Page 122 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

I laugh. “I know, but if you’re there and my sister’s there, I don’t want to sit around the apartment all day. Maybe I’ll visit Hope if Reid thinks she’s ready.”

I’ve fallen more in love with that paint horse every single day. Reid said she’s acclimated to the ranch and gave me the green light to integrate her into the equine assisted learning program I’m developing.

Connor scratches his hair feverishly, growing agitated.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” he blurts and darts out of the room.

Poor thing’s so tired he’s glitching like a robot.

I stand back to examine the wall space for where I should hang our achievements. My phone rings and I pause before answering it.

Unknown Number

I don’t usually answer unless it’s someone I know but I’ve been reaching out to so many contacts in the equine therapy world, I should answer it.

“This is Delilah.”

“Hey, it’s Greyson. I’m glad I caught you.” That’s weird. I swear I had his number programed into my phone.

“My babysitter’s sick, and Harper’s still on winter break. Is there any way you could come to the store and grab her for me? Y’all can spend the day at our place. She’s got crafts and shit she’s been dying to do,” he says, clearly stressed.

Connor comes into the room, fully dressed, and makes a beeline for the front door. Before I can stop him, he slides into his cowboy boots and coat and is out the door with a “love you” thrown over his shoulder. What in the world is going on with that man?

I don’t have anything going on anyway. “Sure, I can be there in fifteen, will that work?”

“Yes, you’re a life saver. See you soon.” And with that, Greyson hangs up.

Why would Greyson call me when Livy and James have been tag-teaming to helping him out? They must be busy today.

Harper’s a sweetheart, we’ll have a great day and maybe even sneak in some glitter. Greyson hates the stuff and forbids Harper from using it in the house.

I better get dressed so I don’t keep him waiting.

“Now that I have my equine assisted learning certification, do you think we can start getting serious about marketing and ordering signage?” I ask James.

“Absolutely, get with Mom, she won’t mind you using Swift’s resources to get rolling.”

“I don’t want to take advantage…”

“Nonsense. You’re family. What else?” he asks, all business today. He keeps checking his phone, tapping it every ten seconds like he’s hoping to get a text.

“So long as you’re confident I’m all set on the legal side, you’re off the hook,” I say.

“You’re all set with general liability insurance through the ranch. We’ve got your participation consent forms and waivers, adults and minors. Your business plan looks phenomenal. I’ll get the independent contractor agreement template finalized for you.

“Otherwise, ask Swift’s marketing department for our photo release form and decide if that’s something you’d like to pursue,” James says, packing away his laptop and notebook, already standing to leave.

“Thank you so much for everything, James. I know you’re busy.”

“No thanks needed.” He checks his phone again.

“Uh, Liv wants to meet you for lunch at The Flying Pig. Do you need a ride, or…”

Why would Livy be communicating through James?

I release a heavy sigh and pack up as well. “No, I have my car. Thanks though.”

James is already out the door before I look up from my bag.