Chapter 58

Jessie glanced back at Cindy as the car pulled to a stop outside Maggie's smiling sadly as she saw that the girl was asleep. Lisa turned the engine off, glancing back at the girl too and Jessie turned to her. 'Do we let her sleep?'

Lisa nodded, quietly grabbing her bag from behind her seat. 'We'll save her milkshake for when she wakes up. You want to come?'

'I'll come.' She agreed, getting out of the car as quietly as possible so she didn't wake the girl up. Lisa got out, locking the car after her and they walked into the Cafe. 'I wish there was something I could do for Cindy.'

'I know honey.' She placed her hand on the girls shoulder then took a seat at the counter with the girl sitting down beside her. 'I know. Your companionship to Cindy is what she needs right now, that's the best thing for her. We also need to keep her busy too, it'll help keep her mind of things.'

'You got any suggestions for how we're going to do that?'

'Oh I have quite a few ideas. We have to get you ready for the rodeo too.'

'Care to tell me what these ideas are?'

'You'll see.' Was all she was going to reply with a mischievous smile.

'What would you like to order today Lisa?' Maggie asked as she walked over, smiling as she saw Jessie with her. 'Morning Jessie.'

'Morning Maggie.'

'I'd like three large strawberry milkshakes to go please Maggie.' Lisa replied.

'Anything else?'

'That's all for today, thank you.'

'Okay. Ten fifty.' Lisa handed her a note and she placed it in the register, giving her back the change then gave the order to one of her workers. She turned back to them, leaning on the bench as she looked at Jessie. 'So I hear you're going in the Queen of the Rodeo contest after all Jessie.'

Jessie rolled her eyes. 'Nothing stays a secret long in this town, does it? How'd you find out?' Maggie nodded to Lisa and she turned to her. 'Lisa! You know I didn't want you saying anything.'

'I didn't.'

'She didn't, I figured it out when she was trying to get a bridle and-'

'Maggie.' Lisa raised her eyebrows, quickly cutting her off.

'Oh, what's this?'

'Nothing.'

'Doesn't sound like nothing.'

'For me to know, for you to find out.'

'Maggie?'

'Nope, nope nope. My lips are sealed. I'll go see how your order is coming.'

Jessie turned back to Lisa as Maggie walked away, tilting her head cheekily. 'Oh, come on Lisa-'

'Your as bad as Cindy!' Lisa laughed, teasing her. 'You'll have to wait.'

'Hmph.' She sighed, placing her arms on the counter and rested her chin on top. 'And here I was thinking I was the only one with a surprise. Can't I just have a little hint?'

'No.'

'Please?'

'Nope. You'll have to wait.'

'Fine.' She rolled her eyes. 'I'll wait.'

'Here you go.' Maggie brought the milkshakes over, placing them on the counter. 'Enjoy.'

'Thanks Maggie.' Lisa took two, Jessie grabbing hers and they headed back out to the car. Cindy was awake, looking out the window as they got back and she smiled as she unlocked the car and handed the girl her milkshake. 'Here you go Cindy.'

'Thank you Lisa.' Cindy replied, taking a small sip as they got back in the car and headed towards Fairfield.

'Did you have a good sleep?' Jessie asked, trying to strike up conversation as the scenery flashed past. 'You looked like you were enjoying your nap.'

'It was ok, I guess.'

'I'm going to need your help getting Jessie ready for the rodeo Cindy.' Lisa glanced back at the girl in the revision mirror after a little while. Cindy was staring out the window into thin air but glanced forward after a moment when she realised that she had been spoken to.

'Sorry? What were you saying?'

'I was hoping that you'd be able to help me get Jessie ready for the rodeo tomorrow.'

Cindy shrugged, glancing back towards the window. 'Sure, I guess I can. What do you want me to do?'

'Oh just help with little things. Jessie has to do a couple more practise runs and stuff while I organise a few other things. Think you'd like to help her?'

'I guess so.' She replied then looked at Jessie with a slight hint of excitement. 'Can I have a ride on Warrior?'

