by Celya Bowers
When he returned to his home, he was drenched in sweat. He quickly took a shower and dressed for the day. He walked the distance to his parents’ two story home at the back of the property.
He greeted his mother as he walked into the kitchen. As usual, she was cooking breakfast for a small army. There was scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, pancakes and toast. His father was making coffee. “Hi Mom. Good morning.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Hi Dad. I see I’m just in time.”
“Yes, you better hurry, the boys will be here in about thirty minutes.” His mother ushered him to a chair at the breakfast table.” She prepared him a plate and placed it in front of him.
“Thanks, Mom.” He picked up his fork and started eating. “I’ll be finished by the time the stable hands get here.”
His mother sat down across from him. “Have you talk to Justin yet?”
“I talk to him last night.” He stared at his mother. “As if you didn’t know.”
“All right, you got me. I was concerned about that child. He reassured me that the situation was temporary. That was a weight off my mind.”
Kyle nodded. “Me too. He said selective mutism is not exactly common among children, but he’s seeing it a little more often these days. Usually, something traumatic brings it on.” He took a sip of coffee.
“Well, I’d say losing a parent suddenly fits that bill. You still have a large mountain to climb to get her to talk,” his mother said.
“Your mother filled me on our newest client. Monthly billing?” His father sat down with his plate.
Kyle shrugged. He should have known his mother would blab. “Yeah, I told her that I’d bill her monthly. Her daughter is kind of a test case. I’ll know by the second or third lesson if she’s capable to keep training. That way if it doesn’t work out, I just won’t charge her. ”
“Sounds sensible.”
Kyle hope so. “Her first lesson is next Thursday. I told her I’d train her until I could get a handle on her daughter.”
“Using that Cosgrove charm, again?” His father teased him.
“Hardly. Just doing my job as a ranch manager. I don’t know how you did it all those years, but I’m learning.” Kyle wanted to do his parents proud.
“It took me about twenty years before I really got the swing of things. I wouldn’t change a thing.” He placed a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “You’re doing a good job. Remember, you need to take time for you. I don’t want you burned out. I want you to love this ranch as much as I do.”
“I do love this place, Dad. I was born here and this is where I want to be. I admit there was a time when I didn’t think this was where I belonged, but luckily, I realized it was.” Kyle hoped he reassured his parents.
“Oh, that was a long ten years,” his mother said. “Married to that awful woman and living in the city. It was crushing the life out of you.”
“It did.” He hated talking about the time he let lust rule his life. “Now, I’m older and wiser now.”
THREE
The first lesson.
Jemma arrived at the ranch a little before five. She’d wanted Kassie to get a feel for the place before the actual lesson began. Kass looked adorable in her white blouse, beige riding pants, black riding boots, and white plastic helmet. She’d inherited her mother’s curly, unruly hair. Jemma had worked for quite a while to make it work with the helmet. “Okay, Kass, we’re going to pay for your lesson then we will walk around a little bit.”
She nodded. Jemma’s heart raced. She hardly ever acknowledged anything she said, so this place had to be a good sign. She hoped with all her heart, it was the beginning of something wonderful. She eased out of the SUV and helped Kassie out of the backseat. They walked inside the building; the two young girls were the only ones in the office.
“Hello, Mrs. Patterson,” she said. “Hello, Kassadee. Kyle will be back in a bit. He went to change clothes for the lesson.”
Jemma thought that was strange. Why had he needed to change? Okay, I wanted to pay for her lesson. He said I would be billed monthly.”
The young girl looked thoroughly confused. “Oh, okay.” Her fingers flew across the keyboard. Shocked registered on her young face. “Kyle will handle that part. Would you like to take a seat until he comes back? It shouldn’t be too long. His house is pretty close.” She pointed to a house adjacent to the office. “The ranch manager lives on the property. His parents live at the back of the property.” She walked from behind the counter and went to straighten the t-shirts for sale.
