Page 41 of Preacher

I’d seen how she was with that animal. I knew she was more than just some horse to Tabitha. She meant something to her, and she hated that the mare was in pain. She shrugged it off like it wasn’t anything major—just one more burden that she’d have to carry, and maybe it was. But I wasn’t going to let her carry it alone.

I spent the better part of an hour reading about stall flooring. I had no idea there were so many options. Most used rubber mats, straw, sawdust, or peat moss, but after a little more digging, I discovered that crushed limestone topped with pine shavings was the best option. It wasn’t just cushioned. It had good drainage, which would help keep her hooves dry, and it was easier on the joints.

I grabbed my keys and headed out to the parking lot. I hooked up the trailer, and half an hour later, I was at the Co-Op, signing for two loads of bedding, bentonite clay, and limestone.

I didn’t say much to the guy loading it into the truck. I could tell by his expression that he was wondering what I was up to, and I had no desire to explain. Once he got the trailer loaded, I drove over to Tabitha’s place. Without even asking questions, the guards motioned me through, and I drove up to the barn like I belonged there.

I didn’t knock.

I didn’t ask.

I just started hauling the bags and buckets from the trailer down to the barn. When I walked up to her stall, the mare didn’t look all that happy to see me. It was like she knew I was up to something. I gave her a smile and said, “Easy there, missy. I’ve got ya something I think you’re gonna like.”

I lifted one of the bags of pine shavings, showing her what I’d brought. “I’m gonna help ya out with that bum foot.”

She nickered softly in what felt like approval. I dropped the bags at her door and headed back for more. I was bringing up my third load when I heard her boots coming up behind me. I didn’t have to look to know it was Tabitha. I could feel a shift in the air.

I glanced over my shoulder, and my stomach took a nosedive when I saw how incredible she looked. She was wearing a white button-down with jeans and boots, and her long hair was pulled up, revealing her wide, surprised eyes. She put her hands on her hips, and her brows furrowed as she asked, “What are you doing?”

I dropped the last bag by the stall door and brushed my hands off on my jeans. “You mentioned something about her vet saying she might need better footing.”

She didn’t respond.

She just stood there, staring at me, and damn if that look in her eye didn’t hit me square in the chest. She didn’t know what to do, much less say, so I helped her out. “This should help her.”

She blinked, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. Her mouth parted like she was about to say something, but the words didn’t come. Not right away. Eventually, she managed to mutter, “Hudson.”

Something shifted in her, and she gave me a look that nearly gutted me. It was the kind of look that would make a man do just about anything to keep it there. “It’s nothing.”

“No, it’s not nothing.” A light blush crept over her cheeks. “It’s the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.”

And there it was.

That damn blush.

It got me every damn time.

I wasn’t sure what to say to her. I wasn’t doing it for credit. I just wanted to do it for her. I couldn’t do what needed to be done with the mare still in the stall, so I asked, “You got a place for her to go while I get this done?”

She nodded, then opened the gate and walked over to the horse. She slipped on the halter as she said, “Come on, sweet girl. We’re going to get you some fresh grass to munch on for a bit.”

When she started to lead the horse out of the stall, she looked over to me and said, “I’ll be back in a minute, and I’ll give you a hand.”

“Don’t gotta do that.” I grabbed one of the shovels and stepped into the stall. “I’ve got it.”

“I thought you didn’t want toshovel shit.”

“I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do it. Now, get going so I can get this done.”

“Okay. If you say so.” She took another step, then turned back to me and whispered, “Thank you, Hudson.”

I nodded and got to work.

I had to clean out the stall first. That wasn’t something I was looking forward to. I hated shoveling shit, but it had to be done. So, I got it all cleared out and down to the base floor. The barn was state of the art and all, but they were in dire need of some TLC.

I laid out the bentonite first, and once I had it good and level, I went in with the limestone. It was the tricky part. It had to be just right, or it would shift. I’d tamped it down before I added the shavings. I put more down than I’d planned, but I wanted to make sure it was thick enough to soften every step.

Once I had it just the way I wanted, I closed the gate and gathered my things. By the time I made it to the trailer, the air was cooler, and the sun was starting to set. I was feeling pretty good as I got behind the wheel.

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