Page 6 of In Full Bloom
“Of course,” I say, then call to Sadie. “Lady Sadie, would you like to escort me to the barn?”
She skips back to us. “Can I?” She asks Violet, who gives her a nod. “Can we take the side-by-side?”
I’ve never driven one before, but I shrug. It can’t be too tricky. “Sure thing.”
After a quick lesson in driving the farm vehicle, Violet waves us off and Sadie chatters excitedly beside me as we head further down the driveway to the horse barn. She tells me allabout her fifth birthday party they had two weeks ago and how she’s starting school soon, at the start of next term. She points out all her favourite parts of the farm, like she’s giving me a grand tour. She obviously hasn’t realised that me being Olivia’s long time best friend means I already know all these places.
I pull to a stop outside the yards and grin as I catch sight of the horse Olivia is cantering around the arena.
Scout has aways been my favourite and was always reserved for me to ride whenever I visited, which in my teenage years was at least several times a week. Sometimes I didn’t go home and would go to school straight from the Ridge.
Olivia spots us and slows Scout to a walk then leaps from the saddle to engulf me in an enormous hug. “Katie!” She squeals into my ear.
I squeeze her back, just as tightly. It’s been way too long since I’ve seen my best friend. She tried to come and visit me as often as she could, but she’s spent the last few years getting a new business off the ground so her time has always been short.
“Oh my god. I can’t believe you’re actually here,” she says.
“Me either,” I say with a laugh that’s only slightly bitter.
“I got Scout all ready to go for you, and the farm manager will be here soon so he can show you what’s on the agenda today. I’m sorry I can’t hang out, but I have to get to an appointment in town. I hope you’re staying for dinner.”
“I sure am. Your mum has already twisted my arm.”
“Like you need convincing,” she says, grinning. She’s right. Eating with Violet and Olivia is a thousand times more appealing than cooking for myself at home. Olivia turns to Sadie. “Morning Sadie. Do you want to wait for your dad withKatie and have him take you back to the house, or come with me?”
“Can I stay with Katie and Scout?”
“You sure can, just remember—” Her phone rings and she winces at the sound. “I’m so sorry. I have to answer this. I’m so late. I double booked. I should be here to introduce you.”
“Liv, it’s all good,” I say, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. “Go deal with your stuff. I’m capable of meeting your farm manager. Besides, Lady Sadie will be here to formally introduce us. We have all the time in the world to catch up.”
Olivia sighs and nods in defeat. “I’ll see you at dinner. Later, Sadie.”
“Bye, Olivia,” Sadie calls as Olivia strides away.
“This is Scout,” Sadie says, tentatively reaching up to stroke her muzzle.
I smile. “I know. I remember the day Scout first came to Wildflower Ridge.”
Sadie’s eyes go wide. “Really? You have been friends with Olivia for a long time then.”
“Longer than you’ve been alive,” I say with a smile. “You want to have a ride while we wait for your dad?”
Her eyes go even wider and for a moment I worry they’re going to pop out of her head. “Can I?” she breathes.
“Yeah, sure. Scout’s a sweetheart.”
I help Sadie up into the saddle, then start leading the horse around the arena. Every time I glance up at Sadie she has the hugest grin on her face, like she’s going to burst from excitement.
The thrum of a motorbike engine approaches, then cutsoff.
“Daddy, look!”
“Sadie, what are you doing?” A man’s voice. One I recognise.
I shiver at the memory of the things that voice said to me last night.
“Katie let me ride Scout,” Sadie calls back.
