“Ok, well, you know about how we met and the whole Spartan thing so I guess I’ll start with the surprise trail ride.”

“What’s a surprise trail ride ?”

This was another memory that in the telling brought a smile to her face.

“That’s very cute Amy and Lyndy seems to be Ok with him ?”

“She’s actually talked about him which I take as a good sign. He was good with her.”

“And since then ?”

“Ok, this nobody knows, we’ve met 3 times for coffee, and walks, I have to go slow Cass.”

“Girl, you do what you have to do, were they, I can’t believe I’m even asking this, official dates ?”

Amy laughed, it was a bit silly, “we met outside Maggie’s one day by coincidence , I was picking up a feed order and he was stopping for coffee, I had some time so he got two coffees while they filled the truck and we met at the park, walked, sat, talked, sipped, it was nice Cass.”

“And he texted one day and asked if I was free for a little while for coffee so we met by the field near Stumpy’s, past the fishing hole and had coffee and talked. When we split up we agreed to keep meeting and I had to head to town to pickup Lyndy for a check up a couple days later so I called and he was free so we had coffee a third time until today when we added PBJ’s to the mix.”

“Sounds like you’re pretty close to dating Amy. He’s Ok with your speed.”

“He’s fine and very sweet. Anyway, I’m going to Okotoks Friday afternoon, picking up a restless horse from Isaac Fraser and I asked Finn if he would come with me to help and meet Isaac. We’re having lunch on the way. We’re pretty much officially dating Cass.”

“Isaac’s a good connection for him too, so, that’s good. You know you really have to let the cat out of the bag Amy.”

“I know, so as a first step I was thinking of asking Lisa if she would mind my inviting Finn to Sunday dinner. If he can make it i’ll let them all know at Friday night dinner and it’s done. Actually, maybe a trail ride with Lyndy before dinner would be nice, set the mood.”

“So, uhm, have you two had any, what’s a good word here ….”

“Contact ?”

“Ok.”

“We held hands on our last walk and hugs. We haven’t made out.”

“And ?”

Amy smiled “I think he’s holding back waiting for me. It’s hard to talk about my life without Ty and we’ve talked a lot. I’m sure I’ve gone overboard. I took his hand when we were walking the last time and I’m hoping he’ll get the hint that I’d like to be kissed.”

“Well, so logistically speaking neither of you live alone, you don’t even have the loft anymore.”

Amy sighed loudly “I never thought I’d ever be in this situation Cass, something will shake loose, not sure what, but….. I don’t know.”

“Where there’s a will there’s a way Amy, you’ll find it. I’ll let you go and just to see how everything’s going I’ll call Saturday for sure.”

“I’ll text when I know anything, but a call would be nice, or better, stop by if you have some time.”

Like most mornings this particular Friday was no different, Amy and Lyndy came out Lyndy’s room holding hands and headed to the kitchen where she knew she’d find Lisa doing her thing.

“Good morning Amy and Lyndy.” Jessica said sitting at the small table nursing a cup of coffee.

“Ladies.” Amy said walking past to the fridge to get Lyndy her milk as the little girl climbed onto a chair.

“Good morning Grandma , Good morning Grandma Lisa.”

“I have pancake batter all ready Lyndy, want a pancake ?”

“Yes please, with syrup please.”

“The syrup is on the table Lyndy.”

“Plans today Amy ?”

“Heading to Okotoks to pick up a restless horse from Isaak Fraser.”

“He must be a good client.”

Amy thought for a second and figured this was as good as it was going to get. “He is and he never argues about the price and pays as quick as the bill arrives, I’m introducing him to Finn.”

“Today ?”

“Picking him up on the way, we’ll stop for lunch in Oketoks and then head over to Isaak’s place.”

Amy handed Lyndy her milk and then grabbed a mug she filled with coffee and sat down across from Lyndy who was waiting to get her school clothes bib tied on. The rule of course being is that if she was wearing her school clothes she needed to at least get to school clean. So as soon as Amy put her up down Lyndy held her hands over her head with the two ends for Amy to tie. While she certainly tied her shoes on her own, behind the neck was a bit of a challenge.

Next came the pancake which had to be cut before getting any syrup and no butter. Lyndy had her standards and her reasons. As Lyndy’s fork jabbed down into the first piece of pancake Amy took a long pull on her coffee which came with a gulp and a wince for the heat. To her the best feeling in the world followed closely by hot tea. The room was quiet so Amy pushed her advantage. “Lisa, it would be Ok if I invited Finn for dinner Sunday ? I was thinking that I would invite him on Lyndy and my Sunday afternoon trail ride. Lyndy would that be Ok with you ?”

“I like Finn.”

“Then it’s settled, Lisa ?”

Lisa stared at her for a second and then glanced to Jessica. Amy knew she had her and smiled. “Lisa ? Sunday ?”

“Er, Sunday dinner, sure fine sweetheart, you know you really don’t have to ask.”

“Unless there’s an ulterior motive.” Amy whispered. She watched Lyndy pop the last piece of pancake into her mouth and reach for her cup of milk to finish in one last gulp.

“Go get washed up sweetheart, how about a ride up to the bus since Katie spent the night at Parker’s house, I’ll go grab Harley.”

“Ok, I’ll hurry.”

“I didn’t say hurry, do a good job on your teeth and wash off all that syrup, go on.”

“Amy ?”

Amy smiled “brew a fresh pot Lisa, I’ll be back soon, you two busybodies can suffer until I get back. One of you help Lyndy with her coat and make sure she takes her lunch please.”

