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"Yeah, it's a contest every year between their barns and ours, to see which has the most Christmas lights."
She looked back at him. "Seriously? Your barn looks like this?"
He nodded. "It has to. We host the Hart Youth Center Christmas Festival, and we have to do right by the kids."
Sofia smiled. "Of course you do." She squeezed his hand slightly, her face softening. "You Harts are good people."
"We try," he agreed, heartened by her willingness to see his family as not so scary. Progress was good.
At that moment, the owner, Zach Stephens, walked into the main area, leading two horses that were tacked up and ready for riding.
Keegan smiled when he saw his old friend. "Zach. Good to see you." He gave the cowboy a hearty handshake, then laughed when Zach dragged him in for a hug. They'd been through a few things in their time, and their bond was forever.
He'd wanted to bring Sofia here because the decorations were amazing, but also because Zach was a good man, and the vibe he gave off would help her relax. "Zach. I'd like you to meet Sofia."
"Sofia." Zach tipped his cowboy hat back and gave Sofia a big grin. "Any woman who gets Keegan's attention is a woman I want to know. That boy doesn't get around much when it comes to the ladies, so you must be pretty special."
Sofia smiled, her cheeks flushing with pleasure as she shook his hand. "Thanks. I don't hang around men much either, so we're a good fit, I guess."
At her words, Zach gave her a speculative look. "Whoever the guy was who convinced you that men suck was a bastard. We're not all like that."
Sofia's smile faded at Zach's perceptiveness, but she nodded. "I'm trying to remember that."
"Good. You picked the right guy to learn that from. If I had a sister, I'd be damn pleased if she picked Keegan, and I know just about every damn secret he has."
"All right," Keegan said, chuckling. "That's enough. She's going to think I bribed you and not believe a word you say."
Zach ignored him. "Sofia," he said, turning to her. "If Keegan's out here calling in favors to give you a special Christmas, then I take notice. He'd do it for homeless kids, or his mom-and-pop customers, or his family, but for a woman? Nope. So, welcome with all my heart."
A genuine smile filled her face. "Thank you," she said, glancing at Keegan.
"All right, let's get riding before you win her over with your silky words," Keegan gruffed. "Zach is the opposite of me with the ladies." At least that was the image Zach put on. Keegan knew there was a lot that Zach kept hidden, except from his closest friends.
Zach winked. "I'll never settle down. Too many women need loving, but yep, I got your horses."
Sofia raised her brows at Keegan. "A horse ride?"
"We've got the best Christmas trail ride in the country," Zach said. "We usually take folks out on the hayride, but friends get horses. Hop up."
Sofia's face lit up. "I haven't ridden in so long, but I love horses!" She gave Keegan a beaming smile. "Which one's mine?"
"You get Sally," he said, indicating the gray mare on his right. "I wasn't sure of your skill, but she's rock solid. She'll take care of you."
"Sally." Sofia walked up to Sally and stood in front of her. She ran her hand over Sally's dark, velvet nose. "I want you to know that I'll take care of you, too," she told the horse. "You're awesome, beautiful, and I appreciate you." Then she leaned in and gave the horse a kiss right on the nose.
Zach looked over at Keegan, a wide grin on his face "Anyone who's nice to Sally is on my good list."
Sofia laughed again, her voice so light and full of joy that Keegan and Zach grinned at each other. "Who do I have?" Keegan asked.
"This is Kingsman" Zach said. "We rescued him a couple weeks ago from a rough situation. Took him for a few rides and he seems okay, but I thought it would be great to get him out with an experienced rider and see how he does."
"Great." Keegan noticed then that Kingsman was a little thin, and the quarter sheet they had on him to keep him warm didn't hide the roughness of his coat. Like the Harts, Zach took in plenty of rescues, with many of them ending up at the Hart's sanctuary as permanent guests. He took a moment to rub Kingsman's nose, touching base with the horse, building the trust.
After a moment, Kingsman let out a deep sigh, then lowered his head, pressing it against Keegan's chest.
Zach nodded. "I thought you might be able to reach him. You always do. Still don't know why you give all your time to cakes instead of the horses. You're so damned good with them."
"Baking's in my heart."
