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“So, I’ve been told.”

I hated that Tabitha wouldn’t get the chance to spend any real time at my place, but I could tell by the smile on her face that I’d made the right move in moving things to her place. I loaded everything into the SUV, and then we were on our way.

We didn’t say much on the drive over.

Didn’t need to. I knew what was on her mind. That horse had gotten under her skin, and she was riddled with worry—almost overly so. She had one hand curled tightly in her lap while the other rested on the door handle like she was bracing for something. She always seemed so strong and put together, but I was witnessing a crack in her façade.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the norm for her.

It would make sense, especially after what she’d been through.

She needed a sense of control, and without it, she struggled to keep it together. I might’ve been wrong. She might’ve just been worried about her horse, and that was all there was to it. Only time would tell.

By the time we pulled up to the stables, the sun had set, and it was starting to get dark. As soon as I killed the engine, Tabitha hopped out and made a beeline for the stables. I followed behind, and when we reached Faith’s stall, I was surprised to see that Harlan was in her stall, brushing her with slow, even strokes.

He was talking to her with a soft, easy drawl, and she was still on her feet. I figured it was a good sign, but her eyes looked tired. Tabitha grimaced as she asked, “How’s she doing?”

“Seems like her usual self.” Harlan kept brushing her as he said, “She ate like a champ and seems to be settling in for the night.”

“So, no pacing or head low or fever or sweating. Anything like that?”

“No, ma’am. She’s been good.”

“That’s great.” Tabitha exhaled with a mix of relief and ache. She stepped forward, resting her arms on the top rail as she smiled and said, “Thank you for staying with her.”

“Told ya I would.” Harlan gave her a sheepish little grin. “Truth is, I like hanging out with her. She’s a sweet one. Pearl could learn a thing or two from her.”

“Yes, she could.” Tabitha slipped her hand through the bars to stroke her neck. “Would you mind hanging out with her for a little longer? We haven’t had a chance to eat dinner yet.”

“Sure thing. You guys go ahead.” Harlan tipped his chin. “I got nowhere to be.”

“Thank you, Harlan. I owe ya.” Tabitha glanced up at me with a relieved smile. “You ready to eat a bite?”

“Absolutely.”

I went back out to the SUV and grabbed the cooler, then Tabitha and I headed up to her apartment. She set the table while I unpacked the food, reheating what I could in her oven and pouring two glasses of wine.

When we finally sat down, her shoulders looked a little lower.

The worry hadn’t left, but it had loosened its grip.

I watched her for a moment, then asked, “So, what’s the draw to the horses?”

Her brows furrowed like she was surprised by the question. She thought for a moment, then she smiled. Not the forced kind, but the real kind—the one that reached her eyes and made my chest feel tight.

“I wanted them since I was a little girl, and now, I have them.”

“Oh, come on. I know there’s more to it than that.”

“Yes, but…”

“I want to hear it. I want to know your story.”

“Okay, but only if you’ll share yours.”

“You have yourself a deal.”

“And no holding back?”