Page 115 of Sold to Her Enemy

“Yeah, I suspected as much. You’re going to be okay, girl. We’ll take care of you.”

I hear the slam of the truck’s door, but don’t take my eyes off Melody as she moves closer to the gate.

We need to get her inside with lots of soft bedding.

Laminitis is common and can be treated, but it’s often painful, and the less time in the pasture, the better for Melody.

“Once she’s inside, I’ll take x-rays,” Alice says. “I’m glad you’re here, Mckenna.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You reassured me!” Grace calls over her shoulder.

I roll my eyes and follow Alice inside, behind Grace and Melody.

Alice carefully watches how Melody walks.

Even though I’m ignoring their praise, I’m so happy to be here.

Here in this eleven-acre picturesque equine heaven, home to a herd of Appaloosas. The property features a twenty-eight-stall barn, an indoor arena, large paddocks, and a separate stall area for boarders.

Grace gives lessons and shows her Appaloosas.

Living here has healed my broken heart and kept my mind occupied.

I only think of the thing right in front of me. I don’t think of my mother’s cold shoulder or my father’s reluctance to see me in person.

I don’t think of Adrian.

At least not much.

I help Alice take X-rays, then get Melody into her luscious box stall with the soft bedding.

“We’re going to make her comfortable and give her plenty of rest,” Alice says.

“Thanks, I’m glad you came so fast.”

“That’s what you pay me for.” Alice grins. “You got me out of going to my kid’s soccer game, so thanks.”

Grace laughs. “Mckenna has to hurry up and be a vet already.”

“She’s sitting that exam in November, even if I have to drive her to the facility myself,” Alice grumbles.

“I told you, I’m going to do it!”

“You bet your ass you are,” Grace says.

I busy myself, helping Alice pack up, grinning the whole time.

Even though it hurts to be distanced from my parents, I can’t force myself on my mother.

The day after Club Lust, when I told her that I could move us anywhere, she shook her head, her expression angry. “I’m waiting here, Mckenna. You do whatever you like, but leave me here.”

“Mother, I can’t just leave you in this awful apartment.”

My heart broke. I didn’t tell her what I did to get the money, or that I had seen Adrian.

I only told her I had money, and she didn’t have to worry.

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