Page 102 of Country Contract

“Where’s Harrison?” I ask mid-conversation. The thought apparently just came right out of my mouth.

“Two hands have the stomach flu, so he’s herding. Just notice he’s not here?” Hunter spits back, and I blink a few times in surprise.

“Hunter James.” His mother’s voice cuts across the table.

Hunter looks almost sheepish and grumbles out an apology.

“Like a man,” his dad states.

“Sorry, Harlow. I don’t know why I said that.” He’s embarrassed in front of his folks. He says he doesn’t know why he said that, but we both know that’s not true.

When the King’s trailer pulls up the long drive, everyone seems to be as excited as I am. Harrison did eventually come into the house and the distance I felt before was there tenfold. Mrs. Hill is keen on the environment and looked back and forth between us constantly to assess our relationship.

I feel less self-conscious knowing the cause of Harrison’s distance is likely due to his parents coming into town. He had mentioned to Mrs. King that they were making a stop before heading home. Maybe they’re a little early, and this is creating some unease.

Most of us are waiting on the porch, watching and waiting for things to be settled before crowding Majesty into her new environment. Hunter, Harrison, Jake, and Mr. Hill all wait at the back of the trailer and gab away with Mr. King and Tommy. They seem to be in no hurry to get poor Majesty out of her transport, and I’m growing a little impatient.

Mrs. King and Mrs. Hill catch up on everything theyhave missed in each other’s lives since Mrs. Hill last left. I’m still not in riding attire, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see, groom, and love on Majesty.

I tap my foot a few times and then rock lightly side to side, trying to busy myself.

“This always happens when they see old friends. It’s just the way they do things out here. It’s a community thing. Even after they open the trailer, they’ll talk. She’ll be halfway off the trailer, more talking. I hope you didn’t think this would be a quick thing,” Cassidy states, holding the baby monitor in her hand.

I let out a loud huff. “I could have just hung out at the bunkhouse.”

Cassidy gasps dramatically and puts a hand over her heart.

“You wound me.”

“And me.” Georgie jumps in. “Cassidy has talked about you nonstop; I was so excited to meet you, and you just care about the horse.”

We make small talk about riding and how conversations can get carried away when I look over to the trailer for a moment. I’m looking to check on the progress in getting Majesty out and am happy to see at least the trailer door is open. Too bad Tommy is leaning against it, running his mouth.

Then, I catch sight of Harrison’s eyes, which are fixed on me, watching me intently as I talk with the people in his life. His lips turn up in a slight, sweet smile for just a moment before he goes back to his own conversation.

Everyone is so content in their group that there is no rush for a conversation to end. No one is waiting for someone else to get to the point. It’s a mixture of something extremely casual but at the same time intimate. I’ll miss it.

When Majesty is finally unloaded and in a paddock by herself, we all come together as a large group. The only people in the arena with her are Harrison and Tommy. They lean against the fence and talk about her, but I can’t make out the details. I hear, “She’s like nothing I’ve ever had before,” and “. . . she’s perfect.”

It’s hard to be patient, but I am because I know it’s the right thing to do, especially with the crowd we have today.

Majesty moves around the arena, walking, trotting, and doing little kicks. After she’s more settled and just walking from spot to spot, she sees me. It’s like she knows I’m the woman who rode her last week. She knows I love her the most. I don’t move at all. I even think I stop blinking as I hold her gorgeous onyx gaze.

Majesty comes to the fence where I stand on the other side and stops right in front of me. I reach out and rub up and down her forehead, and I feel her push into my touch.

“What a sight,” one of the older women mention.

“I’ll be,” says the other.

I’m lost in the moment with the beautiful horse. She will be one of the things I miss most about this land. She is just getting here, and I’m leaving. It’s ironic.

“You guys look like you belong on the cover of some fantasy book.” Cassidy swoons, and I smile over at her.

“Really?”

“Oh yeah, you two are obviously kindred spirits.” She beams. A loud “Mama!” comes over the monitor, and Cassidy jogs off toward the house with a quick wave.

“Better watch yourself. Star is going to get jealous.” Harrison comes up to the side of Majesty and runs his strong hand up and down her neck.

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