BEEP! BEEP! The alarm woke her well before her body was ready, before her sleep was complete, yet her mind was immediately wide awake, alert, ready to start the day. She rose from her bed, flipped on the coffee maker, gathered her clothes and ran to the ranch house to shower before anyone else stirred.
Back at the loft, she opened the loft door to look out over Heartland. Fresh, cool air blew in, making strands of her golden hair dance, the corners of her mouth upturn.
She watched a black-billed magpie with its long tail perched on a fence post, preening himself. The striking black headed, white chested bird rose up, stretched, flapped its brilliant blue iridescent wings, tipped in bright white. Wings retucked, he opened his bill, filling the air with his harsh, ascending mating call. Within minutes, another magpie, a tad smaller than the first, a female, landed on the rail a foot or so away. The two birds of a feather cocked their heads, this way and that, each silently considering the other. The male flapped his wings again, showing off his colors, his suitability, releasing stream of raucous calls. She answered back with a raspy chatter.
She turned away, then flashed her own vibrant and strong wings, flirting with her suitor. Without warning, she flew off, alone. The male lingered briefly as he watched after her, almost in stunned silence, before taking off in flight to chase after her.
Inhaling the crisp morning air deeply, she settled into the chair at the table and opened her notebook to the first page, to the list she had written on her first night in the loft. She read aloud.
What I like about my life: horses
What I like about me: kind, good with horses, blonde hair, good laugh, blue eyes.
What I want to accomplish: Own a successful horse business. Own a ranch. Own a truck and trailer. Get a college degree. Own a dog. Be married to Ty. (This last one was crossed off)
What I want to be. Strong. Independent. Educated. Smart. Respected. Brave. With friends.
"Hmm. Not much has changed, has it?" She chided herself, but then retorted. "Well. I do have a truck and a Barbie Pink trailer. That's something. And the independent part starts today." She smiled as she savored the thought.
"Oh, and I can't forget my girl, Ruth." Almost on cue, tiny dog started to whine softly from her box.
Amy drew her out of her sleeping chambers, held the squirming, plump pup up to her face for inspection. She inhaled her warm puppy breath, kissed her pink nose, tickled her pudgy belly then whispered in ear. "Good morning Sweet Pea. I do believe that you have grown overnight!" She laughed gently.
"Today is our big day!" She danced around, with the puppy in her arms, swaying as she hummed a happy tune.
"Let's get you something to eat." Preparing the formula, while awkwardly holding Ruth with the crook of her bent arm, she spilled some on the shelf.
"Ruth. We're not gonna cry over spilled milk! Or even formula. Not today." She laughed as she retreated to her bed. Cradled in her arm, she cooed while Ruth hungrily nursed from the nipple, suckled with gusto. Draining the bottle, the puppy whimpered for more.
"You must be still hungry, little one." She tickled her protruding tummy.
With second bottle half empty, Ruth quieted, relaxed, eased into sleep, even as she continued to sporadically suck on the nipple. "You are just so sweet."
Her pup asleep, curled into a tight ball on the pillow, Amy poured herself a cup of coffee, cleaned up her mess, then settled back in bed, her back against a stack of pillows next to Ruth. She stared across the room at the vibrant print of the majestic hummingbird, wings outstretched, chest brightly colored in jewel tones, bold and proud. The sun like a halo behind its head. She inhaled deeply, imagining herself to be the bird, ready to fly, on her own. She stretched her arms out, held her head high, pushed her chest out, and closed her eyes.
A doubled knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in." She responded singsong-like, happily in anticipation.
The door opened, "Morning Amy." Her said as he poked his head around the door.
"Well. Hey there. Grandpa." Surprised, she recovered instantly, offered. "Coffee?"
"Why sure."
"Have a seat." She nodded toward the table. "I'll get you a cup."
"Well, I'll be. Is that a puppy? Is he yours?" He spied Ruth, a ball of white fur accented with black ears. Before she could answer, he scooped her up, tiny in his big hands.
"She." Amy carried their cups to the table where he was already seated. "That's Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She's an English Setter. And. Yes, she's mine."
"Handsome dog,"
"Thanks. I think so too."
He took a gulp of coffee. "Good. Thanks."
She sipped hers. "Mmmm." Then sat back in her chair, watching him as he stared out the window, cradled Ruth to his chest, his thumb rubbing the pup's head.
"So Grandpa. Something on your mind?"
