Page 17 of Cozy Cabin for Two
“Juniper!” Ro shouted. The mare halted beside us, sticking her head through the bars of the fence. It nickered and sighed and strained to reach beyond Ro to—me. I didn’t know what to do, and stepped back.
“Wait, Willow. Very carefully and slowly, reach out your hand to Juniper and let her sniff you,” Daisy instructed, just a couple of feet away. Close enough to get between us if the situation became dangerous, I hoped.
“Like this?” I did what I was told. Juniper sniffed and sighed into the palm of my hand. I’d never spent time around horses, but believed them to be the most beautiful, curious creatures.
Juniper nudged my hand. “What is she doing?” I whispered.
“I believe she wants you to pet her. Lift your hand up to her muzzle and give it a gentle pat.”
Once again, I followed Daisy’s lead. Only this time I looked the mare in the eyes, her darling chocolate orbs that reminded me of Ash’s. Juniper and I shared a moment, and a bond formed I couldn’t explain.
“They say horses choose us. I think Juniper has chosen you, Willow.” Daisy shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it.
“What about me? I fed her peppermint. She chose me too,” Ro insisted.
“Don’t worry, Ro. I feel sort of left out too,” Colt quipped, holding the halter.
Knox joined us then. “Daisy, have you had Dusty examine her yet? Because I think she could be pregnant. She’s irritable, a little round in the belly?—”
“Why didn’t I think of that? I’ve been so wrapped up in getting her to calm down. I’ll call him straightaway. Is that your issue, girl? Just trying to protect your foal?”
I gave Juniper one more pat and assured her, “We've got you, mama. We’ll take good care of you.”
Daisy chuckled and brought out two peppermint candies from her pocket for Ro and me to feed the horse. “Now, if you two wouldn’t mind walking along the arena to the barn, baiting her with these mints, we’ll see if Juniper follows so that we can get her squared away.”
It worked, and Juniper followed beside us, sighing along the way, calming down like I somehow brought her peace. There was someone else I hoped to bring peace to as well—Ash. Could I have the same effect on him?
TEN
Schooled
WILLOW
Bright and early Wednesday morning,I stood in the tiny kitchen of the cabin and focused on making Ro a lunch to take for her first day of school. How had my baby grown another year older?
I prayed this new chapter we started meant good times were heading our way. New town. New school and everything. For her and for me.
I still didn’t know how to feel about this being Ash’s place, though. Ash had given up his cabin for us. Everything I touched was his. Why did he do that? Out of guilt?
Then, a knock on the door startled me. My eyes flashed to the time on the stove. Way too early for visitors unless the bus driver came knocking.
“Ro, are you almost ready?” I called up to the loft.
“Almost.”
When I opened the door, Ash stood there, one arm propped against the door frame, the other holding a bag. I gasped at how gorgeous he appeared in a blue flannel shirt, his mouth forming a slow smile upon seeing me.
“Morning,” he said, voice low. “Thought I’d come see Ro off for her big day.”
I blinked. “You didn’t have to.”
“I know, but I wanted to.”
Before I could figure out what to say, Ro came bounding down the stairs, hair wild and backpack already on. She had a light blue blouse and dark denim jeans with her on this trip that paired perfectly with her new boots. A great first-day outfit.
At some point we’d have to return to California to pack up the rest of our belongings that we’d hastily placed in a storage locker, if we truly were making this move to Montana permanent.
“Uncle Ash!” she shouted, tossing her old backpack on the couch and throwing her arms around his legs.
