by Lois Richer
Adele had phoned to say she was bringing the twins tomorrow. Since all eight of his miniatures were in excellent condition, Mac figured he’d saddle his two favorites and see if he could teach Francie and Franklyn to ride.
In another phone call tonight, Adele’s sister Victoria had again urged his dad to instigate a trail riding program for The Haven using the Double M’s horses. His father wasn’t interested but Mac was, especially after a glance at the ranch books. Their income needed a boost and since their ranch hand, Gabe, had experience using horses in an equine training program for kids, trail riding seemed doable.
If he took over the ranch...
“You be nice to Francie and Franklyn when they come,” Mac told his horses, veering away from making that decision, smoothing their backs as he spoke. “In the morning I’ll give you a special currying so you look good.”
Here among his pets, as he talked to them and smoothed their flanks, his restless soul slowly calmed and he could think more clearly. Was the Double M where he belonged? He wasn’t sure, and though he tried to pray about it, God’s leading seemed dulled by the guilt he felt.
“I want to do what the parents expect. I want to take over for them, give them a break, even keep their legacy going. But what if—”
And that was the problem in a nutshell. What if? What if he couldn’t take the lifestyle? What if he messed up the ranch like he’d messed up his copilot Dave’s life? And his own. What if he needed a bigger, better, faster thrill to satisfy the empty hole inside him? And what if because of Dave and that undeserved medal the military had issued him, Mac never got past the lump of guilt that lay in his gut like a ball of cement?
If he told Adele the whole truth, she’d push him to seek Dave’s forgiveness, make things right with his bosses. But giving back the medal would raise too many questions and revive the crash that he only wanted to forget. His parents would be ashamed and appalled by his behavior.
Dave wouldn’t be so willing to forgive the man who’d made him a paraplegic, either. Hearing his blame given voice would make the guilt ten times worse. Besides, what good would it do now? Mac had lost his hand. Dave had lost the use of his legs.
Frustrated and confused, thoughts muddled by too many questions without answers, Mac made sure the horses were safely enclosed, then walked back to the house. He was going to have to talk to Adele’s aunties soon. He needed their advice to figure out his future.
The hard part would be living up to Adele’s expectations.
Chapter Four
“Good old Snowball.” Adele laughed the following afternoon when, after not receiving a treat, the miniature horse stamped her hoof against the ground and whinnied. “Pretty girl doesn’t look much older than when I last saw her.”
“She’s a grandmother now.” Mac’s eyes softened as he patted the shaggy white horse. “Those are her children. Diver was her first. Then Flyer, both geldings. And this little one is Princess.”
“She looks like a Princess. I remember when Snowball was your first and only miniature.” Adele smiled as the dainty mama pushed her head against Franklyn’s shoulder.
“They’re like big dogs,” Franklyn squealed, backing away.
“They gots different colors.” Francie at least wasn’t afraid of the horses. “Why?”
“Different breeds.” Mac held Snowball’s bridle and encouraged the children to pet her.
“But those other horses don’t gots lots of colors. How come?” Francie’s focus was on the corral where the Double M’s full-size horses had gathered to watch them.
“I know why.” Adele thought that here among his pets Mac seemed totally content and at his most charming. “Lots of horse breeds allow only certain colors. But minis can have Appaloosa spots, pinto patches or tan buckskins with dark legs and manes and tails.”
“I’m impressed you remembered.” Mac grinned, then hunkered down to Francie’s level. “People who own miniature horses like all the colors. Some horse shows even have competitions for the most colorful miniatures.”
That grin—Adele drew in a calming breath. Why did she keep having these unusual reactions to Mac? He was just a friend, a good friend, but...
“Did your horses ever win?” a wide-eyed Franklyn wondered.
“Mac’s won tons of ribbons and trophies for his minis,” Adele told them proudly, then chastised herself. It wasn’t as if she’d helped him win them. All she’d done was be there to cheer him on.