He sighed, nodded. "Amy. I am trying to understand why you are moving out. Did something happen that I should know about?" His steely eyes met hers, his forehead furrowed, searching for an answer.
"Oh Grandpa. Of course not." She reached across the table, patted his hand.
"What then?"
"I am 22 years old, soon to be 23. Time for me to be independent. To prove to myself that I can make it on my own. Stand on my own two feet. You know every baby bird eventually needs to learn to fly and leave the nest. It's my time. That's all." She rattled off a bunch of cliches.
He inhaled, then exhaled deeply, took his time before he uttered his next words. "Amy. I understand that you want independence. That's natural. But, I won't beat around the bush. I am worried about you moving out without really thinking this thing through."
"Grandpa.."
He held his hand up to signal to her to not interrupt. "Let me say my peace...I know things have been tough for you especially since you and Ty broke your engagement."
"Grandpa..."
He continued undeterred. "And, everything that's going on with Ahmed, those bugs, RCMP and all that nonsense." His hand gestured, punctuating his words. "Moving out now is just not a good idea."
Amy nodded. "I hear what you are saying Grandpa. I do." She took another sip from her cup to give herself a moment, to gather her words, her confidence, then she leaned forward to make her points.
"Grandpa. I have given this a lot of thought. I explored and weighed all my options. I did..." she went on to clearly articulate her reasoning. "The position at the club will be good for me. It guarantees me a steady income, opportunity to expand my business, a safe apartment of my own, an indoor and outdoor jumping arenas, 400 horse stalls including a stall for Spartan. And lots trails to ride. Plus, they have their own security. The position is ideal for me. And, I will be safe."
Not fully convinced, he stated. "I still worry."
"I know that you do." She acknowledged.
"So. Why now? What's the hurry?"
"Honestly. The right opportunity presented itself at the right time." She stated simply and confidently.
"Hmmph." He grumbled. "So. This isn't about Ty?"
"Ty? This is about me." She explained, slightly miffed. "It has nothing to do with him. Why would you ask that?"
"You two seemed awful..." He paused, searching for the right words. "I don't know...friendly last night, and..."
Before he could finish his thoughts, she interjected. "Yes. Ty and I are talking again. And, yes, we are trying to be friends again. But, that's about it."
"Just friends?"
"Yes. For now. Just friends." She confirmed.
"So. You aren't moving to be closer to him in Calgary?"
"No. I actually was offered my opportunity before Ty was offered his. So, no. Again. This is not about Ty."
"You love him, don't you?" He pushed gently.
"Yes." She responded quietly.
"And. He still loves you."
"I really hope so." She admitted. "But Grandpa. I don't know where our relationship is headed. I just want to take it slow, rebuild what we lost, relearn to trust and be honest. Listen to my heart. So just friends for now."
He sighed, nodded his head, "Since when did you become so wise?"
"Wise?" She chuckled. "Not so sure about that. But. I learned a lot from watching you and Lisa. And, I learned a lot in Europe, believe it or not. I am still learning."
For a moment, they sat in silence, staring out the window, drinking their coffee. His phone vibrated on his belt. He looked at its display briefly, then put it away.
"I want you always to remember that Heartland is your home. Always. You can come home any time." His tone was tinged with pride, love and a bit of melancholy. "Promise you will."
She nodded. "Promise."
"And. Don't be a stranger, okay?"
"Okay."
"So, Sunday for dinner?"
"It's a date." She smiled. "You know. You can always visit me at the club too."
He frowned, shaking his head, No. "Polo Club isn't my kind of place. It's too rich for my blood."
"You sound like Ty." She chuckled. "Like I told him. I am still going to live in a barn. So, no need to dress up." She grinned.
"Well...um.." Jack hemmed and hawed. "I'll think about it." It was the best response he could muster. He gulped another mouthful of coffee.
"That's a start." She leaned over the table, kissed his cheek. "Love you."
"I love you too Amy." He grasped her hand, sighed sadly. "Well. I better be going. Morning light is wasting if I hope to get anything accomplished."
She laughed. He stood, handed her Ruth, then headed for the stairs. He added. "Oh. I turned Harley out this morning already. He seemed a bit restless."
"Oh. Okay."
She turned her attention back to her notebook. "Okay Amy. One day at a time." She began to write.
Wednesday To Do List.
Coffee with Ty, Pack, exercise Spartan, Parsnip, Midnight, Nick, move in, supplies, Cassidy and Georgie class, Mrs. Bell
She pursed her lips at the mostly empty page. Ever since Ty had broken their engagement, Amy had stopped journaling. Documenting her days was just too painful.
