What did she like about riding horses? So many things—the freedom, solitude, it was almost like flying. The responsibility of taking care of another living creature, and the sense of accomplishment at mastering the partnership with a thousand-pound animal. Trust. And just the sheer love and bond between rider and horse. That’s what she wanted the kids to experience. In addition to feeling safe as if in their own clubhouse, even if only temporarily for an hour or two, she wanted them to feel love and joy and to learn about horses and riding. That was it! LoveJoy Horseback Riding School.
After researching other riding programs in the state, she was glad to notice there were none in her immediate area. Next, she set up a Facebook public page with details about prices and times. She spent way too long fiddling with a logo, but it was fun work. Next, she designed a simple flyer to leave with Belinda at the coffee shop and ordered a box of business cards. Also set a regular day and time so that everyone, from volunteers to parents, could mark their calendars. The first Saturday of April seemed like a good date to start. In Georgia this time of year, there could be sporadic showers. She thought of the expression, “April showers bring May flowers.” She wasn’t sure about Texas spring rains, but if the weather was bad, the kids could brush horses and learn how to put halters on inside the barn. Excitement urged her onward. She couldn’t wait for the program to start. She had a few short weeks to get ready.
Carli thought long and hard about ages. Should she offer it to smaller kids as well? Teens and tweens were the group that most sparked her interest, probably because that had been such a tumultuous time for her. She decided on ages between twelve and sixteen, and really didn’t want to deal with older kids. With the riding school naming and other details off her list, she turned to the genealogy website.
Thousands of Taylor Millers in the state of Texas. It sounded kind of crazy to Carli. But she had to start somewhere.
Carli saw that some searches even produced photos. What would it feel like if she recognized facial features similar to her own? Everyone kept telling her how much she looked like her mother, Michelle, but surely, she had some things from her dad too? It was rather strange to imagine coming face to face with the man who gave her life. For some reason, she just knew he was alive. But where? Did he still live in Texas? Or did he leave a long time ago? He could be anywhere.
She’d been at it all morning, as was her habit lately, before the day got away from her. Late at night her brain was too tired for research, but his name never left her head. Right now, she needed a fresh pot of coffee. Just as she finished setting it up, a knock at the door resulted in Lola’s familiar voice.
“C’mon in. It’s open.”
Lola walked into the kitchen surrounded by a buzz of energy and a bright smile. Definitely a morning person. “I am so ready for yoga classes to begin again. I’m thinking about holding them in the cookhouse until we can go back outside. Want to join us?"
“Thanks, Lola. I think I want to stay on track with my research. Don’t want to lose the momentum. How does LoveJoy Horses sound for the name of a riding school?”
“I like it! And I completely forgot to tell Buck about your idea. I’m gonna call him right now.”
“No. Lola, wait. Don’t bother him. I’m sure he has plenty to do today.”
But Lola had already reached her husband. Ignoring Carli’s pleas, she said, “Hey, sweetie. Could you take a break and come to Carli’s? We could use your help.” Lola pressed the red End Call button on her phone. “He’ll be here in a second.”
Carli rolled her eyes but did appreciate Lola’s support. She hated to disturb the ranch foreman with her silly ideas. He must have more important issues to deal with.
Buck knocked on the door and opened it at the same time. As usual, he took a second to stomp any dirt from his boots.
“What’s up, ladies?” He found them in the back den where Carli had set up her office.
Lola gave him a peck on the cheek. “Hon, Carli has a new project for the ranch. I think you’ll like it.”
“Oh,” was all he said as he took his cowboy hat off, rubbed his fingers through his graying hair, and set the hat upside down on an end table.
Carli read the worry in his lined face and was embarrassed that Lola had disturbed him. “I’m not bothering you, am I? If this is a bad time, we can talk later.”
Lola handed him a mug of coffee. He smiled at her, set the cup down, and paced a little to look out the window. He wasn’t a man to sit still for very long, just like Lank, Carli noticed.
“And let me say it isn’t anything you’ll have to add to your To Do list. Nathan is lending me a hand with this.” Carli stared at him and swallowed.
“Spring is a busy time around the ranch with calving season, but I’ll always make time for you, Miss Carli.” He laughed. “So, let’s hear it.” Buck eased into a leather chair and stretched his long legs on the ottoman. He lifted his mug again.
“I’ll leave you two at it. I need to make some phone calls to
