“That’s our final stop,” she said, still laughing at Rick’s last story. She couldn’t remember when she’d indulged in such a carefree afternoon. Rick was totally engaging: funny, smart but amazingly kind. He even helped the junkyard owner remove a jagged splinter from the inside of the dog’s mouth. And Rebel was really a gentle soul, licking both Rick’s and Eve’s hands in gratitude. She wasn’t sure when Rick ended up driving. It had been after he bought the battery and beer, but before they stopped for a hamburger. She hadn’t planned to stay away from the barn so long, but now it felt like she’d just enjoyed a two-week vacation. And she wanted to take something back to Ashley and Miguel, and share the pleasure. Rick turned into the parking lot. “This is the tack store that’s donating the gift certificate,” he said. “But we can’t get the bridle until after the caps tournament. Maybe we should come back Friday.” “I’m not buying tack today,” she said.