"What the heck." She added Journal to her list.
Gently laying Ruth in her box, Amy finished packing, then stripped her bed. She checked the time, 7am. Disappointed that Ty hadn't shown yet, she turned off the coffee maker, threw the leftover coffee out the open window, then packed it too. Arms full of sheets, she went downstairs expecting to see him there, but his chores hadn't even been started. Perplexed, and more than a little annoyed, she grumbled and put the sheets down on a hay bale. After greeting Spartan and the other horses, she gave them fresh water and their morning feed then headed to the ranch house.
Sheets in the laundry, she quickly packed her clothes in her room into a cardboard box. Sitting on her bed, she surveyed her childhood room for other items needing to be packed.
She spied their picture on her dresser, so happy, so full of hope, anticipation. She pulled out her phone, checked for a missed text or call. Nothing. She started to text him, then thought better of it. "Oh well." She mumbled.
Lou knocked lightly on the door, entered without waiting for a response.
"Hey Amy."
Amy looked up. "Hey Lou."
Standing next to her dresser, she asked. "Packing? What can I do to help?"
"Thanks. I'm almost done."
"Oh."
"Something on your mind Lou?"
"It's just that..I want you to know. You don't have to move out on account of me."
Amy smiled. "Lou. I am not moving out to get away from you. Promise. I need to be on my own, earn a living."
"We can always rework your allowance then."
Incredulous, Amy laughed. "Allowance? Lou. I am not 10 years old."
"You are right. I should have said salary."
"Allowance, salary, that doesn't matter. Honestly. Like I told Grandpa, it just time for me to be independent, earn my way, grow my business. I can't do that here." She reasoned.
"I get it. I do." She nodded, then asked. "But. What about Heartland? What about all the horses?"
Amy cocked her head, explained. "Well, Ty is here. When he moves, Caleb will be here. They'll take care of the horses. You don't have to worry."
"That's not it. I was talking about mom's legacy."
Amy could believe her ears. "I tried my best Lou for 8 years. I really did." She said sadly but then added sarcastically. "Guess mom's legacy is up to you and Grandpa now. I'm sure you'll do better job."
"Amy...I didn't mean it that way. It just came out all wrong." She pressed her lips, fisted her hands in frustration."No one can replace you, Amy. No one."
Amy nodded, but didn't respond as she looked around her room again.
"Really Amy. I am sorry. I can't seem to say anything right this morning. Please forgive me."
Amy sighed heavily, then approached Lou, arms wide open, pulling her into an embrace. She whispered. "It's okay."
"Oh Amy. I love you. And I gonna miss you." She held on a little tighter. "I really am. We all will."
"Love you too. But, it's not like I am going away forever. I'll be back to visit. And, you'll visit me too. Right?"
Lou pulled away, chuckled. "Of course I'll visit. Georgie has been pestering me since daylight about her first training session with you and Cassidy today!"
"Good!" Amy looked around her room, then sat in her bed. "What else am I forgetting to pack?" She said aloud, not really expecting an answer.
Noticing her promise and engagement rings on the dresser, Lou picked them up. "What about these?"
Amy shrugged. "I'm not taking them."
"Want me to put them some place safe? Maybe my jewelry box? I'd hate for something to happen to them." She offered.
Amy nodded. "Sure. Why not?"
"Okay." Then she suggested. "How about this picture of you and Ty? It's a good one. Or that horse painting that Ty gave you?" She pointed at the oil painting hanging in the wall.
She shook her head No, sighed heavily, frowning. "No. Lou. I am not taking those."
Finally getting the hint, Lou uttered. "Amy." As she sat down next to her, pulled her into an awkward hug. "After last night, and this morning, I could have sworn you two were back together. I'm sorry."
"No. We're not back together. Geez, why does everyone think we are back together?" Amy put her head on Lou's shoulder. "We're talking again. We're trying to be friends, but that's about it."
"You'll work it out. I know it. You two belong together." Lou said confidently. "He loves you. And I know you love him."
Amy shrugged. "If it's meant to be..."
"Well. You still need things to make your new apartment homey." Lou was adamant.
"It's a pretty small space, Lou. So I don't need much..." she picked up a framed picture on her nightstand. "I'm taking that one from Grandpa and Lisa's wedding party. It has all of us."
"That was a good day."
"Yeah, the reception was nice." She said with little enthusiasm remembering that was the day she learned about the video.
