. I swore to myself that I wouldn’t cry all over you tonight.”

My lips wobble as I smile. “You know I don’t mind.”

She shakes her head. “I’m already taking advantage of your kindness.”

“Hardly,” I scoff. “That champion herd of yours is better stocked than a fantasy team.”

“But you have your own to worry about. My horses are very demanding. They’ll test your patience on the daily.”

“Challenge accepted,” I boast.

“What if your parents need you at the store?”

“Just on the weekends when the market is open. Gemma and Ryder are still home from college for a few more weeks. They can take extra shifts,” I tell her. “Quit stressing. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re doing me a favor by keeping me busy. How else will I pass the time while you’re gone?”

Bianca purses her lips. “Go on a date. Get laid. Maybe find a handsome fella to claim as your boyfriend. You’re gonna get lonely without me.”

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