Never had he been happier to see the ranch house lights. The twenty minute ride from Appleton had taken almost an hour. At first, Leah had been animated and talkative, telling Krista all about the upcoming Nativity play as church, but it didn’t take her long to realize she needed to be quiet. The truck had fishtailed more than once, and Krista had maintained a death grip on her seat belt and a silent attentiveness to the road. “Well, looks like we made it in one piece,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. Krista’s face was paler than it had been and her eyes were huge, the fear she’d felt still in them. “Leah, why don’t you take Krista out to say hello to Princess while I empty the truck?” He hoped seeing her horse would comfort and calm her. He wasn’t prepared for the stunned look she gave him. “Princess? My Princess?” The shock on her face tore at Ethan’s heart.
