Page 71 of Wrangled Love

“That’s one heck of a grip you’ve got there,” Cooper says, whistling low. “What do you say we feed Magnolia? She’s the horse in the corral. I brought her favorites: carrots and apples. She can’t get enough of ’em.”

Caleb doesn’t even look my way before nodding enthusiastically. He’s been cautious around the horses up until recently, so this is another big win, and I can’t wait to tell Jensen. I press a hand to my chest, my cheeks aching from smiling so hard. It’s a privilege to watch Caleb come out of his shell, and it’s further confirmation that he’ll be just fine in the long run.

I follow at a distance as Cooper leads him to the corral, the sound of their footsteps crunching over gravel. The scent of hay and the earthy aroma of horses fill the air. It’s one of my favorites because it reminds me of the simplicity and peace found on the ranch.

I still remember the first time Julie brought me here. I was in awe of the wide-open space stretching for miles in every direction,the opposite of the cramped, broken-down trailer I shared with my mom. Where my mom was sharp and indifferent, Julie was gentle and patient. That day she introduced me to the horses, and I remember one pressing its nose into my palm through the fence as if it could sense the sadness I carried. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen.

That moment planted the seed for wanting to offer other kids the same kind of refuge. To be a guiding light to them like Julie has been to me and show them the quiet comfort that can come from an animal’s steady presence.

My phone chimes, and I pull it out of my back pocket to see who’s texting me.

Backroads & Bad Decisions Group Chat

Charlie: I’m calling dibs on being godmother to your future kids, Briar.

Charlie: I did play matchmaker after all.

Briar: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Charlie: Everyone at Lasso & Latte is talking about it.

Briar: About what?

Charlie: You and Jensen holding hands. At the fair. In public.

Charlie: Word is, you came off the Ferris wheel looking extra flushed.

It must’ve been Miss McGregor and her inch-thick glasses who started the rumor. She was conveniently walking by when Jensen and I stepped off the ride. How she manages to see anythingthrough those lenses—let alone that I was blushing—is beyond me. Good thing Earl wasn’t there. He’d probably have spotted us at the top of the Ferris wheel, and that rumor would be far more scandalous.

Wren: I thought Briar was scared of the Ferris wheel.

Charlie: Guess she’s warming up to it. Or should I say to Jensen?

Charlie: Fill us in… how was the rest of your night?

I laugh under my breath.

Briar: You’re far too nosy for your own good.

Charlie: I prefer passionately invested in your dating life.

Charlie: Now spill. Pretty please.

I had planned to tell her about last night, but I figured she’d rather hear it over the phone or in person. But since patience isn’t her strong suit, the whole gang is about to get the rundown all at once.

Briar: Jensen and I may have slept together.

Charlie: And how was urban cowboy?

Briar: I don’t kiss and tell.

Charlie: I wasn’t referring to the kissing, so please do share. *drooling face emoji

Briar: Andyou’re done.

I look up from my phone to check on Caleb. He’s standing next to Cooper near the corral, watching Magnolia. She’s a bay mare with a shiny brown coat.

Wren: Where’s Birdie? She’d usually be all over this by now.

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