"You know. I can't believe my little sister is moving into her own apartment." Lou bumped her shoulder into Amy's. "I remember my first place. I was so excited." Lou smiled.
"I'm kinda excited too."
"You should be. I am so proud of you!" She gave her another hug. "Hey. Does the apartment already have sheets, blankets, dishes, that kind of stuff?"
"I don't think so."
"Come on. Let's gather up what we can find." Lou offered. "Whatever we can't find, we'll buy...my treat." She laughed.
As Lou and Amy each carried a box out to her truck, Ty pulled up in his old truck, jumped out, met them at the fence.
"Hey." He said with a grin.
"Hey." Amy monotoned.
"Moving day, huh?" He tried to help Amy with her box.
She waved him off. "I got this one."
"Well. Okay. Lou. Can I get yours?" He earnestly asked.
"Yeah. I left something in the house." She handed him the box, went back into the house.
"Sorry that I'm late. I had an errand to run first. It just took longer than expected." He explained.
Amy just nodded, put her box in the bed of her truck. "Not a problem."
"Don't be mad." He put the other box in the truck bed.
"I'm not mad. I just have a lot on my mind." She said unconvincingly.
"You sure?"
She nodded.
"Well. I better get a move on. I've got chores to do and class at 10."
They walked to the barn side by side.
"So...You're not going to help me move?" She said trying not to sound disappointed, but failing miserably.
"Can't. Wish I could but.."
"That's alright. Nick and I can do it."
"See you don't need me." He bumped into her shoulder.
She nodded her head, her lips pressed into a tight smile. "Guess I don't."
Once inside the barn, she immediately went up the loft stairs as he began his chores. He yelled to her. "Hey Amy. Did you feed and water the horses?"
"Yeah." Then she muttered under her breath, "someone had to."
"Thanks. I owe you."
"No problem."
Each time they passed each other, he smiled at her, she eyed him suspiciously but said nothing. On the fourth such meeting, she stopped.
"What was your errand?" She blurted out, no longer able to contain herself.
"What errand?" He responded, slightly confused.
"The one you ran this morning?" She pushed. "The one that was so important that you missed our last coffee together?"
"I didn't mean to miss our coffee. I am sorry." He apologized. "But. Amy. That wasn't our last coffee together."
"Yeah, right." She muttered. "So, what was so important anyhow?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" He smiled.
She shot back. "Yes I would. So. Tell me."
"Nope." He teased her.
Catching on, she cocked her head, then slowly smiled, begged. "Come on. Ty. Tell me! Please!"
"Oh Horsey Girl! You hate not knowing, don't you?"
"Fine. I am going to have to tickle you until you tell me." Before her fingers could touch his ticklish spots, he ran up the loft stairs. She chased after him, around the bed, over it, twice. She caught him as he tried to escape down the stairs.
Instead of tickling him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, buried her head against his chest.
"Amy. What's wrong?" He grew concerned when she had the chance to tickle him unmercifully, but didn't take advantage.
She shrugged.
"What? Tell me?"
She sighed. "Am I doing the right thing?"
"You mean moving?"
She nodded.
"Amy. Yes." His arms encircled her, his hand tenderly touched her long, soft hair. "I know you don't like change. But. This will be good for you. Us."
"Promise?"
"Promise." He reassured her, kissed the top of her head, pulled back slightly, so he could look into her eyes. "You'll see."
She nodded.
"Now, we better get moving or we'll both be late. You don't want to be fired on your first day. And, I don't want Dr. Johnson pissed off at me again."
She nodded. "Thanks."
He smiled. "Come on." He picked up the last box in the loft, they headed down the stairs.
Just after one in the afternoon, she was alone surveying her second floor apartment, built above the stables. The smell of the hay and the horses below, made her feel at home.
Filled with stacks of boxes, the approximately 20 by 20 space was clean, bright and even better than the one she was shown originally. On the right of the front door was a small sitting room with two high back worn, but plump leather chairs and foot stools with a table and lamp in between. A tall window above the table had an east view of the outdoor jumping course. Opposite the sitting room, on the northeast corner, the galley kitchen had a refrigerator, sink and stove on the back wall. A sunny window above the sink had a north view of the back grounds with a winding path. A French door leading to a balcony on the east side was perfect for morning coffee for two. A set of low cabinets topped with an overhanging butcher block counter separated the kitchen from the sitting room. Two stools were placed at the counter to make a dining area. Another door in the sitting room led into a tiny bedroom, barely big enough for the double bed, flanked by night stands with a tall window behind the headboard. A door opposite the bed, next to a tall dresser, led into the tiny windowless bathroom with a pedestal sink, claw foot tub, toilet and closet.
