Page 28 of Buried Roots

She shakes her head with vigor. “I belong out here with the animals.”

Okay, this kid is beyond adorable, and I pinch my lips shut to stave off a chuckle.

Trinity looks at Owen. “Willow’s gonna sell the place. This is my last chance to be with Oreo.” She pulls him tight again, stroking his snout with her small fingers.

I make my way over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. “I haven’t made a deal with Mary Louise yet. And even if I do, I’m sure she’ll let you come see the horses.”

“But you don’t understand. Mary Louise is going to tear everything down. She’s going to sell the animals. They’ll be gone forever.”

After swallowing hard, Owen asks, “Trin, how do you know that?”

She wipes away her tears before she sits on her backpack and rests her head on her knees. Finally, she looks up and says, “I was in the barn, just after Mr. Bo died. I wasn’t supposed to be there, so when I heard people talking, I hid in the loft.”

Owen’s voice is tense when he says, “What did Mary Louise say?”

“She was talking to Bill.” Trinity turns to me. “That’s her husband. Anyway, she was saying that they’re gonna need to tear everything down to put in a building. Something for the cotton they grow.”

I stand statue still, my heart thrashing in my ears, as I process Trinity’s words. Mary Louise wants to tear all this down and put aplanthere? The thought punches my gut, and I remind myself that Trinityisa child. I hope with everything in me that she’s wrong.

Except I know in my heart she’s not. Sally Keller told me that no one in Violet Moon would have the resources to restore this place. But Mary Louisewouldhave the funds to tear it down and invest in her business. I don’t know what to say, so I approach Trinity and sit beside her, wrapping my arm around her and holding her tight. She puts her face in the crook of my neck, and I stroke her soft hair. “I’m so sorry,” I say, although I know that’s not enough. With an idea, I ask, “Could your mom take the horses and put them on your farm?”

“No,” Owen cuts in. “Unfortunately, we don’t have room for a pasture. That’s why we don’t have animals.”

“That makes sense,” I whisper, my heart sinking.

“What’s going to happen with a building here?” Trinity starts sobbing again. “I just want Bo back.”

“Okay, okay. Shhh.” I rub her hair. “I’m sorry, sweetie. We’ll figure something out.” I don’t know how to keep the promise I just made, but I’ll do everything in my power to try.

Clearly, I’m not signing a deal with Mary Louise nor an investor unless they put it in writing that they’re keeping the horses.

“Everyone in town loves this place, Willow. It won’t be the same without it,” Trinity whispers.

“I know. I love this place too, and I just got here.” I pull away to look at her.

For the first time today, she cracks a smile. “Are you gonna stay?”

Her question shreds my heartstrings, and I want so much to say yes. But I have to be honest, so I answer, “Definitely a while longer.” I glance at Owen, and he’s watching us with a glint in his eyes.

My mind spins through its Rolodex of solutions. Maybe I can figure out a way to get more lending credit? Or maybe I can try to list the farm for sale with the clause that once it’s sold, it can’t be torn down? Although, I know that won’t work. There’s nothing to stop owners from tearing down their own property.

Unless it’s a historic landmark.

Which this is.

They can still tear it down with a special permit, but, actually, that doesn’t matter.

I have another idea.

11

Starry Night

WhenIbringEclipseinto her stall, I stroke her nose, getting lost in those reflecting-pool eyes. Yeah, this big city girl is getting swept off her feet by a horse.

Trinity agreed to move back home since I promised not to sell my farm to Mary Louise unless she can find a way to let Trinity keep the horses, but, mostly, I think it was because she was out of snacks. Since Bailey’s putting Trinity to bed, Owen and I walk the horses back to the stables, and just in time because Oreo must be ready to nurse. Right now, the sky is magnificent, filled with stars, and Eclipse’s white mane almost glows with the moonlight hitting it. Fireflies flicker in the sky above the marsh beside the lake.

After getting Raven settled, Owen steps into Eclipse’s stall with me and pets her mane. “You okay, sweet girl?” Her ears perk and tail flips.

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