Page 78 of Someone to Hold

“Why don’t you take the reins and let’s walk with him a couple of laps?” I suggest.

“Laurel didn’t have to do that,” he answers, but wraps his hand around the leather.

“Everybody has their own journey.” I don’t bother to mention that Gumdrop is docile enough to follow us without Luke even holding the reins.

“I’ve watched you over the past couple of weeks and can’t help but notice how easy it is for you to put together Lego sets.” I pitch my voice low enough that Molly and Laurel can’t hear our conversation from where they’re standing at the edge of the ring.

“Legosareeasy,” he says, likeduh.

“I’m not sure your sister would agree. She has to follow the instruction booklet when she starts to build something, and usually gets frustrated at some point in the process.”

“She doesn’t like Legos the way I do.”

“She’s also not a natural at them like you are. She sure can’t build her own starfleet in one afternoon.”

“I guess,” he agrees. I can tell he’s trying to sound casual, but there’s a hint of pride in his voice.

Luke needs the reminder that there are things he’s good at, even if they aren’t the things his dad thought were important.

“There’s also nothing wrong with figuring things out your own way, Luke. Or being afraid and doing the thing anyway.”

We make one lap around the ring before he stops and hands the reins back to me.

“I’m done,” he announces.

“Okay.” I rub a hand over the back of my neck. “That’s fine, buddy. If you want to try again later?—”

“I’m done walking.” He keeps his gaze on Gumdrop. “I’m ready to ride.”

“Alright then. Let’s do this.” I glance over my shoulder and give Molly a small nod. She offers a thumbs-up in return, as if she really does trust me.

I have to tell you, I’ve witnessed a lot of Hallmark movie moments with horses over the years, and experienced a few of them myself. Animals don’t care about your reputation or your bank account or what happened yesterday. When a horse decides you’re worth their trust, and you find the courage to trust them back, it’s pure magic.

But the look on Luke’s face as he settles into the saddle and rides Gumdrop around the ring hits me square in the chest.

I tell myself it’s because this is my childhood best friend’s son, and I’m helping him overcome his fear. But a deep-down, secret part of me knows this is more than paying back my debt to Teddy. This is about my feelings for Lukeandmy feelings for Molly.

Laurel has returned to the house, but Molly remains at the edge of the arena. She’s looking at me like I invented the internet, and damn if that isn’t its own kind of adrenaline rush. One that’s quickly becoming my favorite addiction.

“Keep your heels down, and your hands loose,” I call out as Luke makes another lap. “The horse can feel everything. Think of it like having a conversation instead of giving orders.”

“Can I take him out on a trail ride?” Luke asks when he climbs off the horse’s back twenty minutes later.

“Eventually, and with your mother’s permission,” I tell him.

“Mommy, it’s okay with you, right?”

“Let’s do a few more lessons in the ring first.” She opens her arms wide as Luke runs toward her. “Then you can explore the trails. There’s a whole network that borders the farm. Your dad loved to talk about his epic rides through the mountains.”

She meets my gaze. “I assume you were with him?”

“Always,” I answer with a nod.

“We could go on a trail ride together?” Luke’s expression is wary, like he’s still not sure of what my response will be. I hate that for him and for Molly, whose eyes close for a moment as if her son’s uncertainty causes her physical pain.

“Or maybe you could bring more horses here for Laurel and Mommy to ride.” Luke tugs on Molly’s hand. “We could have a flower horse farm.”

“Now you’re pushing it, buddy,” she tells him with a laugh and another hug. Once again, I appreciate the kind of mom Molly is with her kids—fully present and willing to let them say whatever’s on their mind because they know they’re safe in her unconditional love.