“Would you like to ride one of my little horses, Francie?” Mac asked after the twins had petted each one.
“Can I?” The little girl’s eyes grew huge.
“I polished the saddles in case you’d want to.” Mac glanced at Adele, apparently noticing, like her, that Franklyn didn’t seem as enthusiastic about riding as his sister. “Would you mind waiting for your turn until after your sister has ridden?” he asked the boy.
Franklyn jerked his head in a quick nod of relief. Adele drew him with her to stand near the fence where they could listen in on Mac’s quick lesson to his sister.
“This is Esther. She likes to be ridden by children, though she hasn’t done it for a while.” Mac led the dappled mare toward a saddle flung over the top rail. With ease he grabbed it with his one hand and set it on Esther’s back, patiently explaining his actions to the curious twins as he quickly fastened the many buckles. “Okay, she’s ready. Are you?”
“I guess.” Francie’s face scrunched up. “How do I get on?”
“I’ll give you a boost and you swing your other leg over Esther’s back. Put your feet in these. They’re called stirrups. Ready?” At her nod he cupped his hand and encouraged her to put her foot in a stirrup and grab the saddle horn.
For Adele it was déjà vu. Mac had taught her to ride in exactly the same calm, assured way.
“Are you comfortable?” he asked.
“Uh-huh.” Francie gave Adele an excited grin, then prepared for the next direction.
“Good. These are the reins. Hold them in your hand, not too tightly, and very gently press your heels against her side. That tells Esther to start walking,” Mac said. “Ready? Go.”
Adele noted how Mac kept his hand on the horse behind the saddle, either to calm the animal or reassure the child, or both. As Esther moved, he walked along beside her, constantly encouraging Francie. Though Adele knew he’d taught many kids to ride the larger Double M horses, as he’d taught her, she’d forgotten how gentle he was, correcting in a way that enhanced the experience for the rider. His entire focus was on Francie, anticipating her reactions and soothing her worries in an affectionate tone.
“Mac’s a good teacher, isn’t he?” The Double M’s foreman, Gabe Webber, stood behind Adele.
“Fabulous,” she murmured as Francie laughed. She didn’t know Gabe well, only that he was several years older than Mac and that he’d been born and raised on a ranch but had lost it all after his father died.
“I really hope your sister pushes him to try her trail ride idea. Mac needs a new venture to test his skills and help him forget his troubles.” Then Gabe tipped his hat and strode away.
What troubles? Adele didn’t get the impression the foreman was talking about Mac’s indecision about taking over the ranch, so what—
“Look at me, Delly!” Francie was riding by herself. Mac stood to one side, watching her intently but not interfering, though he did call out occasional directions.
Adele pulled out her phone and snapped several pictures, suddenly aware that she was including Mac in every frame. Well, why not? Francie should have memories of such a great teacher, she justified as she snapped several more. The one she liked best caught Mac midlaugh as the little girl whooped for joy.
“This one could ride the broncs, Delly,” he called to her, his grin wide.
Adele caught her breath. For a moment he looked exactly like the old Mac, carefr
ee, enjoying the moment. Then his face grew more serious as he called a halt to the ride. Francie flung her arms around Mac’s neck as he helped her slide off, eyes shining with delight.
“Thank you. That was so fun!” She raced toward Adele and her brother. “You gotta try.”
“I think you’ll like it, Franklyn,” Mac said quietly when the boy hesitated.
After some cheering words from his sister and Mac’s repeated reassurances, which Adele knew were most effective because they had to do with the boy’s ability to brag that he’d been horseback riding, Franklyn tentatively walked forward. Though Adele couldn’t hear exactly what Mac said, as Franklyn climbed on the little horse he lost the trepidation she’d seen just moments before. Within seconds he was trotting around the paddock, calling encouragement to Esther and trying to one-up Francie.
