Marcus is grieving -- for the lover he lost and for the life he once had on his farm. The years of sunny days and trail rides have given way to rainy nights and shadowed pastures. It's time to let go, but can Marcus make the hard decision to say goodbye?

Holding the Reins

“Philip Massein, errant rider, no farms.” They grinned.


“I actually came to see Gabriel. We’re looking for studs.”


“You’ll have to talk with Mrs. Reese; I’m just the hired help.” Gabriel tossed his head. “Time to get back to it.”


“Thanks!” And they cantered away, kicking up dust, Gabriel’s tail swishing. Marcus’s throat went tight.


Marcus strolled back to Barn Two but was relieved to find out that Mrs. Reese wouldn’t be onsite until the evening’s awards ceremony. He happily sat on the show ring’s bleachers and watched Philip and Gabriel win their jumping class, flowing over the four and five foot jumps with no faults. There wasn’t even a jump-off; Philip won flat out. 


After the class, Philip disappeared. Marcus watched Gabriel getting a scrub down at the wash racks but his gaze flicked around, looking for Philip. 


Chapter 4