Page 101 of Finders Keepers

“I know, it’s just…” I run a hand down my face. “What if it makes things worse? What if he—”

“Hey,” he cuts me off, taking my hand. “You’re not alone in this anymore, Bailey. We’ll figure this out together, okay? And in the meantime, maybe we should install some security cameras at your place? I know a good company.”

I nod slowly, a nervous flutter in my stomach. It’s just a precaution, I tell myself. The cameras would just be… insurance. Something to help me sleep at night. Maybe having that extra layer of protection wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

I squeeze his hand, grateful for his steady presence. “Thank you. For everything, making us dinner, letting us crash your evening…”

“You’re never crashing,” he says warmly. “I love having you both here. Besides,” he grins, lightening the mood, “I get bored cooking for just myself all the time. Besides, my wannabe Gordon Ramsay skills need an audience.” He teases. “At least with you two here, I have people to appreciate my culinary experiments, even the ones that don’t turn out exactly as planned.” He winks at me, and I can’t help but laugh at his attempt to make everything seem normal, even when it’s not. His ability to find humor in tense moments is becoming one of my favorite things about him.

Ilean against the round pen’s rails, watching Sophie sit tall in the saddle as Jake leads Buttercup in slow circles. My heart swells with pride seeing how much she’s improved after just a few lessons—she’s a natural. But even as I smile, a low hum of anxiety churns beneath the surface, like static that never fully quiets. Gavin stands close beside me, and his presence helps, grounding me, steadying my breath just a little.

“She’s getting really good,” he says softly, and I nod in agreement.

“She is. The lessons have been so good for her confidence.” I pause, blinking back the sudden sting of emotion. “Everything here has been good for us, actually.”

He turns slightly toward me. “I’ve been meaning to ask… how are you doing with everything? With the protective order paperwork? I know a few days ago when you mentioned it at dinner you were worried.”

My breath catches, and I exhale slowly, trying to still the shakiness in my hands. “We filed it yesterday. Dale says it should be processed within a week.” I grip the rail tighter, grounding myself in the cool metal.

“Good,” he says firmly. “Has he tried to contact you at all since the last phone call?”

“No, his numbers are still blocked, but I keep expecting to see his black truck around every corner.” My voice trembles, and I hate it. I hate how even speaking his name gives him power over me.

“Mommy! Gavin! Look!” Sophie calls out, waving with one hand while keeping the other on the reins just like Jake taught her. “I’m steering all by myself!”

“That’s amazing, baby!” I call back, forcing a cheer into my tone that feels like it’s held together with duct tape. “You’re doing so good!”

Jake gives us a thumbs up as they make another circle. “She’s a natural, Ms. Bailey. Pretty soon she’ll be ready to learn her diagonals!”

Gavin’s hand covers mine on the rail. I flinch, just slightly, before relaxing into the warmth of his touch. He doesn’t comment on it.

“You know I’m here, right? Whatever you need. Day or night.”

I turn my hand over and interlace our fingers, pressing down the lump rising in my throat. “I know.”

The lesson wraps up soon after, and Jake helps Sophie dismount. “Want to help give Buttercup her special treat?” he asks her.

She looks up at him. “Yes, please.”

We follow them to the barn where Jake replaces Buttercup’s bridle with her halter that’s currently clipped to the lead rope in the cross ties.

Sophie and I have learned so much about horses, about the ranch and all the correct terminology and how things work since arriving. He hands Sophie the treat jar. “Remember to hold your hand flat,” he demonstrates, “so she can take it nicely.”

Sophie follows his instructions perfectly, giggling as Buttercup’s whiskers tickle her palm. After treating Buttercup, we brush her off, and Jake explains each brush and its purpose again. She’s soaking up every word like a sponge.

“She’s going to be talking about this all night,” I tell Gavin.

“Good,” he grins. “Better than her usual bedtime stalling tactics.”

When it’s time to go, Gavin walks us down the drive to our front door. He bends down and gives Sophie a big hug.

“Bye, Gavin!” She waves. “Are you coming for dinner tomorrow?”

“Not tomorrow, sweetheart. I have to work late at the clinic. But I’ll see you both this weekend, okay?”

“Okay, goodnight.” She tells him as she runs inside to get ready for her bath.

“Goodnight Gavin.” I freeze for a moment and then pull him into a hug. His arms cautiously wrap around me, strong and reassuring.

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