Jessie chuckled. 'Sure you can. I know he'll be happy to see you too.'

'Great.'

'So, what other things are you organising?' She turned to Lisa after Cindy had gone quiet again, wondering what else she had up her sleeve. 'Has it got anything to do with what Maggie kinda let slip?'

'Maybe, maybe not.' Lisa winked at her with a smile. 'You'll find out, in good time.'

'Does Jack know?'

'Nope.'

'Hmmmm. What is it?'

'As if I'd tell you!' She laughed as they pulled up at Fairfield then looked back at Cindy as she turned the car off. 'How about you guys go get started with Warrior? I need you to keep this one-' She playfully nudged Jessie as the girl unclicked her seatbelt. 'Busy and out of trouble for a few minutes.'

'I think I can manage to keep her busy, however, trouble seems to find her.' Cindy chuckled at the look Jessie shot Lisa then grinned when the girl looked back at her. 'What? It's true.'

'Yeah yeah.' Jessie stuck her tongue out at her as she got out of the car and waited for Cindy to hop out as well. 'I'll race you to Warrior. Three, two-'

'Hey! Not fair!' She protested as Jessie shot off infront of her and she ran after her. 'You had a head start!'

'I win.'

'Yeah, because you cheated.' She teased, coming to a stop beside her. 'What was that I was saying about trouble finding you?'

The older girl laughed, turning to the pen as Warrior trotted over to meet them. 'I guess you're right. Hey boy.'

'I'm always right.' Cindy flicked her hair back over her shoulder, extending her hand forward to Warrior as he stopped at the fence. 'Hello Warrior. Ready for your big day tomorrow.'

'Of course I am Cindy! Always ready and rearing to go!' Jessie mimicked a deep male's voice as Warrior knickered. 'Have you got a treat for me young lass?'

'Jessie stop it!' She laughed, rubbing Warrior's neck. 'It's too funny, your going to give me a stitch.'

'You have to look after yourself young lass.'

'Jessie!'

'Okay, okay.' She finally relented with a chuckle, happy to see that Cindy was at least in a better mood now. 'You win. You want to help me get him ready for practice?'

'Sure.'

'Come on boy.' Warrior stepped back as the two girls climbed through the rails into his pen then followed them up to the one-horse stable and stood calmly while Cindy grabbed a leadrope to tie him up. 'Just tie him to the rail there Cindy.'

'Okay.' She clipped his lead on then led him over, tying him up like Jessie had shown her before then glanced at the surroundings. Down in the yard just below them it was a hive of activity. Workers led horses here and there, horses were everywhere. Gorgeous horses. She shook her head, taking it all in. 'It's great here Jessie.'

Jessie walked over with the stallions grooming gear and placed it down then joined Cindy as she stared at everything around her. 'Yeah, it's something. Isn't it?' She looked down at Cindy, realising that this was the first time she'd been here. 'It's your first time here, isn't it?'

Cindy nodded. 'I've tried imagining it from what you've told me but wow-' She paused, looking around. 'This place is really something.'

'A far cry from that foster home hey.' Her face clouded as memories came back that she quickly pushed aside. She didn't need to be reminded of that right now, neither of them did. 'We better start grooming this guy or he's going to be wondering what on earth we're doing.'

'How's it going?' Lisa asked with a smile as she joined Cindy at the arena fence a little while later, watching Jessie warm up Warrior.

'Good.' Cindy nodded, looking down at her from her vantage point on the fence. 'You have a gorgeous place here Lisa. It's beautiful. You must be so happy here.'

'Happiness doesn't come from possessions Cindy.' She replied, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder as she sat down on the fence beside her. 'Things can't make a person happy.'

The girl frowned, raising an eyebrow. 'But you have so many nice horses. It's like heaven here.'

'I do have a lot of horses.' She chuckled. 'But having a lot of horses or a nice place or nice house or nice care doesn't make people happy. Oh sure, they are nice to have but it's what's inside a person that makes them happy, not what they own.'

'I've never thought of it like that.'

