Page 100 of Unstable

I catch up, slide open the doors…and go in with her. Just like my old bedroom, I take sure steps on sturdy legs into a place that, for anyone else, I’d balk at entering so casually.

I flip on the main light and revel in Brooke’s sudden, sigh of wonderment.

“I see them,” she whispers, “but we need to be quiet. They could be sleeping. Horses can sleep standing up. Did you know that?”

“I did,” I whisper back. “But good thinking.”

And just out of curiosity, ‘cause I’m doubtless that she’ll know the answer…and I don’t…I ask her, “What other animals sleep standing up?”

“Zebras and elephants,” she proudly replies, instantly. “Cows can, but usually don’t. Oh, and flamingos. Henley,” she looks up at me, “thanks for asking.”

“Um, you’re welcome?” My brow folds in confusion at her odd statement.

“Most people are sick of my fun facts, but not you. I love trivia, and you’re not tired of playing yet, and you ask a lot of other questions too. That’s my favorite part of us being friends.”

“I have another question.” I temper a straight face.

“What is it?” Her green eyes positively twinkle.

“Are you ready to go meet the horses?” Now a small snicker escapes me.

She whisper-shouts, “I sure am!” and takes my hand, leading the way with tiny, tentative steps. “You should be the one to talk, introduce me.”

“Right, of course. Hello beauties, how are you tonight? I’ve brought my friend Brooke to meet you all.”

“That one first.” She points to Barley—a girl after my own heart—he was my immediate favorite too.

We approach him and it’s fascinating to watch, how like Brooke and I, the two of them fall into a hard and fast bond with each other. She’s cooing and petting while Barley eats it up, rubbing against her hand. Oh yeah—match made in heaven.

After a while, I remind her there’s two others to meet because honestly, I think she’s forgotten.

We go meet Scotch and Rye, quickly, because while she likes them just fine…she’s made her choice. And it’s Barley.

I let her spend a little more time with him, then reluctantly tell her it’s time to get back to her parents.

And her fate.

Which, of course, I don’t say to her, but it’s true. Everything is finally, wholly, settled in my mind and heart…and I can’t wait to tell everyone. Not a single sliver of doubt remains within me and I’m beyond certain my plan is the right one—and would make my mom and sister proud.

“Barley, Scotch and Rye,” Brooke assesses aloud on the ride back. “Hmmm. Henley, do your cows have names?”

“No,” I laugh. “Why do you ask?”

“Can I pick one out and name it ‘CC,’ for my daddy?”

“Sure, any one you want. Why ‘CC?’”

“It’s short for Crown and Coke. That’s what Daddy drinks.”

I push the brakes, laughing too hard to drive. This beautiful, amazingly astute child…she’s the freshest breath of air one can inhale. A star so bright you almost can’t look directly at her without squinting from the light she puts off.

One in a million.

And she found me.

“Hey, Brooke?”

“Yes?”

“I still need to talk to your parents, but I’m pretty sure we’re about to be neighbors. If you promise me one thing.”

“What?” She grins, bouncing in her seat.

“Always tell your Mom or Dad first, but promise me that you’ll come over and visit me as often as you can. At least like three times a week. Or more. Promise?”

“Promise!” She bobs her head and claps.

Time to go and make the Kings an offer they can’t refuse.

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