Page 8 of Finders Keepers

“Her name’s Buttercup,” a voice comes from behind us.

I whip around at the sound of the voice, my arm flying up instinctively to shield Sophie behind me. My heart hammers against my ribs as I back us both against the fence, putting as much distance between us and the voice as possible.

“I’m sorry,” Jake says, stopping dead in his tracks. His hands raise slowly, palms out. “I didn’t mean to startle you ma’am.”

My breath comes in short gasps. Sophie clings to my legs, peeking around at him with wide eyes.

“It’s okay,” I manage to say, though my voice shakes. “We were just—we were just looking at the horse.”

Jake stays where he is, a good fifteen feet away. He doesn’t move closer, and lower’s his hands. “Buttercup’s a friendly old girl. Been with us for almost twelve years now.”

I nod, unable to form words as my pulse gradually slows. My raised arm trembles slightly before I force it down, embarrassed by my reaction but still on alert.

“She likes apple treats,” Jake continues, his voice deliberately gentle. “If the little one wants to feed her sometime, I can show y’all how.”

Sophie tugs at my shirt. “Can we feed the horsie one time, Mommy?”

I swallow hard, still keeping myself between them. “Maybe another time, sweetie.”

He nods in understanding. “I’ll be heading back to the barn now. You ladies enjoy the rest of your day. Ms. Lucy’s got my number if you need anything.”

He tips his hat slightly, then turns and walks away, his footsteps crunching on the gravel path. He doesn’t look back, giving us the space I desperately need.

When he’s far enough away, I exhale shakily and kneel to face my daughter.

“Are you okay, baby?” I whisper, brushing her hair back from her face.

“Why were you scared, Mommy?” Her innocent question pierces straight through me.

“I just got surprised, that’s all.” I force a smile, trying to hide how my hands are still trembling.

Buttercup nuzzles her soft muzzle against the fence. Sophie reaches through the slats again, her tiny fingers brushing against the horse’s velvet nose.

“She tickles,” Sophie lightly giggles, and the sound washes over me like a healing balm.

I take a deep breath, letting the country air fill my lungs as my heartbeat gradually returns to normal. The panic subsides, leaving me drained but present. I watch as Buttercup gently nudges Sophie’s hand, looking for treats.

“I think she likes you,” I say as I cautiously extend my own hand, and Buttercup’s warm breath puffs against my palm. Her large, hazel eyes regard me without judgment.

“Can we come see her tomorrow?” Sophie asks, leaning against my side.

“We’ll see, baby.” I stroke her hair again, noticing how the sunlight catches the golden strands. “Ms. Lucy might need to give us permission first.”

She nods solemnly. “We have to ask nicely.”

“That’s right.” I smile at her, my heart swelling with love for this little person who, despite everything, still remembers her manners.

Buttercup tosses her head and takes a few steps back from the fence, then turns and moves toward the far end of the pasture, her tail swishing behind her.

“Bye-bye, Buttercup.” Sophie calls, waving.

“I think it’s time to head inside, Soph.”

She nods but lingers a moment longer, her eyes tracking Buttercup’s movement across the field. “Do you think she’ll come back tomorrow?”

“I bet she will.” I stand and offer my hand. “Come on, let’s go back inside.”

Sophie slips her small hand into mine, and we turn back toward the tiny house.

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