He could have said his relief was due to the temperature, which had continued to fall, or the sky, which had dumped a good twelve inches already. Or even because he worried that Meg had been exposed to the elements for too long. But what really had him swinging his leg over Apple Boy’s head and stepping out of the saddle as they rode into the barn minutes later was a need to put a little distance between himself and Meg. Having her so close during the ride had been a little piece of heaven and hell rolled into the same experience. Add that to the two tons of worry and fear he’d felt when Tomas told him Meg was out riding and you had a man ready to leap out of his skin, not just his saddle. Once on the ground he pivoted quickly and smacked the quarter horse on his rump, sending Apple Boy, with Meg still on his back, deep into the barn. Meg’s mount, still tied to Evan’s saddle, obediently followed. Evan knew there’d be plenty of time later for soul-searching, but now he fought the wind to close the big double doors, shutting out the elements.
