“So your mom was just shit out of a horse?” Amanda laughed. “What kind of raw deal is that?”
“They moved to Europe so he could film a movie and she’s been shopping her face off all around London and Paris ever since. That former beauty queen is living her very best life. She don’t give a fuck about no horse.”
“Oh, okay. Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. I have a confession to make.”
“Spill it, girl.”
“I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
He blinked. “You wanna change that?”
Amanda hesitated before she replied, “Not today, but maybe soon.”
Sam laughed at the adorable smile on her face. The way her dimples popped was cute as hell. She nudged him back, shoulder to shoulder. “What? So I’m a bit of a coward.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“I love horses, but I just fear and respect their size and literal horsepower. Also one of my worst fears is getting kicked in the head.”
Another burst of laughter erupted from Sam. “I will not let you get kicked in the head.”
“Thank you. I’m too pretty to take a horseshoe indent to the face. Plus I love all of my teeth.”
“I’ll keep you safe. I promise. I do have to warn you though. My horse hates everyone.”
Amanda shook her head. “She won’t hate me.”
“Oh? Feeling confident all of a sudden. I thought you were afraid of horses.”
“I’m not afraid of them. I love horses. Like I’m a low-key weirdo horse girl. But there’s a difference between dreaming of having your own horse one day and naming her Buttercup and braiding her mane during another horse girl sleepover, and knowing that horses are massive animals that I’m just not sure I would like to climb atop.”
“She lets the guests ride her, but she’s just not in the mood for no bullshit. Now, Zach’s horse, Steve. That’s a horse you bring to a slumber party.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah.”
“And his name is Steve?”
“Yes,” Sam said, chuckling a bit.
“Steve’s gonna love me too.”
“He will, but don’t get too full of yourself. Zach literally trained him to kiss people on the cheek. Steve’s a damn flirt.”
“Oh well, then I’ll focus on making friends with him.”
They came around to the pasture just as Chris was bringing Bam Bam out to join Majesty and Steve during their turnout. He led her over to the fence.
“So the midnight beauty right there is Majesty, the speckled gray fella there is Steve, and black spots there is Bam Bam.”
“They are all so beautiful,” she said, her voice near a gasp. Sam almost went on telling her about how Bam Bam was their newest addition, but when he looked down he recognized that look of awe on her face. He’d seen it on many a guest’s face and felt that special thrill run through him the day his dad handed Majesty over to him. He stood beside her quietly and let her enjoy the moment.
“I wonder what they’re thinking,” she said quietly.
“Usual horsey thoughts, I’m guessing.”
“What exactly is a horsey thought?”
Sam shrugged and played it off like he hadn’t wondered about the inner workings of a horse’s mind since he was five years old. As if he didn’t ask Majesty what she was thinking about at least three times a day.
“I imagine they have great concerns about political matters, both locally and abroad.”
“Hmm, yes.” He leaned his arms over the railing and continued to watch her as she watched the horses. A few moments later Zach and Evie came out to join them.
“This is my brother Zach and my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Evie Buchanan.”
Amanda let out a nervous laugh as she reached forward to shake their hands. “Oh. You’re Evie, Evie.”
“Yes. I am. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I am a huge fan. Like, I’m working really hard not to embarrass myself right now. I didn’t really put two and two together when Sam mentioned you two getting married. I didn’t realize you were you.”
“That’s actually comforting. I wouldn’t want the Pleasant name to eclipse my amazing brand,” she said, winking at Zach.
“Not possible, babe. You’re too big of a star.”
“Okay, okay,” Sam cut in before they started making out. Ever since they got back together they’d been attached at the mouth and didn’t care what poor fool had to suffer and witness it. “Evie, do you have any tips for a novice rider for getting back in the saddle? Amanda wants to ride but is worried that she’ll be decapitated by a renegade hoof to the head,” he said.
“I don’t want to get kicked in the face. And as you can see, I am very beautiful. We can’t let anything happen to my beautiful face,” Amanda added, deadpan.
Evie burst out laughing. “No, you’re gorgeous and your head belongs on your shoulders. Let’s see. I would say it’s good to start with getting comfortable around horses. Babe, maybe Steve can come say hi.”
Zach pursed his lips and let out two high, quick whistles. Steve lifted his head from whatever he was investigating in the grass and made his way over to the fence. Majesty followed.
“Come here,” Zach said to Amanda. “Come step up right here.” Sam watched as she made her way over to him and stepped up on the bottom railing of the fence. “Okay. When he comes over here, just hold still. He’ll take care of the rest.”
“He’s not gonna kick me in the face, is he?” Amanda asked.
“You betcha. It’s the first trick I taught him. Find the nearest guest and kick them right in the fucking face. Come here, boy. Give Amanda a kiss.” Zach gave Steve the cue, a light tap on Amanda’s cheek. Sure enough Steve came over and brushed his big horsey lips across her cheek and then gave her a light peck on the forehead. He took a few steps back and waited for his next cue.
Sam reached over and lightly touched her elbow. “You can open your eyes.”
She pried them open and smiled. “Can
