Page 87 of Kian

After watching a movie, Kian stood up and helped Gretchen to her feet.

“Mom, Dad, we should probably get going. I want to make sure we’re back before it gets too late. I don’t like driving with the trailer in the dark.”

“Of course, son. Do you need any help?”

“I think we should be fine, but thanks Dad. I’ll load up the horses and then we can head out. The feed has already been delivered.”

“Okay.” Aileen stood up and hugged first Kian, then Gretchen. “Promise you’ll come back to visit us again, Gretchen.”

“I promise. I had a wonderful time.”

“We loved having you,” Connor added with a pointed look at his son. “Don’t mess this up.”

Kian grinned. “Yes, sir.”

He took Gretchen’s hand, and they walked toward the barn.

****

Once Kian had loaded the horses onto the trailer, he drove back to his house and expertly backed the trailer into the barn. As he stepped out of the truck and headed toward the back, Gretchen was there waiting for him.

“How did you manage to back that trailer in here?” she asked, amazed.

Kian furrowed his brow. “What do you mean? You saw me do it.”

“I meant; I would have it going every which way.” Gretchen chuckled.

Kian grinned. “It takes practice.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I could practice enough to ever be able to do it.”

“Well, let’s hope you never have to,” Kian replied.

She walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, planting a kiss on his lips.

“I really like your parents,” she said.

“They like you too,” Kian replied with a smile.

“I can’t wait for you to meet mine.”

“I hope they like me,” Kian said with a frown.

“What’s not to like?”

“For one, you’re their only child and I’m sure your dad will make it clear that if I ever hurt you, he’ll kick my ass.”

“I told you I’m a daddy’s girl,” Gretchen confirmed.

“Great,” Kian muttered sarcastically.

Gretchen laughed. “They’ll love you just as much as I do.”

“I hope so,” Kian said.

He entered the barn, opened three gates, then went back to the trailer. He opened the back and calmly walked inside alongside the horses, gently rubbing their flanks as he murmured soothing words to them. One by one, he led them out of the trailer and into their stalls where he fed and watered them.

“I’m going to back the trailer out the back of the barn. Stand back,” Kian warned.

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