'Happiness comes from inside here-' She motioned to her heart and the girl's heart. 'And if you are really happy then what you have doesn't matter.'

'You guys ready to time me?'

Lisa looked up at Jessie as the girl brought Warrior to a stop near them, the stallion tossing his head as he halted, then pawed the ground in impatience. 'Of course, we don't want to keep him waiting now do we?' Warrior took a couple steps closer, nudging her with his nose as she grabbed her stopwatch from her pocket. 'Do you want the honours Cindy?'

'You bet!'

'Alright, I'll go get ready.'

Cindy waited as Jessie rode Warrior over to start the pattern, grinning widely as she watched her 'older sister' quiet the stallion and get him ready to run. 'Ready?'

'Almost.'

'I'll be back in a moment Cindy.' Lisa declared, climbing down off the fence. 'I've got to go get a couple things.'

'Okay.'

'Alright Cindy.' Jessie called out, holding the stallion as he danced underneath her. 'We're ready.'

'In three-' She held her hand over the starter, watching the horse and rider. 'Two. One. Go!' She started the stopwatch as the horse bolted forward, glancing between the time then back at them. Around the first barrel they went, coming in fast towards the second. 'Come on Jessie!' She glanced at the time again. 'Come on Warrior!'

The third barrel loomed ahead, Jessie turned the stallion around it smoothly then let him fly, slapping him with the reins. 'Go boy! Go!'

Cindy jumped down off the fence holding the stopwatch high as the stallion slid to a stop. 'Eighteen and a half! Woohoo! Way to go girl!'

'Good boy.' The girl cooed, beaming with the exhilaration of the ride. Warrior shook his head, snorting as she patted his shoulder. 'Good boy.'

'That was a great run!'

'I know, you're such a good boy Warrior.' Jessie patted his shoulder again as Cindy walked over to them, the girl showing her the stopwatch so she could see for herself what their time had been. 'Would you like to have a go Cindy?'

'Behind you?'

'No, by yourself.'

Cindy's expression wavered between cautious and excited. 'Do you think I can-'

'Of course you can. Warrior knows this pattern so well he could do it in his sleep. Sometimes I think he actually does.'

She chuckled, giving the stallion a pat as he rubbed his muzzle against her. 'Do you run barrels in your sleep Warrior?'

Jessie patted his shoulder one last time then dismounted, holding the reins out towards her. 'Go on.'

'You sure?'

'I'm sure. Warrior will take care of you.' The girl looked down at the reins then to her and she held them closer to her. 'Go on. I can see you really want to have a go.' Cindy hesitated for a moment longer and passed her the stopwatch then took hold of the reins and placed them over the horses neck, reaching for the saddle to mount. Jessie smiled, giving her a leg up and helped her settle into the saddle. 'There you go.'

Cindy chuckled, running her hand down Warrior's shoulder as the stallion flexed his neck and back, feeling her weight. 'Alright, I'll give it a try.'

'Good girl.' She grabbed Warrior's bridle, checking that the bit was still in place properly but she really wanted his attention on her. She blew into his nostrils, the stallion pricking his ears up and sniffing at her intently. 'Go easy on her, okay?' She whispered, running her hand up his face. The stallion snorted then chewed at the bit and brushed her with his muzzle. 'Good boy.' She looked back at Cindy. 'You ready?'

'Yep.'

'Okay then, off you go.' She stepped back, giving the girl room to turn the horse around in. Cindy nudged Warrior gently with her heels and the horse stepped forward eagerly but gently. 'Looking good Cindy.'

The girl laughed again, glancing back at her. 'Oh come on, I look terrible.'

'No, you don't. You look good on Warrior. Turn him towards the barrels now and give him his head, drop the reins and hold onto the horn. He knows what he's doing.'

'Alright.' Her tone conveyed that she wasn't quite convinced but she turned him towards the barrels like she had been told and brought him to a stop. Warrior halted with his head up, his ears flicking back at her then towards the course. She took a deep breath then gave him his head and held onto the horn. 'Go boy!'

