“It’s easy to remember these things when you firmly on the ground, but not as easy once you try something new.” Angie looked out across the ranch then back at Michelle. “I guess a healthy dose of fear is good for us, but not fear that overwhelms or steals our joy.” Angie’s words seem to strike her own heart, and she realized that it wasn’t only the fear of sitting on a horse or not being able to do the job she had her heart set on, but the fear of failure that was holding her back.
“At the end of the day, we need to have the faith to believe that God truly is in control. We like to fool ourselves into believing that we control our lives, but there is only so much that we can control. At the end of the day, we have to give what we can’t manage over to God. He promised to be with us always.”
Angie nodded. “Thanks, Michelle. Those are good words to hear. Now, where are those little rug rats of yours anyway?”
Michelle giggled, a soft tittering sound in the bright sun. “I left them with my sister and niece for the day. She and her husband are back for a visit. I’m sneaking into the house to raid Mrs. Wade’s cookie jar and have a huge cup of coffee all by myself.”
Angie laughed. Sometimes a few moments alone were just what the doctor ordered. “Enjoy,” she chuckled then waved before pushing off toward the barn. It wouldn’t hurt to take some time to study the workings of a stable. She was sure now that she wanted to try for a rehab stable job, and there was no better place to learn than right here where skilled cowboys managed a string of sound horses with a watchful eye on the inexperienced and extra exuberant quests of the Broken J.
Parking her wheelchair out of the way of the bustle that surrounded the big aged-wood barn Angie pushed the brake on her chair and began a new kind of study. Horse-101 was in session.
Chapter 11
“Jace, I don’t mean to be a nuisance,” Angie said as they turned their horses down a trail. “You’ve already done so much for me, and I don’t want to take all of your time.” She stopped talking when Jace chuckled and turned to glare at him.
“Angie, you aren’t a nuisance, and you aren’t taking all of my time. What can I do? Just ask.” He felt warmth in his chest as she watched him. He knew it wasn’t easy for her to ask for help, and he was determined to let her know that he would do whatever he could for her, always.
Angie squirmed slightly in the saddle. She had enjoyed feeling his strong arms around her again when he had lifted her onto Ben’s back, and she could continue to let him help her each time, but she knew what she needed to do. “I was wondering if you could help me learn how to mount on my own. I know it won’t be easy,” she hurried on. “I need to learn though so that if I have to I can do it. I won’t be here much longer, and I prefer to do things for myself.” Angie felt her face flush at the rush of words, but they were out, and she could only hope he would agree.
“I can do that.” Jace’s simple words washed over her, bringing a wave of relief.
“Thanks. I’ve decided that if I can, I’d like to try to get a job at one of those rehab stables after all. There is one not far from where I live, and I’m going to apply as an intern. Now that I know I can ride, it will only be a matter of time until I can help others.” The familiar burn of nervous acid in her stomach threatened, but Angie pushed it down. She couldn’t give in to fear. If God willed it, her dreams would come true.
“That’s a big dream,” Jace commented absently. “A good one. A lot of people with handicaps don’t think they can do things like ride a horse. You could inspire them to try.”
Angie pulled his words to her, clutching them like an old blanket to comfort her soul. Jace thought her dream was a good one, and it made her heart sore. They rode on in silence for several minutes both lost in their thoughts as they wound their way up a low rise. The summer sun was low on the horizon but still offered warmth as the golden light slowly shifted to orange. Looking to her left, Angie could see an old log cabin that faced the creek below and a small collection of outbuildings nearby.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“This was one of the original buildings put up in the late 1800s,” Jace replied. “From what I understand it belonged to the cattleman’s best friend who came west with him on a wagon train. I don’t know why he chose to build over here though.”
“It’s beautiful up here,” Angie mused as they came to a stop at the top of the rise and she closed her eyes lifting her face to the setting sun. The spring air was chilly, but the warm sun bathed her face in a golden glow.
“It sure is,” Jace mused