Again Adele took a host of pictures, and again she included Mac in most of them. Then she took a final one, a close-up preserving Franklyn’s disappointed expression at the end of the session and Mac’s soft wistful smile. Mac and kids. He’d always adored them.
“When can I go again?” Francie’s eagerness was unmistakable.
“Another day for sure,” Mac said. “Want to say thank-you for the ride?”
“Horses don’t know people talk,” Francie asserted. Then, uncertainly, “Do they?”
“Yes.” When both kids frowned at Mac, he showed them the apples he’d left in a sack outside the pen and told the children to each get one. “They understand the tone of your voice, especially when you say thank-you.”
“Thank you for the ride, Esther.” Francie giggled as the horse snatched the apple, gobbled it down and then bumped her head against the little girl. Esther did the same with Franklyn.
“That’s how Esther says you’re welcome,” Mac told them with a chuckle.
Something inside Adele jumped for joy at the tender expression on his face as he brushed the horse’s shaggy mane with his hand. It had been the right choice to come here with the kids. This was the real Mac, not that pretend person who wanted her to believe he was fine.
“I didn’t know horses could talk.” Franklyn gaped when Esther whinnied.
“Oh, they talk.” Mac tossed Adele a grin. “They just don’t use our words.” He smoothed Franklyn’s hair, or tried to. “Esther’s tired now.”
“Is she sick from apples?” Francie tilted her head to one side, studying the animal as if searching for a visible cause.
“No.” Mac shrugged. “But she hasn’t given any rides for a while. Next time you ride her she’ll be a little stronger.”
“Okay.” Francie’s eager nod made Adele smile.
“Next time I want to ride that black one,” Franklyn said bravely, pointing to the adult horses. “What’s his name?”
“Mr. Black. You’ll need a few more lessons first, kiddo.” Mac’s gaze slid to Adele. “When are you coming for your ride?”
“Delly’s too big for Esther,” Francie protested.
“I am, but you both did very well,” Adele praised, pleased that both the children and Mac seemed exhilarated by the adventure. “I’ll come for a ride soon,” she promised Mac. They left the paddock but stood outside watching as all the minis gathered by the fence. “They’re expecting something.”
“Yep. Carrots.” Mac retrieved a bunch from the nearby tack room. “One to each horse, okay? Share.”
Franklyn and Francie carefully meted out the treat while Adele and Mac watched.
“You looked worried for a minute there, Mama,” Mac teased as he searched her face. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Of course. I’ve always trusted you, Mac.” Except when you’re pretending. She ignored his narrowed gaze and the quiver of unease it brought her. “I was a little tense.”
“Because?”
“I want to build a life with the twins. To do that, it’s important that they fit in here, enjoy the same things I do. I should have known they’d love it.” She grinned. “How many kids have you taught to ride?”
“Enough.” But Mac didn’t smile. Instead his forehead pleated in a frown. “You’re certain adopting is what you want, Delly?”
“Couldn’t be surer,” she said cheerily, ignoring the flutter of apprehension she couldn’t quite quench. “I am going to have my perfect family, Mac.”
“Perfect?” He frowned. “What family is perfect? Life’s uncertain. Anything could happen. I don’t want you to be disappointed if...”
“No. Don’t say it,” Adele said loudly enough that Francie and Franklyn turned to frown at her. She dropped her voice. “This is why God led me back. To help with The Haven and to be a mom.”
“You know I only want the best for you, Delly.” His arm slid around her shoulders, hugging her to his side.
“I know, and I appreciate your concern.” She hugged him back, missing the contact when he suddenly released her. “I wish—”
“What?” Mac frowned then nodded. “Gina.”
“Yes. Why can’t I find her, Mac?” She bit her lip before glancing sideways at him. “How can my family be perfect without my sister?”
He studied her for several long moments before his eyes lightened and a comical smile curved his lips.
“As your aunts would say, ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding,’” Mac recited.
