Carolina Blue

Part 25

LUKAS POV

A couple days later I was out feeding the horses, when I heard someone open the barn door. I turned around and found 'Lina. Happy to see her, somewhere other than the hospital, I greeted her with a smile, "Hey 'Lina."

She put her hands in her back pockets and returned my smile with an apprehensive one. "Hey, Lukas," she paused for a moment looking around, "I have a favor to ask."

"Anything, what do you need?" And I meant it, 'Lina could ask me to lasso the moon, and I would die trying to.

Carolina's eyes swept over the horses lingering a little longer on Duke. Before nervously mumbling something about barrel racing. I took a couple steps closer to Carolina who was now standing in front of Duke's stall. "What was that 'Lina?" She was looking at the ground, and on impulse I placed my finger on her chin to direct her eyes towards me.

She gave me a makeshift stern look, "Don't laugh okay?"

I raised my eyebrows in question, but still agreed, "Okay"

She let out a long breath, "Will you help me learn how to barrel race?"

I could not stop the smile that spread across my face, which I bet was about the size of Texas at this point. "I'd be delighted to, but I do have to say I'm surprised you're deciding to join the pageant contest of the rodeo as you called it."

'Lina rolled her eyes, and lightly shoved me, "You said you wouldn't make fun, and it's not just for me."

I knew there had to be something more to this, "Okay, so why now?"

She looked sad, and I knew she was going to bring up Cope. He'd been in a coma now for over a month, and I knew it was killing her and her hope. Both our smiles were wiped from our faces of the serious topic that was about to come.

"Cope's family is struggling financially to be able to pay the bills, and I want to find a way to contribute. I know rodeo can bring in some money, and since I know someone that has a great barrel racing horse, I figured maybe I could try it out." 'Lina finished with a sad smile.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and squeezed her lean frame into me, and while looking at Duke responded, "'Lina I bet you'll do great."

'Lina let herself lean into me and quietly added, "I hope so."

"You will," and before I could stop myself I added a light kiss to the top of her forehead.

We heard the barn door open again, snapping both 'Lina and I out of our world. We both stepped away from one another. Rhett was the culprit of opening the door this time, "What you kids up to? I hope I'm not breaking up anything."

I glanced at 'Lina to see her blushing. "No, Rhett nothing like that Carolina and I we're just talking about Duke?"

That caught Rhett's attention and his eyebrows shot up in question, "Oh really, what about him?"

I looked at 'Lina to see fi she was going to answer Rhett's prying of she wanted me to. Carolina took in a deep breath before responding, "I know you'll laugh Rhett, but I'm going to try barrel racing."

Rhett like me smiled at this idea, then let out a low whistle, "Ooh wee Carolina Blue roping queen turn barrel racer, I like that."

'Lina smiled and lightly laughed.

Rhett then walked over to 'Lina and ruffled her hair slightly, "I bet you'll do great 'Lina."

Carolina shoved Rhett away laughing, while smoothing down her hair, "Well thanks Rhett."

**

It had been two weeks since 'Lina asked me about starting barrel racing, and between hospital visits, and working, 'Lina and I had fit in several hours of teaching her barrel racing. She just finished another practice run and was riding over to me. I showed her what her time was, "I think you're ready."

Carolina eyed me carefully, and I could tell she was second guessing everything. Soon another voice spoke my thoughts, "Carolina, you and Duke are the perfect duo, you're a natural at this!" Ol' man Bennett spoke, trying to boost Carolina's confidence as he also knew the reason behind her sudden interest in barrel racing. He also wasn't wrong not all barrel racers are as well in tune with their horse as Carolina is.

Carolina gave an apprehensive smile to Ol' man Bennett, "Thank ya, sir, and thank you for lettin' me ride Duke."

Ol' Man Bennett waved his hand dismissively, "Of course, I'm just glad he's finally getting some actual run time, and I'm happy to help. How is Cope doing these days? Any change?"

I saw 'Lina busy herself from answering by getting off Duke. Her sad eyes caught mine, so I decided to answer, "Unfortunately, there hasn't been much change lately."

Ol' Man Bennett curled his lips in and nodded with painful understanding. He had seen plenty in his years of life to know that wasn't a good sign.

Carolina softly spoke, while patting Duke,"Well, I'm going to go let this guy rest and take him back to his stall."

We both nodded. After Carolina walked away Bennett turned to me with concern, "How is she doing?"

"She's going to do great this weekend, I think she may even have a chance at winning."

Bennett, put his hand on my shoulder, "That truly is great, but how is she really doing, with all of this?"

I stared at where 'Lina had walked off to. I know her sadness has changed lately and carries less hope with it each day. However, since she started training she seems like she is starting to get stronger again.

"I think she is dealing with it better than most would in her situation."

Bennett nodded, "and you? How are you?"

"I'm doing okay, no need to worry."

Bennett squeezed my shoulder before letting go, "Well if you ever need anything, I know I'm your boss, but I see you more as family than an employee and hope you know I'm happy to help you if you ever need it. Even if it is just to have someone to talk to."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."