Jessie's smile widened as Warrior took Cindy around the course, the girl laughing gleefully as they came around the second barrel. Warrior was looking after her, he was behaving himself perfectly and she felt in that moment she couldn't be more proud of him. Towards the third barrel they went, Warrior expertly swinging around it. 'Let him go Cindy! Bring him home!'

'Go boy! Go!' Cindy encouraged, leaning down over his neck as he galloped back towards the starting line. She laughed as they crossed it, Warrior slowing down to a canter then he turned and trotted back to Jessie. 'Good boy.'

'That's my good boy.' She ran her hand down his neck as he stopped beside her then looked up at Cindy. Cindy wore a smile on her face that went ear to ear, her cheeks flushed with exhilaration. 'Was that fun?'

'Fun?' She repeated with an excited squeal, leaning down over Warrior to hug him. 'That was the best thing ever! That was awesome! Please, pretty please may I go again?'

'Sure. Why not. Off you go.' Cindy urged the horse back towards the starting line and she walked over to the arena fence, climbing onto the top rail to sit. Lisa walked up beside her, carrying a box that she placed down then hopped on the rail next to her. She glanced back at Cindy, the girl had halted the stallion and was getting ready to run the pattern again. 'Do you want me to time you?'

Cindy nodded. 'Yes.'

'Alright. In three, two, one. Go!'

Lisa chuckled, looking down at Jessie as the girl rode her horse around the pattern. 'You are something special, letting her have a go.'

'It's made her happy, that's the main thing.'

'Your really are something special.' She placed her arm around the girl, looking back up at the girl as they rounded the third barrel. 'Come on Cindy!'

'Twenty-four flat.' Jessie exclaimed as they crossed the line, beaming with pride for both the girl and the horse. 'Great job.'

Cindy smiled, patting Warrior as he walked over to them. 'Wait till I tell Grandma.' Her face clouded for a moment then she brightened again as she pushed her emotions away. 'She's going to be tickled pink.'

'She's going to be surprised for sure.' Lisa agreed. 'I should have got a video to show her.'

'I can go again.'

'Maye later honey, we don't want to wear Warrior out for Jessie tomorrow. Besides-' She climbed down off the fence and went to the box. 'I've got a little something for both of you.'

Cindy and Jessie exchanged confused glances, wondering what Lisa had got for them.

'This is going to be your first rodeo for both of you-' She started, opening the box. 'And while Jessie's outfit is sorted I thought that you should have something to wear too. Come on.' The girl looked at her confused for a second then dismounted and walked over to her. 'This is for you.'

'Oh Lisa, that's too much.' The girl exclaimed, looking at the outfit inside the box. It was identical to Jessie's, everything except the colour; her's was a gorgeous light blue. Her eyes started to water and she quickly wiped them away, touching the shirt softly. 'It's gorgeous.'

'I'm glad you like it honey.' Lisa smiled.

'What do you mean that it's going to be the first rodeo for both of us though?' Jessie wondered out loud, tying Warrior's reins around the rail.

'Well-' She paused for effect. 'I spoke with your Grandma Cindy and she was okay with it if you wanted to do it.'

'Do what?'

'Enter the under twelves barrel racing.'

Cindy's jaw dropped. How on earth did she know that her dream had been to barrel race in a rodeo just like her mom and her grandmother. 'Are you joking? How- I don't have a horse? I'm not ready-'

'Woah woah woah.' She chuckled with a smile. 'I've organised a nice horse for you to borrow, his owner owed me a favour so he'll be dropped off later this morning and as for you not being ready I just watched you out there on Warrior. You are more then ready.'

'Are you sure?' Her voice quivered, on the verge of crying but out of happiness. 'Your not joking?'

'I'm not joking.'

'Oh thank you Lisa.' She exclaimed, throwing her arms around her. The woman chuckled, hugging her back. 'Thank you.'

'Your welcome Cindy.'

Jessie sat back, smiling broadly then looked at Lisa. 'How could you keep that a secret from me?' She asked teasingly. 'That's so not fair.'

