I removed my hat and ran a hand through my hair. "Well, it did, but I thought... Well, I thought it was precisely just because you were a kid."

"Why do you think I so readily accepted moving here?" I shrugged. "Of course, the most important reason was because of you, Brucey. You've always looked out for me, even when you're a thousand miles away."

I could only smile before I asked, "Want to go for a ride?"

Her smile matched my own. "Sure." She looked over the horses. "Which one, though?"

"Take that chestnut one there," I stated, pointing. "He's a good sort. Co-operative. And likes a canter."

Once...