Page 42 of More Than a Helping Hand

“Mom, look what DeeDee got me.”

Primrose rubs Bailey’s shoulder. “Those are fun. You listen to Anderson, okay? And Uncle Parker when he gets back.”

Bailey bobs her head. “I will.” She turns to face me. “How do I get it back the way it was where the colors aren’t mixed up?”

“I’ll show you.” I tousle her hair. “You going to say bye to your mom?”

Bailey hugs Primrose, then runs back into the barn.

“I really appreciate this.” Primrose smiles. “Text me if you need anything.”

“Anything?”

“Behave.” She walks toward the car, then looks back over her shoulder.

I wink and slide my phone out of my pocket, then send her a text.

Me:You look good today.

She drops into the driver’s seat, and a moment later, a reply pops up.

Primrose:I’m in gray scrubs.

Primrose:And don’t forget to change the name on my contact.

I shoot off a thumbs-up then a kiss emoji, then walk into the barn as I change the name.

The labelPrimrosechanges toHoney.

“Okay, Munchkin. Let’s feed these horses. Then I’ll give you the first lesson about solving the Rubik’s cube.”

Bailey springs out of the chair and sets the cube on the desk. “Can I ride a horse one day?”

“We’d have to ask your mom about that.” I drag out the stool and hand her a bucket. “Think you can feed Dot all by yourself?”

An eager smile spreads across her face. “I know I can.” She pulls the stool toward Dot’s stall, then runs back and fills the bucket.

I pretend to be busy, but really, I’m filming as she climbs up, pats Dot, then pours in the food.

When Brooke was growing up, I scoured through pictures on the dance studio website. Each picture of her smiling was a reassurance that I hadn’t messed up too badly. During those years, I had a financial cushion that allowed me to spend time cheering her on at competitions.

Primrose doesn’t have that luxury. So I’ll send her snippets of our day in the barn.

“You’re turning into a regular cowgirl.” I feed Blue and Bonnet, then continue down the line of stalls.

Bailey crinkles her nose. “These aren’t cows. I’m a horse girl.”

My laughter echoes in the barn. I love the surprise of her random statements.

We’re putting stuff back in its place when Dallas wanders in.

Bailey plants herself next to me. And much to my shock, she waves at Dallas.

He gives her a quick nod, then faces me. “This is last minute, but I need to ride fences that aren’t easy to get to with a truck.”

“Sure thing. I’ll saddle Cloud Nine.” I stride toward that stall.

Bailey stays right on my heels.

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