Chapter 45: A Birthday Ride

At the barn, they worked to turn out the horses into the pasture, saving Dahlia and Apollo for last.

“What do you say, Jenny? Are you up for a birthday ride today?”

Grinning, she nodded, loving that her hat stayed put.

“Good. Let’s get Apollo and Dahlia groomed and saddled.”

Happy anticipation thrumming through her veins, Jenny worked to groom Dahlia. Glancing over at Cole, she saw that he was working more slowly, and she wondered if her excitement had made her move too quickly. Mentally, she retraced her steps; no, she hadn’t forgotten anything.

As Cole worked Apollo’s sleek black coat with the soft brush, he whistled the birthday song, and Jenny giggled. He looked up at her and winked.

She dropped the finishing brush into the basket and scribbled a message on her board. Beat you!

Cole pushed his hat back on his head and straightened up. “Well you did, didn’t you?” He arched a dark eyebrow. “Did you remember to use the face brush?”

Jenny nodded.