Nathan Pratchett’s last relationship ended because he spends too much time at the barn with his mare, Birch. But he finds peace in the saddle.<br><br>However, Birch seems to have other plans.<br><br>After losing a shoe while out on a trail ride, Nathan is forced to use a new ferrier. After that, it seems like Birch is a different horse. She’s gone from well-behaved to running loose! And, for some reason, she keeps winding up at the home of a dreamy fella named Lucas Shaw. Is it possible the mare knows something Nathan doesn’t?

A New Pair of Steel Shoes

Hearing those words filled Nathan’s heart with such joy. In that moment he could have grown wings and flown away. “Really?”


Lucas nodded. He looked about ready to say something only to have the sentence die as Birch nosed him in the side. The mare drew his attention and Nathan watched a range of emotions pass over his face. Doubt crept in, born of the hatred Marsha had for the mare, the passion he had for horses, he didn’t want to follow the same path and hope for a different outcome.


When Lucas finally looked at him again, the photographer’s expression was hard to read. “Can…can I show you something? Inside?”


“Sure,” Nathan answered, curiosity getting the best of him.


“Will she be okay out here? I mean, I can go get the rope and—”


Nathan shook his head. “I get the feeling this is right where she wants to be. I’ll explain later,” he added quickly at the questioning look that flashed over Lucas’s features.


Chapter 11