Amy spent the next two hours cleaning, unpacking and putting away. Just as the last flannel shirt was hung, she was interrupted by a sharp knock. She opened the door wide without hesitation. He stood there, tall, lanky with blonde hair pushed carelessly to one side, grinning widely showing his perfect white straight teeth. He was dressed in white breeches, tall boots, and a black long sleeved collared shirt with the round Calgary Polo Club logo on his chest.
"Hello!" He stuck his hand out for her to shake. "I'm Darren Prescott. The men's polo coach. I live on the other end." He pointed to the left, down the hallway.
"Oh. Hi. Darren. Nice to meet you. I'm Amy Fleming." She shook his hand, smiled back at the man who appeared to be in his late twenties, early thirties.
"Oh, I know. They posted your name in yesterday's bulletin. You're the new jump coach."
"How about that!"
"We are thrilled that you accepted."
"Thanks. We?"
"Yes. There are handful of us who live up here full time. Me, Dan Harden, my assistant coach, Trevor Smith and Austin Bock, my assistants, Sabrina Hawkins, the women's polo coach, James Harris, her assistant, and Ashland Berry, your assistant."
"I have an assistant?" Her eyebrows raised in surprise. "I had no idea."
"Well, yeah. She's new." He scrunched his nose. "She lives right next door to you."
"Wow! That's great."
"Just so you know, there are 8 apartments up here. The coaches have the apartments on the ends and the four in the middle are the assistants."
"Makes sense. Who lives across from me?"
"Sabrina. James is next to her. Dan is across from me, Trevor next to me and Austin next to Dan." He pointed again down the long hall.
"Well. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone."
"Great. Then join us at the club for drinks and dinner. At 7."
"Tonight?"
"Yes."
"I'd love to." She added. "But. I have already dinner plans with an old friend. Rain check?"
"Rain check? Sure. We generally have dinner together every Wednesday. Most other days are hit or miss. With everyone's crazy schedules."
"Gotcha. Do I have to get dressed up?" She asked, wondering if she had the right clothes.
"Thank god, no." He laughed. "We generally wear our uniforms. Everywhere." He pointed to the round logo on his chest. "One of the perks of the job."
Before she could respond, from the corner of her eye, she saw a gray blur streak down the hall, straight into her apartment. "Ahh!" She shrieked. "What was that?"
"Ahh! What?" Darren mimicked her high pitched shriek. "What was what?"
"A mouse! Oh my god. Or a rat. Help me get it out."
"No way. I hate rats!" He shook his head No several times.
"Oh. I think it was just a mouse. You have to help..!" She pulled him inside. The two scrambled around her apartment looking for the mouse, vacillating between laughing hysterically and screaming needlessly, looking under and behind everything, crawling around on the floor.
"Amy?" She looked up. Ty was standing there, at the door, unsmiling.
"Ty! You're here!" Surprised to see him, she jumped up, ran into his arms. "There's a rat in my apartment. Help!"
"Amy! You said it was a mouse!" Darren complained.
"Are you sure it's a rat?" Ty chuckled.
"I think so. It just ran in here. Darren and I are trying to find it."
"Do you have a broom? That will help" Ty suggested.
"I'll get one." Darren took his chance, ran out the door, down the hall, closed himself into his apartment.
"How did it get in here?" Ty tried to pull the refrigerator from the wall.
"Through the door. Darren, he's the men's polo coach. Anyhow, he came by to introduce himself. It ran in while we were talking."
"Hey. Remember when those raccoons got lose in the trailer?" He continued to slowly move the refrigerator.
She laughed. "Oh yeah. That was funny."
"Hmm. Except they ruined the dinner I worked all day on. And they ate my berry pie!"
"Remember we got Chinese takeout and ate it in the bed of Old Blue? That was a good night."
"I think I found your rat." Ty chuckled as he crouched down, reach behind the refrigerator. "Come here little one."
"Ty. Don't touch it with your bare hands." She pleaded. "It might have rabies."
Ty stood up, turned to her. "Look." In his hands was a gray kitten with blue eyes. "Here's your rat!"
"Oh Ty. She's so precious." She cooed.
He turned the kitten over to check the sex. "You called it. She's a female. Maybe 8 or so weeks old."