Lisa laughed, looking at her as Cindy turned back to her outfit. 'I wanted to surprise you too.'

'Well that certainly was a surprise. I still can't believe you didn't tell me though.'

'A woman is allowed her secrets.' She played along, a twinkle in her eye then she picked up the other box she had beside her and held it out to her. 'I had this made for you.'

The girl raised her eyebrows, taking the box. What had Lisa gotten for her now? She gasped as she opened the lid. 'Oh Lisa.' A gorgeous matching western bridle, breastplate and saddle cloth were inside. She placed the box down, taking out the bridle. Conchos the same that were on her saddle decorated the browband and cheek straps, the leather a mix of brown and purple that went with her outfit; tassels the same color as the ones on her shirt decorated the reins. The breastplate was made exactly the same as the bridle and the saddlecloth was a mix of purple and dark blue like her jeans with tassels like on the bridle and breastplate. 'It's beautiful.'

'Well, since my girls are both going in the rodeo I thought you both deserved something nice.' She smiled as Jessie gave her a hug. 'And since one of them are going in for the Queen of the Rodeo I thought the matching tack would go nicely.'

'Oh it does.' She looked back at the tack then at Warrior with a chuckle. 'Your going to look nice in purple my boy.'

'Go try it on him.' Lisa encouraged.

Jessie grinned, taking the tack to change over. 'What do you think boy? Fancy hey.' Warrior sniffed at the tack then settled down to let her swap it over. 'So, after this, what else do we need to do?'

'Well, you should probably practice riding with the flag.' The girl nodded at her reply, changing the bridles over. 'Cindy's horse will be arriving soon and I'd imagine we'll spend some time with him then it's time to relax.'

The girl chuckled, placing her other bridle aside. 'Sounds like a plan.'

'Checkmate.'

'Oh man!' Cindy complained with a sigh, looking at the chessboard as her and Jessie played together after dinner. 'Rats.'

Jessie giggled. 'You want another round?'

'I've just lost three in a row. I don't feel like making it four.'

'Fair enough.'

'How's it going?' Lisa asked as she walked into the living room, taking a seat on the couch to watch the two girls play on the rug. 'Whose winning?'

'Jessie.'

The girl chuckled at Cindy's tone. 'Sorry Cindy.'

'It's ok, I don't mind. You're really good at this though.'

'Do you want to have a go with me Lisa?'

Lisa glanced up at the clock. 'Maybe tomorrow night honey, it's starting to get late and we all have an early morning tomorrow.'

'Oh yeah, we do.' Cindy took a glance at the clock. 'Is it okay if I go have a shower and get ready for bed? I want to ring Grandma before it gets too late.'

'That's quite okay honey.'

'You go on Cindy-' Jessie encouraged as the other girl started to pack away the boardgame. 'I'll put this away.'

'You sure?'

'Go on. You don't want to wait too long to ring her.'

'Alright.'

Lisa sat down beside Jessie as Cindy left, helping her pack away the game. 'You look tired honey.'

Jessie nodded. 'Exhausted. But good exhausted. I'm glad Cindy's had a good day, she was really upset earlier.'

'I'm glad too.' She replied, placing the box back away on the shelf under the coffee table then sat back down on the couch. Jessie climbed up beside her, snuggling up to her and she wrapped her arms around the girl. 'Did you have a good day?'

'The best.'

'That's good.'

'I really like my tack-' She looked up at her. 'Thank you Lisa.'

'No problem, glad you liked it honey.'

'And what you've done for Cindy, thank you.'

'That's quite alright sweetheart, I'm glad her and Cruze get along so well.' She smiled, thinking of how well Cindy and the gelding that she'd borrowed had gotten along. It was love at first sight for Cindy, she'd fallen for the pony instantly. 'Can you keep a secret?'

Jessie looked at her, pretending to be taken aback. 'Of course I can keep a secret.'

'Well, Cindy might be able to keep Cruze.'

'Really?'