Jemma nodded. “We’d like to walk around the place. I’d like Kassie to get the feel for it before her lesson begins.”
“Sure. No problem. I’ll tell Kyle.”
Jemma felt dismissed, so she and Kassie left the small office. They walked toward the horse stable. She noticed two men walking toward her. Kassie stepped closer to Jemma. “Don’t worry, baby. It’s all right. They work here.” She caressed her daughter’s back until she calmed down. “How about let’s look at the horses?” She took her daughter’s hand and they walked inside the large stable.
“Can I help you, ma’am?” An older man asked. He was dressed in traditional cowboy jeans, shirt, and boots. He looked about sixty if he was a day, she mused. “Currently, we don’t have any horses for sale,” he said.
“Thank you, but we were just looking around. My daughter has a lesson at five.” She glanced at her watched and noticed the time. “We’d better be getting back to the office.”
“No need,” Kyle said, walking up behind them. “I was just coming to look for you,” he said smiling. He kneeled down in front of Kassie. “Hello, Kassadee. Ready for your first lesson?”
Kassie looked up at her mother, then back at Kyle. She shrugged her shoulders.
He chuckled. “Okay, at least you’re being honest. The first thing we’re going to do is look at the horses. If you see one that you like, let me know.”
Kassie let her mother’s hand go and followed Kyle toward the horse stalls. Jemma couldn’t help but notice how sexy that man looked in a pair of jeans. She followed them as well. It was something about a cowboy.
“This is Cinnamon. She’s about three years old,” said Kyle about the reddish-brown horse. “My mother named her. In fact, this whole row of horses have spice names. My mother loves to cook. “Right across from Cindy is Nutmeg.” He walked toward the brown horse and place his hand on the center of the horse’s face. “This is like saying hi. Want to give it a try?”
Kassie hesitated. Jemma didn’t think her daughter was ready for that much conversation with anything. “You don’t have to, Honey.”
Kassie took a deep breath, walked toward the horse, and held her shaky hand up to the horse’s face. Nutmeg moved away from her touch.
“If you’re nervous, Nutmeg can sense it. Take a deep breath,” Kyle coached Kassie. “Relax.”
Kassie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Once she opened them again, she touched Nutmeg and was successful. She smiled up at her mother.
Jemma had been waiting months for that smile to reappear on her baby girl’s face. Her heart swelled with pride and Kassie continued touching the horse. The horse moved closer to her and stuck her head through the bars on the stall. Kassie rubbed her face against Nutmeg’s, shocking everyone. Jemma was trying hard to hold back her tears, but a few defiant ones got through. Kyle handed her a handkerchief discreetly.
“Okay, Kassadee. Let’s move to the next one.”
“Kassie,” she said quietly.
Both Kyle and Jemma stared at each other. Surely, her daughter hadn’t spoke, however softly? Best not to draw attention to it.
Kyle cleared his throat. He had wanted to give Jemma a high five, but that might alert Kassie that she spoke and send her back into the dark world of non-communication. “Why don’t we continue looking at the horses?”
She nodded, taking Kyle’s hand. He was surprised, that she had responded so quickly. Ten years as a psychologist for pediatrics also t
old him that she could revert at any second for any reason. He looked back at Jemma as she wiped her face. She waved them away.
“I’ll catch up.”
Kyle heard the catch in her voice. The emotions of one lesson was going to be too much for her, if she continued following them. He’d probably have to suggest she wait at the arena once the lessons got started. “All right, meet us at the arena in thirty minutes.”
“Got it.”
Kyle continued introducing the horses to Kassie. They met Thyme, Rosemary, Coriander, Sea Salt, Pepper, Bacon, Chili Pepper, and Cheesey. She said hello to each horse. And each time, she smiled. Each time she smiled, Kyle had too.
“Have you picked a favorite yet?” He wondered how he was going to figure out which one she liked.
She nodded.
“That’s great. Which one?”
