Page 56 of Finders Keepers

“The shop could use the publicity.” Mary Beth says, eyeing the flyer.

“We could…” I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. “Maybe we could do something simple. Like flower crowns?” The idea forms as I speak. “We could make them as freebies to hand out. A little advertisement for the shop that people can wear around the festival.”

“Flower crowns?” Sophie says as she comes up to me. “Can I help make them too, Mommy?”

I reach out to smooth her hair. “You’d be the best helper.”

“That’s a marvelous idea,” Ms. Lucy says, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Simple but memorable. And who doesn’t love wearing flowers in their hair?”

Igrip the fence rail so tight my knuckles turn white, watching Sophie on Buttercup in her small saddle. The morning breeze contrasts with the heat of my skin. My heart is in my throat and I’m forcing myself to stay quiet. Jake’s right there beside her, one hand on the lead rope, the other at Buttercup’s side.

Sophie’s face is nothing but determination as she holds onto the reins and saddle horn. She looks up and I notice her little helmet is slightly crooked.

“You’re doing great, Sophie. Remember eyes forward, back straight and heels down.” Jake encourages. “Just like that.”

I can’t breathe watching my little girl on that horse. She’s so small up there. What if she falls? What if she gets hurt? What if—

“She’s a natural.”

I jump and let out a small yelp, my hand flying to my chest. Gavin stands beside me, arms crossed over the top rail of the fence, watching Sophie with an approving smile.

“Sorry,” he says, glancing at me. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

My heart hammers for a whole new reason now. “It’s fine. I was just… focused.”

“I can see that.” His features soften. “But seriously, your daughter’s got good instincts. Most kids that age are all over the place their first time.”

I turn back to Sophie, who’s now smiling as Buttercup plods along the fence line. Jake keeps a steady hand on the lead rope, talking to her the whole time.

“You know,” he says, crossing his arms and giving me a sideways glance, “when I was about her age, I fell off my first horse three times in one day.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

He grins, running a hand through his dark hair. “Well, yeah. Because here I am, perfectly fine. And look at me now.”

My fingers unconsciously tighten on the fence rail again.

“You’re going to give yourself splinters if you keep gripping that fence any harder,” he comments.

I force my hands to relax, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

“Is it that obvious I’m a nervous wreck?”

“Only to someone who has eyes,” he says, then seems to catch himself and quickly adds, “I mean, you know, I’m a medical professional. Just making sure you don’t pass out or anything.”

I try to steady my breathing, watching Sophie giggle as Buttercup tosses her head. My daughter’s laughter is like music, a sound that’s been missing for too long.

“She looks happy,” he says beside me.

I’m acutely aware of his presence, of his eyes on me. It’s strange. With Matt, being watched felt suffocating. His eyes would track my every move at the grocery store, at Sophie’s daycare, even at home. “Why are you standing like that?” he’d ask. Or, “Who are you smiling at?” Each glance felt like an accusation.

But Gavin’s gaze doesn’t make my skin crawl. It’s… different. Genuine, soft, almost.

“I’m sorry about before,” I say, still not looking at him. “I’ve just never seen her on something so… big.”

“Buttercup’s the gentlest mare I’ve ever treated. She’s practically a therapy horse.”

I steal a glance at him. He’s not watching me anymore, his attention is on Sophie, his expression thoughtful and professional. Not calculating. Not controlling.

---