Page 47 of Buried Roots

I’m nervous because I’m already overloaded, but I’m not about to tell her that. This could change her whole business, not to mention her romantic situation. Ugh, I don’t want to bring up Owen now and ruin her happy moment. And, maybe when she gets back, she’ll be in a relationship with Bennett, so telling her will be even easier. I simply say, “Absolutely no problem.”

“You’re the best.”

The sun hangs above the mountains, hidden behind a dark cloud as I walk to the stables, the smell of rain thick in the air. It was another long day of framing and electrical rewiring, and I’m behind on my farm chores. I have to milk the goats and feed the horses. Plus, there’s several updates I need to prepare for the Kleins. Right now, I need to fill the horses’ water tanks, and since Owen’s coming over to do Oreo’s rehab soon, I want to make sure the colt is ready to go. After Friday, when he got out, I’ve been checking on him to make sure he’s safely inside the stables.

When I find a package of Fig Newtons in my purse, my stomach flutters. Owen keeps leaving those for me there because I always forget to eat. Why is he so amazing?

Stepping into the stables, I see Trinity with her arms wrapped around Oreo, petting his mane.

The sweetest sight—the two of them. And boy, does that little girl love that horse. I’m going to miss the hell out of them both when I leave. “Hey, Trin. How’s it going?” I ask as I turn on the hose and put it in the trough.

She doesn’t tear her gaze away from the horse. “Good. I’m taking Oreo on a walk before Owen gets here. I want to make sure he does real well on his test today.”

“That’s thoughtful of you. Does your ma know you’re here?” And there it is—I just said Ma instead of Mom.

Trinity finally meets my gaze with pleading eyes. “No. Please don’t tell her. She thinks I’m feeding the chickens, but I got that all done.”

I walk over and give Eclipse a pet on the snout, which she loves. “Okay, but you can only stay a little while. It’ll be dark soon.”

“I want to ride Raven. Real bad.”

“You and me both.” I sigh, stepping over to give Oreo a pet. “I wish I knew how to ride. It’s awesome, and a great way to get to know all the areas of my property.”

Trinity stands, wiping her palms on her jeans. Then she walks over to the wall and grabs the two-person saddle hanging on it before returning to me. “So, let’s go for your first lesson.”

I check out the stable doors to see that more clouds have moved in, but it’s not raining. “Really? We’d have to ask your ma.”

“Okay.”

I text Frankie and ask if Trinity can take me for a ride, as she’s finished feeding the chickens.

She responds.

Go ahead, she won’t give up anyhow. Be back at rainfall or dark, whichever comes first.

I smile at Trinity. “Your ma said yes.”

Trinity jumps up and down, saying, “She had to. Today’s my birthday.”

“Your birthday!” I cry out. “Happy birthday! So, you’re ten? Why aren’t you celebrating?”

“I’m having a sleepover party on Saturday. And, yup, I’m ten now.”

“Well, then.” I throw my hands in the air. “Let’s go have a birthday ride.”

“Okay.” She brushes Raven’s mane. “This relaxes the horse and builds trust.” She shows me how to place the pad, then, step-by-step, how to strap the saddle on the horse.

When I repeat her steps, I’m mesmerized brushing Raven. Horses really are mystical creatures.

Trinity puts a hand on her hip. “Glad to see you’re careful, like me. You don’t want to miss steps.”

“I hate things being out of order.”

“Me too. Owen is a big fat messy pig.”

I nod, my lips splitting into a grin. “Is he now?”

Well—this is a handy way to get the information about Owen that he’s not going to tell me himself. “What else is wrong with your brother?”

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