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“Some kids are afraid of them. But when I saw Starlight, I knew we needed him. If I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that you buy horses when you find them. You don’t start to search for one when you need it.”

The rest of the horses kept circling Starlight but didn’t get too close. Gaston seemed to know what I was thinking, because he explained, “They’ll accept him before long. It’s only his second day.”

“He’s got his own feeding space in the barn?”

“For now, yes. When he’s ready, he’ll eat with the rest. By the way, Zachary should arrive soon.”

My entire body stood to attention as I whipped my head toward Gaston, taking a deep breath. “He’s joining us?”

“Yes. Didn’t I mention that?”

“No.” I mentally reviewed my appearance. I didn’t look my best, but he’d seen me soaking wet. This was progress.

I was suddenly on edge. My stomach constricted, and my breath came out a bit labored. I didn’t know how things were between us. Confusing, that was for sure.

“I don’t like these clouds,” Gaston said. “It’s gonna start pouring. I’m betting we’re in for a storm.”

“They didn’t say anything about it on the radio that I’d heard.” But I was never listening to the weather channel.

“I don’t trust the weather forecast any more than I trust economists making forecasts. Neither of them ever get it right.”

I started to laugh. “Gaston, you’re onto something.”

I focused on Starlight while I was still processing that Zachary was going to join us. The horse seemed to sense that I was getting antsy, because he leaned into my touch. I pressed my forehead against his. “You’re going to do great.”

“There he is,” Gaston called.

And just like that, not even Starlight’s touch could calm my body’s response. My heartbeat accelerated, and all my muscles somehow locked up. I took in deep breaths, my palms already getting a bit sweaty.

“Sorry I’m late,” Zachary said.

Why was even his voice attractive? The man was such a complete package. I was appreciative of what he’d done for me after the river incident. I wasn’t discounting the fact that that could’ve gone way wrong and I’d be dead. Yet I wasn’t ready to totally let my guard down either. I had been fooled once before and hurt badly in the end. I wasn’t saying the two men were similar, but I still needed to be cautious.

Finally, I turned around to face him. He was watching me with a twinkle in his eye and a half smile. He didn’t seem surprised that I was here. Had Gaston told him?

“Hi, Grace.” He stopped a few feet in front of me, checking me out. He didn’t linger, though I felt as if he’d just undressed me with his gaze. What was that about?

“Hey. This is Starlight. Isn’t he great?”

He looked at the horse as if this was the first time he was seeing him even though I’d been standing right next to him the whole time.

“I like him,” Zachary said. He did a whole circle around him, looking but not touching.

“You can get closer,” Gaston said. “He’s docile.”

“That means he won’t need as much time in training, right?” Zachary asked.

Gaston shrugged. “I’m not judging that until I’ve seen how the first training session goes.”

Thunder rumbled across the sky. I winced. Starlight took a few steps back but then immediately relaxed.

Gaston looked up. “What did I tell you? That weatherman. I don’t know why they still keep them around.”

“I’m sure the clouds will pass,” Zachary said nonchalantly.

Gaston snorted. “I’ve been out here on the bayou for a long time. Clouds like that don’t just pass. They pour and pour until everything’s soaked.”

“Should we get the horses inside, then?” I asked, wondering what Starlight would think of a cold rain and more thunder.