“‘In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,’” Adele finished the verse with a sigh. “I know that. I should—I’ve heard it enough times. But sometimes it’s hard not to get frustrated. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Gina.” She couldn’t help the catch in her voice or the familiar welling of loss that despite years of Tillie and Margaret’s loving had never really left. “I miss her.”
“Hang in there, Delly. You’ll find her.” Mac’s warm fingers closed around hers for a second, then dropped away as his mother called to them from the ranch house, offering coffee or cocoa and cookies served on the sunny deck. After one last pet to the horses Francie and Franklyn hurried toward the house while Adele and Mac followed at a slower pace.
“After seeing the twins on your minis I’m more certain than ever that they and I belong together.” Her confidence returned at the sound of the twins’ carefree laughter.
Adele wondered if Mac understood how much she envied what he’d had. He’d grown up safe and secure on the ranch. His parents didn’t fight, smash things or beat him. The police didn’t settle arguments at the Double M. Nobody had ever taken Mac away.
Of course, after Adele arrived at The Haven she, too, had grown up in a wonderful home filled with love. She’d had an amazing youth; the aunties had loved her as much as anyone could. She was going, God willing, to be the twins’ mom.
Yet a part of her still speculated about love, about that perfect someone to whom she meant more than anyone else in the world. Then reality slapped her in the face, reminding her that both her parents had remarried several times and neither of them had found a lasting relationship. She’d tried with Jeff and Rafe, but it had been a case of like parents, like daughter.
Adele preceded Mac onto the deck, smiling as the kids oohed and aahed over six new puppies.
“Easy with those babies, you two, or their mama won’t like it.” Mac nodded his approval when the twins immediately grew gentler in petting the tiny chocolate Labs that spilled off a comfy cushion on the deck where their mother lay watching them.
“We’re here, Mom,” Mac called. He held Adele’s chair before sitting across from her.
His gaze was so intense she shifted uncomfortably, relieved when Eva McDowell appeared with a big tray. Mac took it from her so she could hug Adele. Once introduced, the twins also received a hug before being shown how to wash their hands under the outside faucet. They returned to the deck, damp and giggling.
“It’s good to have you home, dear.”
Eva’s smile could melt icicles, just like her son’s. “Eat up. There’s lots for everyone.” She hurried toward the door, pausing to add, “If you need me, just call.”
“Thank you. New quilting project on the go?” Adele asked with a wink at Mac.
“Yes. Tillie loaned me the pattern and it’s a beauty.” She fluttered one hand. “See you later.”
Adele took a sip of coffee without thinking, then grimaced. “Oh, boy.”
“You should know better,” Mac scolded. He dumped the contents of their mugs over the railing then filled both with cocoa from the carafe. “I think that’s safe. And the cookies are your own coconut oatmeal recipe. They should be edible.” He bit into one as if to test, then nodded. “Good. What’s the next step in finding Gina?”
“I don’t know.” Adele cupped the mug in her hand and peered across the paddock to the valley beyond. Trees clad in vibrant oranges, glimmering golds and rosy reds shone below craggy tips barely dusted with snow. The warm sun on her back felt like hope.
“A guy I know took up private investigation when he left the military. I could email him, ask what you should try,” Mac offered.
“That would be great.” Adele munched on a cookie thoughtfully. “What about you? What’s your next step?”
“I’m going to tell the parents to go on their cruise.” He shrugged at her surprise. “Why not? Gabe agrees that we can keep the place going while they take a break.”
“Fantastic.” Adele frowned. “Is your dad okay to travel?”
“That’s what I asked Doc Perry yesterday. He said that minus the stress of the ranch, Dad should do well with a change.” Mac peered into the distance. “They haven’t been away in years.”
“Are you considering Victoria’s trail ride idea?” she dared ask.
“Maybe.” Mac arched an eyebrow at her grin. “It might not work for me, Delly. I’ll have to try it once or twice to see how it goes.”