Heywood Equestrian Stables

FIRE!

Later in the week, Susan arrived with her horse, Gentle Giant. We set him up in Lucy Girl's old stall, which was hard to see at first, but I moved past it and pretended like it was a different stall all together. Susan was intrigued to see her horse interact with the horses on the ranch. She spent nearly the entire day just watching them. Susan's horse loved it. He reacted as if he was a young horse again frolicking and jumping about. He enjoyed grazing in the pasture and Susan was all for him having a chunk of pumpkin as a treat. All the horses had enjoyed their nightly treat of a couple chunks of pumpkin like Sidney had suggested.

"I've never seen him so lively before," Susan pointed out. "He's definitely made some new friends. I'd like to see him spend some more time with them over the next few days to see which one he takes to more. Would you mind?"

"Of course not. He is welcome to stay and interact as long as you think he needs," I assured.

"I'll be at the nearby hotel if there are any issues. I'll come back out in the morning."

"Sounds great. We look forward to seeing you."

Once all the horses were put away for the night, Sidney and I went on our nightly ride. Unfortunately, with all the training Onyx did during the day, I wasn't able to ride him as much as I'd like to. Instead, I took to riding Ginger or one of the other many horses. I always made a point to visit with Onyx each day though. I didn't care much for the jockey who was training with him, but Onyx was getting stronger and faster each day. It's what we needed him to do, so the jockey continued despite my dislike for him. Sidney tried to convince me it wasn't that I disliked the person exactly, but more so that I didn't like someone else riding Onyx. I hated that he was right. He always seemed to be able to read my mind and know my thoughts and feelings more than I did myself.

"When we go on this trip in the fall, we should try to get away for a day or two just to spend some time alone," Sidney suggested while we sat at the dock and watched a flock of wild geese swim by in the water.

"We're alone right now," I reminded.

"That's not what I mean," he argued. "Here we are always busy with something. The horses need tending to, potential clients need dealt with, fields need cut, Georgiana needs attention, there's always something going on. When we are at the Babington estate, we won't have as much responsibility. We should take advantage of the time and try to get out and do something fun."

"So, a date," I teased.

"Yes," he agreed with a chuckle. "A date. Lots of dates."

"I'm perfectly fine just staying home and relaxing on the couch or going for our nightly rides."

"I know," he assured tightening his arms around me. "I just want us to take advantage of the freedom to explore other things while we have the chance."

"I like the idea," I agreed, resting my head against his chest. "Maybe we can go dancing."

"I never said anything about dancing," he said with a hint of fear in his tone.

"Why not?" I asked.

"I'm not a dancer," he laughed. "I'd look like a fool."

"No, you won't," I assured. "You'll be great. There isn't anything Sidney Parker can't do."

"You may change your mind when you actually see me dancing."

I stood up and reached for his hand. "Show me," I challenged.

"Here?" he asked.

"Yes, here. Show me." He stood up and offered me his hand. I gently slipped my hand into his while he circled his other arm around my waist and pulled me flush against his body. The concerned expression on his face told me he was nervous. "Just start to move with me."