She nodded. 'His owner's son has grown out of him and he doesn't want him wasting away in the paddock so he sold Cruze to me for almost nothing. I'll talk to Jack later and see if Cruze can stay at Heartland but don't say anything to Cindy yet about it.'

'I won't.' A smile spread across her lips as she snuggled down closer into her hold. 'You really spoil us, you really do.'

'I know.' Lisa chuckled. 'Don't get used to it though.'

'You've done so much for us.' The girl continued. 'You really haven't had to do everything that you have done.'

'Sweetheart-' She kissed her head gently. 'That's what I do for the people I love.'

Jessie looked up at her, smiling. 'I love you.'

'I love you too.'

'But you really have to stop spoiling me.'

The woman chuckled again. 'I can try but I can't guarantee anything.'

'I can't pay you back for everything you've given me.'

'You don't have to sweetheart. It's a gift. Everything is a gift. Because I love you, my gorgeous girl.'

'I could get used to being called that.' She grinned with a twinkle in her eye. 'I really have to think of something to call you one of these days.'

'You take your time honey, I don't want you to feel pressured to call me anything. I don't mind you calling me Lisa.'

'I know but I wish I could think of something.'

'Don't worry about it honey, it'll come in time.'

Jessie nodded then glanced up at the clock again. 'I better get moving towards bed, it's getting late.'

'Alright sweetheart. Do you want me to come tuck you in?'

'You know I do.' She teased with a grin. 'Last time you did that when Cindy was here we had a pillow fight.'

'Ah yes, I'm still getting over that.'

'Oh Lisa.' She laughed as she got up. 'We really do need to give you more curry.'

'I'd rather not.'

'Oh just wait and see. Wait and see.' Jessie called over her shoulder as she made her way to her room. Cindy was still in the bathroom, quickly having a shower as she walked past. Quickly she changed into her pajamas, getting Cindy's present from her bag to give her when she came in. Crawling onto her bed, she climbed under the covers and unwrapped the horse to look at it again. She ran her fingers over the smooth wood again, smiling. Cindy had been so excited about Cruze that she hadn't asked about her surprise. Well, while nothing could compare to her being able to have Cruze she hoped that the girl at least liked what she'd made for her.

'Did you make that?'

She looked up to see Lisa walking in, nodding as the woman sat down on the bed beside her. 'It's for Cindy, I made it instead of buying a model for her.'

'May I look at it?' The girl nodded again, handing the model to her and she gently took it. 'Jessie, this is beautiful. You are really good at this.'

'Thanks.' She blushed. 'I hope Cindy likes it.'

'I'm sure Cindy is going to love it.' She handed the model back to the girl who quickly wrapped it up again and placed it aside. 'You know Jessie, people would pay quite well for carvings like that.'

'They would?'

'Of course they would. I've seen some things like that in gallery's and such but none of them come half as close to what you've done.'

'Hmmmm.' Jessie murmured softly, thinking. 'I'll think about that.'

'You ready for bed Cindy?'

'Yes Mam.' Cindy replied, walking into the bedroom. 'I'll ring Grandma then I'll go to sleep.'

'Cindy, before you do-' She started, picking up the wrapped horse from beside her. 'I think now is a good time for your surprise.'

The girl raised an eyebrow, placing her dirty clothes in the rooms wash basket then climbed onto the bed next to Jessie and Lisa. 'I'd forgotten all about it.'

'Maybe I shouldn't give it to you then.'

'You tease!' She laughed, trying to grab what she was holding. 'Come on.'

'Alright, alright.' Jessie relented with a smile, handing the model to her. 'I hope you like it.'

Cindy placed the package on her lap, gently unwrapping the cloth and bubble wrap. 'Oh Jessie it's gorgeous!' She breathed in awe, looking from the model to the older girl. 'You made this?'

'Yep.'

'Oh sis.' Tears started running down her cheeks. 'It's too much.'

'Oh Cindy, don't cry.' She climbed out of her covers, taking the girl in her arms. 'You don't like it?'

'I love it sis. It's the nicest present I've ever had.'

