Southern Charm

Chapter 20

JESSIE

Another week had passed, and I hadn't even touched the crutches. It was a miracle, and I wouldn't even think about complaining. I was pain-free for the most part, and if I did hurt, I had the medication to help.

Trace has been doing great since he came home. No weakness or vomiting occurred, which was an excellent sign. We even rode horseback yesterday for the first time in a long time. It was terrific to feel the wind on my face as the horses tromped through the trails.

Ryan was still sticking around, too, and we were so happy about that. I wasn't sure how Trace or Meghan would feel, but they seemed okay. Ryan met my brothers and even started helping around the ranch, just like Trace had done. Trace thought it was good for him, and maybe we would turn him into our ranch hand. After all, we wouldn't look at his criminal history and turn him away automatically like some would. I didn't know the side of Ryan that Trace did. I knew the good side from what I had already seen, so there would be no turning him away if I had anything to say about it.

Today, Naomi and her little sister Sadie were finally coming over for riding lessons. Sadie wouldn't experience it like the adults, but we would be there by her side while she was on the horse. I chose Harley for Sadie's lessons since she was better with little kids than the other three horses.

"Jessie!" I stopped brushing Harley and turned to see Sadie running up to me wearing her usual pink cowgirl hat and boots I had signed. She was ready to go.

"Hi, Sadie!" I leaned over to hug her, and Naomi appeared at her side, so I hugged her, too. "Good to have you both here. Parker should be down in a second."

Naomi seemed nervous just by looking at the horse. "Is it safe for Sadie?" Naomi asked, watching her little sister go right up to the horse as if it weren't some colossal animal weighing around a thousand pounds.

I nodded. "Yes, it's perfectly safe for Sadie with us by her side. It's not like she's going off on the trail by herself. She will be right here in our sights, mainly getting to know Harley today. I've got food for Sadie to feed her, and Parker will help her onto the horse. You as well."

Naomi nodded. "Okay, I just worry when Parker and I take off if she will be okay without me by. I'm like her Mom since ours decided to up and leave. My father cares for her, but it's not the same affection a mother would give."

"I know what you mean, and I can promise she's in good hands. Trace, Meghan, and Dane will be here with me. You have fun with Parker on the trails. I want to hear all about the adventures when you get back. We have beautiful trails and find something new each time we explore."

Naomi smiled, and her nerves seemed to die down a little just by the reassurance that we would be watching Sadie. "Thank you, Jessie. I guess we will be back shortly."

Parker appeared and planted a kiss on Naomi's head. The two were a good couple. Naomi is the one who helped Parker get out of his playboy streak, and I'm glad. Now, the two were about to become engaged in this adventure they were about to take. Nothing made me happier than a growing, happy family.

"Sadie, would you like to feed Harley some carrots?" I asked, pulling two large carrots out of a bucket and handing them to her.

Sadie nodded and smiled real big. "Yes, I would love to feed her! She's so big and so pretty! Thank you, Jessie!"

While Sadie fed, Harley, Trace, Meghan, and Dane approached the barn. We heard a vehicle pull down our gravel driveway, so I checked it out.

"Jessie, I was hoping I could get your help."

Max Lane stood before me with a horse trailer attached to his gray pickup truck. He began to unload the horse and let her out, letting me see she was as beautiful as Harley. Max walked the horse over to me, and I could see she was distressed. This horse seemed to show signs of abuse just from stepping off the trailer.