The horse whinnied and stomped her foot before proceeding outside to the pasture. Jarred laughed. “You’re a beauty, that’s for sure. But right now, your pal needs me. Sorry about that.”
As Jarred stood, he could hear hammering in the neighboring building. He knew from his phone conversation with Rachel’s dad that he was a woodworker who also farmed the land behind their home.
Jarred glanced at Rachel. It was impossible not to note the distressed expression on her face. Her eyes held a silent plea to get Cinnamon well. A tan halo around her pupils accented large blue-green irises.
Even with her beautiful heart-shaped face and high cheekbones, the halo did a fearful dance. Jarred was committed to saving her horse, but because of her obvious love for the gelding, he also yearned to put her mind at ease.
A kapp covered light brown hair that was pulled back tightly off her face. Remembering his purpose, he turned his attention to the helpless creature in front of him. Jarred ran a compassionate hand over Cinnamon’s mane and spoke with conviction.
“Don’t you worry, boy. I’m here to help. Just bear with me, and before ya know it, you’ll be pulling that buggy again for Rachel and her family.”
He turned to Rachel and smiled a little. “I fell in love with this guy years ago. Do you know that I even helped Doc Stevens deliver him?”
“Oh!”
Jarred furrowed his brow and softened his voice. “First thing, we’ve gotta get some weight back on those bones.”
His optimistic words were directed to the gelding, but also to Rachel. From experience, he’d learned that the human’s mental suffering needed almost as much attention as the sick animal.
He knew all too well that watching their loved ones suffer made the owners extremely vulnerable. So in his opinion, there were two in need of healing: Cinnamon and Rachel.
Ensuring that Rachel maintained her optimism was part of his recovery plan. Horses were exceptionally sensitive, especially to mood.
Now was the time to voice that. After glancing back at her, he offered a soft pat of encouragement on Cinnamon’s face. “Getting you well isn’t gonna be easy. But be patient. Your recovery will take all three of us putting out one hundred and ten percent. So you’ve got to promise to do your part, okay, boy?”
Not expecting a response, he turned to Rachel. “How about you?”
A quick, eager nod followed.
Jarred smiled in satisfaction, but the corners of his lips made a sudden drop when he turned back to Cinnamon. “I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but Cinnamon survived a grave illness at birth.”
He heard Rachel’s surprised breath.
Jarred rose to his feet. “But he’s a fighter! Time to get down to business.” After checking the horse’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, he reached for his bag while asking if the animal had been anywhere and Cinnamon’s history of eating, drinking, and slowing down to develop a time line.
After Rachel’s quick responses, Jarred offered a nod. “First thing we’ve gotta do is check his temp.” He unzipped his medical pouch. “You mind giving me a hand?”
“Of course not.”
“First, let’s tie him.”
When her eyes reflected confusion, he explained. “Not that he’s feeling good enough to go anywhere, but just as a precautionary measure.”
She completed the task.
“Now, stand here.” He motioned. She moved next to Cinnamon and stroked his head tenderly.
Rachel continued whispering to Cinnamon as Jarred removed and checked the thermometer. He gave the stick a second glance, shook his head, and frowned.
Rachel waited for him to speak.
“Just as I suspected. He’s running a fever.”
The corners of Rachel’s lips dropped. While he observed her reaction, his heart warmed. A combination of compassion and determination floated through him.
He supposed that his immediate bond with this young girl was because of her obvious adoration for this beautiful animal that had once stolen his own heart.
Not only was his heart at stake, but Rachel’s was, too. As he watched the expression in her eyes that was a strong mix of fear and hope, he vowed to pay extra care and attention to this special opportunity. He couldn’t let this unusually kindhearted girl down.
Look for these heartwarming Amish romances by Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Lisa Jones Baker!
The Amish Christmas Candle Page 25