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“That’d be great.”

As they continued around to the parking lot, Ellery made no attempt to revisit her earlier foray into Lori’s personal life, for which she was grateful. She needed some time to get her own head around the sudden changes that were happening in that department, and she wasn’t ready to share that with anyone but Rosie. Heck, she hadn’t even talked to Gabe about it, and she was part of the equation.

They loaded Cash into the back with ease, helped by his apparent eagerness, and Lori headed back to the Sanctuary, filled with thoughts of seeing Gabe and the triplets later that week.

She’d barely gone three miles when the truck began to sputter and jerk. Seconds later, the damn thing stalled altogether, and Lori had to cruise over to the emergency lane with her hazards on. Cash gave a little squeal to indicate his annoyance at the bumpy ride.

“It’s okay, Cash. Just relax,” she called behind her, feeling far from relaxed herself. She put the truck back into park and turned the engine over. Nothing but the sound of it trying to start. “Come on.” Still nothing. She looked at her phone mounted on the dash. She did know a mechanic who might be able to help. Lori hit call. “Gabe, I’m on my way back from the vet, and I’ve broken down in the horse trailer with Cash in the back. Is there any chance you could talk me through some checks I could do and try to get started again?”

“Oh, okay. Hi, by the way.”

“Sorry. Hi. I’m just a bit freaked out.”

“No problem,” Gabe said. “How has the engine been sounding lately?”

“Fine, I think. There’s been a bit of a ticking sound, but the check engine light wasn’t on, so I didn’t pay it much attention. It’s due for service next month, and I thought it could wait until then; I was going to bring it to you.”

“That’d be our first confirmed booking,” Gabe said. “Except it sounds like your timing belt might’ve just broken so you’re not going to have an engine for me to service.”

Lori groaned. “Tell me that’s your brand of mechanic humor.”

“Sorry, nope. But I could be wrong. Do you have a tow service close to you?”

“I don’t know,” she said, crossing her heart and silently asking God to forgive her the mistruth. She didn’t want a stranger coming to her rescue… She wanted Gabe. “I’ve been lucky enough not to break down in all the time I’ve lived here.”

“Okay, I’ll come and get you,” Gabe said. “Do you know where you are?”

“I’m on route six heading back to the Sanctuary.”

“And are you safe? Did you manage to get into the emergency lane?”

Lori checked her side mirror and watched the cars thundering past. “I did.”

“Good. Stay put, and don’t get out of the truck, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“Promise me. No matter what noise the horse makes. No matter how distressed it sounds, you stay in the cab.”

Even though the situation sounded serious, Lori allowed herself a small smile at Gabe’s protectiveness. She liked the idea of someone caring so much. And as if Cash understood what Gabe was saying, he gave a small nicker. “I promise. I can send you my location. Would that help?”

“That’d be perfect. Do that now, and then I’ll text you to let you know how long it’s going to take me to get to you. And remember: stay inside the cab. Don’t get out for anything or anyone.”

“Not even for the police?”

“If the cops see you, they’ll stop to check on you, but they won’t ask you to get out,” Gabe said. “They might stay with you because of the horse, or they might just check to make sure the trailer is secure and the horse can’t get out. That’s going to depend on how diligent the officer is.”

“Thank you, Gabe, you’re a lifesaver.”

“So they say.”

With the call over, Lori dropped a pin of her location to Gabe and then sent Beth a message to let her know what was happening. Seconds later, her cell vibrated with an incoming call.

“Is Cash okay?”

“I’m fine, Beth. Thanks for asking.”

“Of course you are. You’re always fine. That’s why I didn’t ask.”