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“You know of anyone?”

Hawk tilted his head. “You looking for someone that also has experience with equine therapy?”

I hadn’t considered that, but of course Hawk did. “Yeah, that’d be helpful.”

“Then maybe. I’ll ask around.”

“Thanks.” I held out a fist so he could bump it, which he did, his little half smile playing on his lips for just a second. Because I was watching him, I saw the way his entire expression softened and knew Carter had returned.

Carter retook his seat. “She’ll forward details once she’s made travel arrangements. Be prepared to have several very long meetings once she gets here. My assistant is thorough.”

The last was said with pride. I agreed easily enough, even if that meant I’d have to hand off parts of that week’s session to others. I knew once I told Dad what my plan was, he’d be more than happy to help out.

But before I told him, there was someone else I had to let in on the plan.

We finished our coffee, Carter and I chatting about much more mundane day to day stuff. And only after they left did I pull out my phone.

When you get a moment, come to the YR. I have big news I want to tell you.

The response came not a minute later.

gasp. You actually want to share with me?

I rolled my eyes, but even through text I could hear the sarcasm. The truth was, though, that it was partially honest, and I deserved it.

I want to tell you everything. Just get over here.

Lemme find a horse.

Chapter 8

Wren

After Bodhi told me about the true meaning of Yellow Ribbon, we sort of began to slot back into our old friendship. It would probably be gradual, but by the time I was riding to his property on Sunday, I felt like I could maybe do this.

I’d just be his friend and maybe somewhere down the line, years from now, I‘d accepted my fate enough to be able to move on with someone else. Maybe I’d find a guy and we’d make our home somewhere close enough that I could keep visiting the ranch, and it wouldn’t hurt anymore.

Snorting at myself, I encouraged Ransom into a lope. She echoed me, then easily settled into a traveling speed that let me enjoy the fall weather.

What we really needed was one of those gates you could easily open while on horseback. I’d seen them in videos where people in the UK went riding in the countryside lanes and… what were those called? Bridleways? Anyway, I needed to tell Bodhi about that, because for someone who was getting back to riding horses again, getting down and back up on the horse was a bit annoying. Besides, it would probably make things faster for someone like me as well.

Sighing, I got back on Ransom after closing the gate behind us. Then I let her choose the pace—a leisurely trot—until I could see the buildings. “Okay, girl, let’s walk the rest of the way.”

She snorted but then stretched her neck when I gave her the reins to do as she pleased.

When she spotted Bodhi’s horses in the paddock, she whinnied at them, making me laugh.

“Those your friends, girl?”

Bodhi heard her and the answering sound from Ez and came out to meet us.

“Should I put her in with them?” I asked as I slid off the saddle.

“Sure. They won’t mind and she’s not gonna annoy the lady of the house anyway.”

Ah, Imelda Staunton was a bit of a hardass, which I thought did wonders for Ez’s manners.

Bodhi grabbed the saddle and left the bridle for me to take care of when I let Ransom into the paddock. She immediately greeted the other horses, and Bodhi laughed as I moved to get out through the gate.