'I hope you don't mind, but I've named it for you.' She gently wiped a tear off the girls cheeks, seeing Lisa smiling at them out of the corner of her eye.

'What did you name it?'

'Cindy.'

'I have a model named after me now.'

'You do.'

'Thank you so much.' The girl looked back down at the carving. 'Ceder! That was the hint all along! Oh you!'

Jessie laughed. 'You only just figured that out?'

'How on earth was I going to guess that you could make a carving out of wood?' She chuckled. 'I love it Jessie, thank you so so much.'

'Your welcome honey. I'm glad you like it.'

'I'm going to ring Grandma now.'

'Alright.'

'I'm going to quickly go do a couple things myself.' Lisa exclaimed as she stood up. 'I'll be back to tuck you guys in though.'

'Okay.'

'Sure.' Cindy grabbed her mobile from her pocket as Lisa left the room, dialing her grandmother's number. 'Grandma!'

'Hey my girl. How are you?'

'I'm good, I'm great actually!'

'That's good to hear.' Elanor smiled, listening to the girl's voice. 'How's things there?'

'Brilliant. You should see this place Grandma, it's absolutely gorgeous. There's so many horses here and you should see the house! It's a mansion!'

'Sounds like it's really something.'

'Oh it is grandma, it is.' She replied, snuggling down next to Jessie. 'And guess what?'

'What?'

'I'm getting to go into the rodeo! I'm going to compete in barrel racing tomorrow. Lisa borrowed for me a little gelding named Cruze, he's the sweetest little thing.'

'Oh that's great sweetheart.' Her smile widened hearing how excited the girl was about the rodeo. 'That's great news.'

'Now I can be just like you and mom.'

'I wish I could be there to see you.'

'I'll get Lisa to take a video for you. I'm so excited to be entering and Cruze is the best little pony I've ever ridden.'

'Hey, don't let Warrior hear that.' Jessie teased with a grin.

'He sounds like quite something.' Eleanor laughed. 'Hello Jessie.'

'Hello Eleanor, sorry for interrupting your call with Cindy.'

'Oh, no problem at all. I'm glad Cindy has been having fun with you. Has she been keeping out of mischief?'

'Oh she has.' She chuckled at the look on Cindy's face. 'But she's not too amused right now.'

'As long as you've behaved yourself.'

'I have been, I promise.'

'Good girl. I'm glad to hear that.'

'I'm going to have to go to bed now though, it's getting late-'

'And you have an early morning tomorrow. I remember in my day-'

'I just said I had to go.' Cindy laughed. 'I'll talk to you later Grandma.'

'You will honey. I want you to tell me all about tomorrow.'

'I will.'

'I love you honey.'

'I love you too Grandma.'

'Bye Jessie.'

'Bye Eleanor.'

'Good luck to you both for tomorrow. Bye now.'

'Bye.' They replied in unison and Cindy ended the call, placing the phone down on the bedside table.

Jessie looked down at her as she placed the phone aside, placing her arm around her. 'You okay?'

She nodded. 'I'm okay.'

'She'll be okay.'

'I know.'

'You guys ready for bed now?' Lisa asked as she walked back in, taking a seat beside the two girls again.

'Yes Mam.'

'Mmmhmm.'

Cindy headed to her bed, climbing under the covers as Lisa knelt down beside her. 'Night Lisa. Thank you for everything.'

'Your welcome honey.' She kissed the girl's forehead gently then turned to Jessie. 'Alright, scooch down under the covers young missy.' The girl chuckled as she lifted the blankets, crawling in under the covers with a smile. Placing the blankets under the girl's chin she gave her a kiss on the forehead. 'Sleep well honey. You've got a big day tomorrow.'

'You have a good sleep too Lisa.' She smiled, snuggling down against her pillow then looked over at Cindy as Lisa left the room, turning off the light. 'Night Sis.

'Night Jessie.'

Jessie closed her eyes, tucking her hands underneath her chin. Quietness descended upon the room as the two girls drifted off to sleep, happy and safe. Tomorrow was going to be a big, exciting day, for the both of them.