***
Jemma darted around a corner of the barn before she broke down. Kassie spoke! Okay, it was only one word, but it was a start... Maybe she would be hearing her baby girl’s voice soon. Tears flowed down her face faster than she could wipe at them with Kyle’s handkerchief.
She knew not to rush her. Today was just the tip of the iceberg. She only said her name and it was barely a whisper, she reminded herself. Best not to
get too emotional at this stage. With a shaky hand, she reached inside her shoulder bag for her cell phone. She needed reinforcements. She listened as the phone rang.
“How’s the lesson going?” Janna asked. “Kassie isn’t getting freaked out by the horses, is she?”
“Janna, slow down! The lesson is going fine. Kyle called her Kassadee and she corrected him.” She waited for her sister’s outburst.
“What? Jem, are you sure? I know how bad you want her to talk again. Are you sure she actually said it?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Kyle and I both heard her. He was introducing her to the horses. He was teaching her how to say hello to them and she smiled.”
“Wow! That’s amazing. Where is she now?”
“They were looking at the horses. He saw me tearing up and he took Kassie to the next row of horses, so she wouldn’t see me crying like a crazy person. She really likes him. I’ve never seen her react so quickly to someone even before all this happened.”
“That’s good. Right?”
“Yes, Janna, it’s good. Very good. I hope a complete recovery is near.”
“I know you do, but give it time. Just like it took her months to stop talking, it going to take just as long for her to start back talking,” Janna said in her doctor voice.
Sometimes she loved the idea of having a younger sister for a doctor. That was one of the reason’s she hadn’t totally freaked out when Kassie had stopped talking. Janna reassured her that it was temporary, just as Kassie’s pediatrician had. “I know. Just the mother in me, I guess.”
“I would love nothing more too, but we’re going to have to be very careful not to send her further back. Do you talk to her about Jared? I mean lately. Like, is he in heaven? Is he happy? That kind of thing.”
“Well not lately. I was afraid it was going to send her over the edge. I know how much she misses him.”
“It’s good to talk about it. She might think you don’t want to talk about him anymore since he’s dead.”
Jemma thought about her sister’s words. “True. I’ll see how she’s feeling after the lesson and go from there.”
“Speaking of, you better go find them,” Janna suggested.
“You’re right. Talk later.” She ended the call and slid the phone back in her purse. She started walking toward the arena. Definitely not the place to wear stilettos, she thought as she took off her shoes. What was she thinking?
She noticed them walking in the distance. Kassie was leading the horse! Kyle was walking next to her, but Kassie held the reins in her hand and actually leading the horse. Jemma was so proud. The rocks on the path hadn’t even bothered her.
She reached the arena as Kyle was teaching Kassie how to get up on the horse. Jemma took a seat in the metal stands and watched in amazement. Her baby girl was going to be all right.
Kyle had known the minute Jemma had rejoined them. What was it about this woman? He was jumping some pretty high hurdles and he couldn’t figure out why.
He looked down at Kassie. She was staring at him with those big brown eyes, waiting for direction. They were standing on the left side of Nutmeg, the horse she’d chosen for the lessons. Nutmeg was one of the best horses on the property. “Okay, your first lesson will be how to mount Nutmeg.” He notice the step stool nearby and retrieved it. “Here, this may help a little. Step up on this.”
She did as he said.
“Now put your left foot in the stirrup and bring your other leg over Nutmeg. Don’t worry, if you don’t get it the first time,” he said in his most gentle voice.
Kassie looked in the direction of her mother, then back at Kyle. She caressed the horse back and took a deep breath. She put her foot in the left just like he’d directed and was properly seated in the saddle.
“Wow, Kassie! That was wonderful. Very few people get it right the first time. You’re amazing.”
She smiled wide and leaned down and rubbed Nutmeg again. Then she sat back up and clapped her hands. She didn’t say a word, but Kyle didn’t need words. He knew she was happy.
