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I hadn’t heard from Gaston in a while, and I wanted to know what was going on. He and Felicia had both made a great impression on me, but I had a feeling that they weren’t handling all this like a business. He answered after a few rings.

“Good evening, Zachary,” he said.

“Hi, Gaston.”

“It’s great that you’re calling me. I’ve been meaning to get in touch with you, but Felicia and I were busy this week. We bought a new horse, Starlight.”

“Congrats,” I said. “How come? You aren’t opening this year.”

“No, but this was too good an opportunity to pass up.”

I needed to take a really good look at their cash flow. I couldn’t imagine it did them any favors to buy a horse in a year with no income. I didn’t plan to run this as a profitable operation or anything, but still, I didn’t want to run it in the red. It was just a passion project, but I wanted it to be able to finance itself so it wouldn’t always need cash infusions.

“How about you drive out to the ranch to check him out sometime next week?”

I didn’t say anything for a moment, then asked, “Is that necessary?”

“Yes. It’s good for you to meet the horses, and we can discuss some more about the investment with Grace as well.”

Well, that piqued my interest. “She’s coming too?”

“I haven’t spoken to her yet, but she seemed to really like the horses, so I’m assuming she’ll be thrilled.”

“Then count me in,” I said without hesitation—which was when I realized exactly how deep in trouble I was.

Chapter Nine

Grace

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I was so excited that I couldn’t even sit still in my car as I drove slightly faster than was legal toward the ranch. I loved horses! Business-wise, it wasn’t smart for Gaston and Felicia to acquire a new horse when they didn’t plan to open for the season, but it probably took time to train them properly. Whatever, I was excited!

This time, I dressed appropriately, going home after work to put on sneakers and jeans so I didn’t have to mind my step everywhere I walked.

After my mishap in the Mississippi River, I had a little cold the next day, but otherwise I was fine. I didn’t tell my parents about the incident—why worry them? A small scratch that was healing on my arm was the only reminder of last weekend, as well as my new phone.

I thought about Zachary and how he heroically dove in to save me and how big of a deal that really was. I should’ve done something for him, but it took a while to get new identification and credit cards, since all my stuff was in a bag somewhere at the bottom of all that water. If I ever saw him again, I’d offer to buy him dinner. It was the least I could do.

I arrived a bit earlier than Gaston suggested, but I was far too excited. I hoped it wouldn’t bother them. After parking, I noticed Gaston out in the paddock with a gorgeous pitch-black horse. I wondered if it was the new one.

He gestured for me to join him, and I practically broke into a run. It was a good thing it wasn’t very sunny today; it meant we could stay out here for longer because it wouldn’t be hot.

I looked up at the sky.Hmmm...It wasn’t justnotsunny. It was dark enough that I feared a storm would follow. Had they announced bad weather on the radio and I missed it? Oh, who cared? I could get my fix with the animals before it started to rain.

“This is the new horse?” I asked.

“Yes, this is Starlight,” he announced proudly.

“He’s beautiful. Can I pat him?”

“Let’s try. He’s a bit shy but didn’t have a problem with me and Felicia.”

I stepped closer, waiting for a sign from Starlight that he was uncomfortable, but I didn’t get any. I gently put my hand on his mane. “Hi, Starlight. Nice to meet you.”

“He’s going to make a great addition. We don’t have many black horses.”

“Is there a reason for that?”