Page 86 of Grit
“Just a little bit, but you’re with me.”
“Cool.”
If the creek was running, Abby knew she wasn’t allowed to cross it without being with her mom or her grandma.
Mother and daughter started up the road at a nice trot, going easy until the horses were warmed up.
“Is he feeling it?” Melissa asked.
Abby leaned forward and hugged PJ’s neck. “Oh yeah. Aren’t you, buddy? You feeling it?”
The air whipped against their faces as they picked up speed. By the time they reached the creek, they were riding at a smart lope. They slowed down to cross the creek, both horses knowing exactly where to go. It was a familiar route, and Melissa could feel Moxie’s anticipation when they reached the other side of the wash.
As they made their way through the scrub, PJ tossed his head and let out a loud whinny.
Abby giggled. “He wants to run.”
“Oh yeah he does.”
“You ready, Mama?”
Melissa leaned forward and felt Moxie beneath her. “Just keep to the path.”
“I know!” As soon as the scrub cleared and the pasture widened, Abby urged PJ into a canter, then a gallop, letting out an excited whoop as she and the horse ran the length of the pasture. Melissa and Moxie weren’t far behind.
She felt the wind on her cheeks, the cool air teasing her neck. She chased Abby around the field, keeping to the wide, well-trodden path along the outer edge where the ground was even. They ran two laps around the meadow before they slowed to a stop.
Abby and Melissa were both grinning. Abby leaned forward, hugging PJ and turning her face to Melissa as they walked slowly back toward the creek.
“I wish Sunny lived on the ranch.” Abby’s eyes were sad. “He would love this place. He only goes on the trails around Grandma’s house. And I don’t think I’ve ever galloped with him.”
“Don’t rush it. You’re still getting to know each other.” Melissa reached over and patted Abby’s leg. “And I’m sorry he doesn’t live here either. I know he’s a fancy horse, but I think Moxie and PJ would love to be his friends.”
“He’s only ever in his stall or out with the groom getting exercise. He doesn’t have any horse friends. They never hang out in the pasture or anything.”
“Baby, I’m sorry.” They crossed the creek and continued walking back to the house. “I wanted to talk to you about your grandparents.”
“About Sunny?”
Melissa frowned. “Not really, but kinda?”
Abby looked confused.
“Here’s the thing about your dad’s parents, and I’m not telling you anything that your dad didn’t tell me, okay? So please don’t think I’m being disrespectful or I’m trying to make you think badly of them or anything like that, okay?”
Abby frowned, but she nodded.
“Your dad and I chose to live out here for a couple of reasons. Great-grandpa Oxford needed help with the ranch when I got out of college because he was getting older. So your dad and I could help with that. And then you were born and your dad and I decided that this would be a great place to raise kids since there’s so much open space and lots of freedom to run around.” She glanced at Abby. “Were we right?”
Abby laughed. “Yes, Mom.”
“I know we were right, because I grew up here too. And I had sheep instead of goats for 4-H, but I learned how to take care of animals and work hard and respect the ranch.”
Abby nodded. “I know.”
“And your grandparents… they didn’t really like that too much. I mean, it’s normal to want your kids around, so I totally get that. But they were very unhappy with your dad and me.”
“And now they’re unhappy with you because Dad is dead and you won’t move to Paso Robles.”