FOUR
“We had a great lesson, Kassie,” Kyle said as he helped her down off the horse. “Next week, we’ll practice commands.”
She nodded as she reached the ground. She pointed to the stands and waved. Her mother instantly waved back.
“Time to give Nutmeg her reward for doing such a good job. There’s a basket of apples by the barn door. You can give her one after take her to the water barrel.”
Again, she nodded, then she hugged him quickly and grabbed the Nutmeg’s reins. She walked toward the gate opening toward the barn. “I’ll be right there, Kassie.” He headed toward Jemma before she made it to the barn. Nervous parents, he mused.
“I know I look silly, but there’s too many rocks,” she said, pointing down at her bare feet. They were pretty feet from what he could tell, since they were covered with dirt. A hot pink nail color caught his attention. “I’m wearing flats next week,” she promised.
“Sensible. Kassie did great today. She seems very at ease with the animals,” he told her in his most clinical voice. “She has good form and follows direction well.” He looked at those frightened green eyes. “Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.”
“What?”
Kyle smiled. “She spoke. You heard her. I heard her. That was the only time she spoke.”
“My sister told me to get too excited.”
“Your sister is correct. If you try to force her to speak more, it might propel her back rather than forward.”
Jemma stared at him. “Have you had much cases like this? I mean my sister is a medical doctor and she assured me this was temporary.”
“I’ve heard there were a few cases like this. And, yes, it was temporary.” He didn’t want to give her false hope. “Please keep in mind that everyone’s brain is wired differently. While I do believe that talking is just around the corner. I couldn’t tell you how long it will take to get to that corner.”
She took a deep breath. “I know. No one can. I’m just happy she said something and she smiled. I about screamed when I saw her hug you.”
“Me too.” He motioned for her to start walking toward the barn. “At Cross-Cut, we train every aspect of horse riding. Currently, she’s giving Nutmeg some water, then a snack, then she has to brush her down. I’ll be showing her how to do that in a few minutes. You’re welcome to wait in the office until she’s done. I think Chutney is still in there.” He stopped at the entrance to the barn. Normally parents weren’t allowed while the lesson in session. Kyle knew it was going to be hard to say no to those green eyes.
Luckily, Jemma took the hint. “Okay, I’ll wait for you guys in the office.”
>
“Thank you, Jemma. I’ll bring her over the minute we’re finished.” With a sigh of relief, he went to check on Kassie.
Jemma limped inside the quiet office. No more stilettos, she promised, as she sat in a cushioned seat. She glanced around office and noticed the young girl behind the computer.
“Hello, Mrs. Patterson.” She stared at Jemma’s bare feet. “Something happened to your feet?”
“No, I just choose the wrong shoes today. Kyle said I could wait in here. The lesson is almost done.”
Chutney nodded. “Sure, no probs. Kyle’s awesome, isn’t he?”
Jemma didn’t doubt it for one second. “So far, so good,” she said.
“Aw yeah. I’ve worked here for almost two years. The Cosgroves are a nice family. My dad is one of the other trainers.”
“Wow, this really is a family place?”
Chutney shrugged. “I’ve always been on the ranch. My dad has worked here before I was born. My mom is the vet for the ranch. So yeah, I guess this place is very family.”
That seemed to relieve Jemma for some unknown reason. Maybe that’s why Kassie was reacting to Kyle so positively. “That’s nice to know.”
“There’s a bathroom to your left; if you’d like to clean up.”
Jemma looked down at her dirty feet. Yes, she’d have to clean up before Kassie got back. “Thank you, Chutney.”
After she washed up, she sat back and waited. She glanced around the office, then took out her cell phone to check her messages. Shaking her head she listened to her mother’s message.
“Hey, baby. Just wanted to see how the horse lesson went. Call me when you get a chance,” her mother said.
Jemma knew her family had their doubts about the lessons being therapeutic for her daughter. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother about it, but decided to save that conversation for tomorrow while Kassie was at school. She listened to the second message from her sister.