Page 16 of No More Secrets
“What the hell are you two doing over there?” Joey’s voice had Summer trying to push both man and horse back to get some breathing room.
Carter took the reins from her. “Come collect your horse before she tramples Summer,” he told Joey.
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After the horses, Carter drove Summer around the farm to show her the rest of the property. Fields, barns, the pond and creek. He knew she was dying to ask questions, but she seemed willing to take it all in without muddling the experience with unnecessary conversation.
He pulled up in front of the house. “Let’s break for lunch and then we’ll tackle some work in the afternoon. Okay?”
“Sounds good. Can I ask you some questions while we eat?”
And just like that, his reprieve was over.
“Sure,” he sighed.
Summer patted his arm. “It won’t be so bad. I promise.”
They exited the Jeep and were heading toward the house when a squeal caught their attention. Two pigs clamored against the gate against the driveway.
“Well, since you already rode a horse today, you might as well meet the pigs,” Carter said, taking Summer’s hand in his. He led her to the gate and unlatched it.
Sensing her hesitation, Carter went in first. “Come on before they get it in their head to take a field trip. The little one’s fast. She’s hard to catch.”
Summer stepped inside and jumped back when the pair nosed up to her.
“Meet Dixie and Hamlet.” Carter crouched down and both pigs greeted him, their curly tails wagging.
“They’re like dogs,” Summer murmured.
“They’re actually smarter than most dogs.” He thumped Hamlet on his flank. He bent down and picked up a blue rubber ball. “Here, throw this.”
“They do not fetch! Do they?”
“Throw it and find out,” he said, arching an eyebrow.
Summer snatched the ball out of his hand and showed it to Dixie. She heaved it toward the far end of the field “Go get it, piggy. Go get the ball!”
Dixie took off with a squeal of delight, Hamlet hot on her heels.
“There’s no way she’s going to ...”
“Pick up the ball and bring it back?” Carter smirked, as Dixie dropped the ball at Summer’s feet.
“How did you teach them to do that?” She picked up the ball and threw it again. This time Hamlet — who had a good fifty pounds on the delicate Dixie — got to it first and pranced back with Dixie jockeying for position. He wasn’t as inclined to give up the ball as his sister had and waddled off to hide his treasure in a shady corner.
Dixie nudged Summer with her wet nose.
“She wants you to pet her,” Carter said.
“Well, if you insist,” Summer said, kneeling down. Dixie wiggled with pleasure as Summer stroked her hands down the pig’s side.
Carter’s phone rang in his pocket. It was his mother’s ring tone.
“Morning, Mom,” he said, walking a few paces away.
“How’s everything going?” Phoebe asked.
“By everything you mean Summer, right?”