"Mouse!" She said excitedly.
"A mouse? Where?" He looked around.
"No. Her name. Mouse. I want to keep her. She will be great company for Ruth. Plus, she can be my mouser."
"Of course you're keeping her." He laughed. "Hey. Listen. She's purring." He held the kitten close to her ear.
"I would be too if I was in your hands." She blurted out.
"Oh really?" His eyes were wide, bright.
A bit embarrassed for her comment, she changed the subject. "Do you know a good vet? I probably need to get her vaccinated before she can play with Ruth."
"I can handle that. I can vet Ruth too while I am at it." He looked in her ears, nose and eyes. "By sight, she looks pretty healthy, a little on the thin side. I'll bring my bag tomorrow and check them out."
"Well, thank you almost Dr. Borden."
"My pleasure."
"So. What are you doing here?" She was curious.
"I finished up school early. I wanted to see your apartment. Is that okay?"
"Don't be silly. Of course, I'm glad you are here. Want a tour?"
After the quick apartment tour, Ty crafted a house of sorts for Mouse from a large empty box and lid with holes in it. Amy opened a can of tuna, put some on a saucer, filled a bowl with water. Mouse scarfed down the tuna immediately.
"Isn't she sweet?" Amy cooed.
"Yeah. What time is your class?"
"At 4. I better get going."
"Mind if I watch?"
"Sure. Why not?"
The two headed to the round pen to meet Cassidy and Georgie for their first joint lesson. Lou joined Ty in watching from the sidelines.
After the productive session, thanks and good-byes, Cassidy and Georgie led Sally Ride and Phoenix away to be untacked, cooled down and trailered home. Lou walked a few feet behind them glued to her phone.
"So. How's Spartan adjusting to his new stable?" Ty asked.
"He seems to adjusted just fine. He's always been good with change."
"Let go visit him." Ty suggested.
"Well. Maybe later. I have to take a shower. And, Mrs. Bell is expecting me for dinner. Are you going too?"
"I wouldn't miss dinner at Mrs. Bell's. But, let's just do a quick check. It will only take a minute. I know a shortcut." He pointed toward a path between the stable barns. "Come on."
"Okay. But, let's hurry." He grabbed her hand, led her quickly down the path.
"Hey. How do you know about this short cut anyhow?" She was curious, eyed him with suspicion.
"Um..Ah..Remember when I worked with Scott?" He stumbled a bit.
"Yeah...?"
"Yeah."
"Oh." She said, slightly unconvinced.
They reached a closed door on the backside of a wooden building. "Okay. Do you trust me?" He asked.
"Um. Should I?" She asked sarcastically.
"Yes. Definitely." He grinned.
"Okay then. I trust you."
"Good. Close your eyes.."
"Really?" She asked.
"Come on, Amy. Work with me."
"Oh alright!" She did as he asked.
He led her through what she guessed was a feed room, through a door and into a stable. She could hear the horses, smell the hay.
"Are we in the stable?"
"You'll see. We're almost there." He said excitedly.
They walked a few more feet, then he stopped, turned her a quarter turn counter clockwise. "Okay. Open your eyes."
"Oh my gosh! How did you? When? Oh this is so great!" In side by side stalls with a pony wall in between, Harley and Spartan stood with their noses stretched out to them for a petting.
"Hello Spartan. Hello Harley!" She laughed as she rubbed their foreheads. "Ty. How did Harley get here? I thought he was staying at Heartland."
"The more I thought about it, the more I knew that they belonged together. They are best friends after all. This way we can ride together whenever we like."
"How did you arrange it?"
"Jack, Lou and Nick."
"Grandpa?"
"Yeah. He kept you busy so I could trailer Harley."
"And Lou?"
"Yeah. She kept you busy so I could bring back it."
"You were the one that texted Grandpa?"
He grinned. "And, Nick got me a great deal on this set-up. It's usually for a mom and foal. The best part is that your apartment is right above."
"No kidding!"
"That's why I was late this morning. Forgive me?"
"Oh Ty!" She threw her arms around him. He smiled as his arms automatically encircled her waist bringing her even closer.
"Let's get a picture." The two stood between Spartan and Harley grinning as Ty snapped their picture on his phone.
Dear Readers. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Let me know your thoughts, send a review. I love getting reviews!
Take care
SBR
Ps. Sorry this is so late. We were in New Mexico...saw the beautiful Placitas Wild Horses at Santo Domingo Pueblo near the Sandra Mountains.