Page 17 of Buried Roots

Frankie’s mouth curves, a glint in her eyes. “I think that’s a fine idea.”

Owen arrives, and my heart skitters. Which is pure ridiculousness—I need to get a hold of myself.

A difficult task given that he’s smiling at me as he heads toward Eclipse and the baby. “I’m here to take the colt through his rehab and give him his shots.”

Both Frankie and I watch Owen as he talks to the foal, stroking his mane. I’m glad Frankie doesn’t get on me for not cleaning because I’ve decided I love watching Owen work.

His warmth. His gentle but stern way. The love he has for the animals, which just seems to seep from his pores. I could do this all day long.

Which I shouldnotdo.

It seems Frankie has the same thought because she says, “If you can lean, you can clean.”

“Right.” I point at her. “I’m gonna use that one.” I march over to the wall where various reins sloppily hang on pegs before taking them off and re-looping each.

Trinity makes her way into the stable carrying sandwiches. “Lunch is here,” she says, before handing me one and Frankie the other.

For a split-second, I wonder why Trinity isn’t in school, until I remember that it’s summer. “Thank you.” I flash her a bright smile. This hard work really drives up my appetite.

“I hope you like turkey and cheese, because you need to eat.” Trinity’s sweet yet insistent voice makes her seem like an adult trapped in a kid’s body.

“I love turkey and cheese.” My heart feels like it’s actually growing in my chest. Here I am with three people I’ve known less than a day, and somehow, they feel like family. They’re feeding me, putting blankets over me, teaching me. I’ve had more familial interaction in the last twenty-four hours than in the last ten years since my parents died.

My Pops would love this family, one of dirty hands and clean consciences. Although, I haven’t met them all since Owen has two more sisters, and a father, who I haven’t heard anyone mention. I wonder if he’s in the picture?

As soon as Frankie and I wash up and take the sandwiches, Trinity runs up to the colt and puts her arms around him. Then she stands beside him, petting him, slowly and patiently, like she could do it forever.

Clearly, this is her happy place.

When Owen’s done checking Eclipse, he saunters over to Trinity, saying, “So, have you thought of a name yet?”

She nods enthusiastically. “Yup. Oreo.”

I bust up with Owen. Frankie isn’t laughing when she says, “Good god. Now, we’ve got a goat named Sir Fig A Lot and a purebred Gypsy Vanner named Oreo.”

“It’s clever. I love it.” I wink at Trinity.

Trinity breaks into a proud grin, and I realize how completely adorable she is. The freckles sprinkled across her delicate nose accent her bright eyes and flowing strawberry blond hair. “Welcome to the family, Oreo.” Trinity gives his head a good pat.

I swallow hard, getting sentimental. Somehow, I need to make sure that Trinity continues to see the horses after I sell the place. I’ll do my best to get that worked out in the contract, but I don’t want to say anything until it’s a promise I can keep.

Concern flashes in Owen’s eyes, but he blinks it away. “We should take some pictures and send them to Nia atThe Meddling Moon. She’ll want to report that there’s a new colt in town.”

Since I’m a decent photographer, I snap pictures, mostly of Trinity overjoyed to be holding Oreo. I get Frankie with the horse, but Owen refuses. What’s up with that?

When Frankie leaves to go dress shopping, she takes Trinity with her.

With them gone, Owen says, “Do you need a hand at the farm for the rest of the afternoon? I’m around, and I’ll be dead before I go dress shopping.”

I hate to pass up free help, especially when the help looks as good as he does, but I don’t want to put him out. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m actually going to make some repairs.”

His mouth curves. “That’s right. You have mechanically inclined, super handy hands. But I’d still like to help—I could learn from you. Things always need repairing.”

“Maybe you could take me to the hardware store?” I raise a brow. “Show me around a bit?”

He shifts on his feet. “I’d love to do that, but I can’t.” He exhales out a jagged breath. “I’m actually trying to lie low in Violet Moon. Just for a few more days.”

My curiosity piques. “And why is that?”

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