Jessica was waiting with Lyndy on the porch as Amy pulled up riding an unsaddled Harley. Lyndy came down the short stairs and through the fence where Amy reached down and with practiced assurance grabbed hold of Lyndy’s outstretched arm and hoisted her up in front of her as her free hand wrapped around the little girl and her backpack. After getting Lyndy’s ready nod Amy’s legs shifted and Harley turned at the unspoken command and went from a walk to a canter in the direction of the Heartland gate where they’d wait for the bus.

Amy waited alongside Harley and waved to Lyndy as the bus pulled away and then decided to get the horse out into the meadow rather that just tie him off at the house. The schemers would just stew a bit longer wondering how they went from their clever ruse to have Amy and Finn work together to announcing she was bringing him to Sunday dinner following a trail ride two days later, there was a significance to Sunday dinner. It wasn’t religious, that wasn’t part of their lives to any great extent, they didn’t go to church, belong to a church, say grace or thank god too often, hell, they didn’t even baptize their kids. Amy was actually more in line spiritually with First Nation beliefs than anything else. The significance of Sunday dinner was the almost hard guarantee that every family member in the vicinity would be there. Amy inviting Finn meant something. Both Lisa and Jessica were sitting in the kitchen when the door opened and Amy stopped to hang her coat and hat before walking past them to fill her mug with the fresh steaming coffee.

“Should we do this in the living room ?”

“Amy.”

“Yes, yes Lisa, let’s at least be comfortable.” She said walking past leaving no choice for the other two but to follow her.

They each settled with coasters for their coffees, Amy took Jack’s chair, Lisa hers and Jessica took the coach.

Amy took a sip and smiled “so what do you all want to talk about ?”

“Well obviously the joke’s on us, care to fill in the gaps ?” Lisa asked.

“Have you two gone out together ?” Jessica added.

“Between the trail ride with Lyndy and yesterday, we’ve met for coffee a few times, and had some very enjoyable long talks and walks.”

Lisa laughed “well , Sunday dinner is not gonna fit the Heartland mold of keeping your relationship a secret until it blows up.”

Amy nodded as she and Jessica both laughed as well “Maybe it’s time that mold gets broken. I don’t want the secrets and I’m really not interested in sneaking around. Just get it out in the open.”

Jessica nodded, she was all smiles “So, what’s the plan ?”

“For now, I’ve got horses to deal and get out into a meadow and a trailer to hook up.”

“You’re picking him up ?”

“Yup, on the way, makes the most sense. He’ll come back with me and I’ll get him back home when we’re done.”

“How about dinner tonight then ?” Lisa asked.

“Nope, Sunday, when everyone’s here, tear the bandage off, deal with the crap and move on.”

“I’m going to have to mention it to your grandfather you know.”

“Yup, and I guess Jess should probably mention it to dad and maybe Lou, that would really soften the blow. Excellent.”

“So this was the plan all along.”

“Well Grandma I kind of figured you’d start with an apology but otherwise it’s worked out well, don’t you think ?”

“Well granddaughter I’m not apologizing for you having a day with your best friend and a man you’re happy to spend time while paying you all for the pleasure.”

“Fair enough, I should be home in time for Lyndy, but ….”

“One of us will be here.” Jessica finished for her “don’t hurry on our account.”

“I’ll be back to wash up and change before I go.”

Lisa grinned “must be nice to have someone to get changed for.”

“I’m going to lunch in a restaurant and to see a man who owns a couple hundred horses, going with Finn’s the bonus. We like each other Lisa, I enjoy just being with him. We’re going slow for my sake.”

“Take all the time you need sweetheart.”

Jessica nodded and reached out to take her hand “We’re here for you Amy and we’re on your side.”

Amy smiled and got up to rinse her mug and drop it in the dishwasher. “Hopefully we won’t have to choose sides and wage war Jess, it’s just dinner. I’ll be back, in the meantime you two can, I don’t know, maybe find Katie a guy ?”

“Well, I guess our work here is done.” Jessica said laughing when she heard Amy’s boots leave the steps “they’ve been dating all along.”

“Yeah, not really with the whole job thing, you haven’t seen the adult male reaction to the men Fleming women bring home and I’m not going to put up with it anymore.”

“What am I missing here ?”

“They’ll think it’s their place to approve as if Amy’s 15, it’s, it’s, I don’t know Jess, it’s misguided, condescending and frankly sexist.”

“I’m not sure I get it, Amy’s what 32 ?”

“There’s nothing to get Jess, it’s just macho male bullshit. Anyway, I won’t put up with it anymore, she my granddaughter too.”

“Maybe it won’t go that way.”

“Well miracles do happen, how about that ride ?”

“I’m game, let me change and grab a camera. Meet me in the barn ?”

“Sure will, 15 minutes ?”

Lisa nodded as they both stood.

Amy was just finishing up hooking the trailer to her truck when Lisa walked past glancing in the barn before looking around. “No horses ?”

“I’m sorry Lisa I put them all out, Cinders and Venus are closest, I’ll grab them for you.”

“I’ll come with you Amy let me just call up to Jess, we’re going for a ride.”

“They’re out in the meadow behind the barn, I’ll meet you.”

Amy left them saddling their horses and turned to see them walk out of the barn as she went up the stairs to the house. 15 minutes later she locked the door behind her and headed over to her truck. She checked the trailer hitch even though it was one of the last things she did before heading to the house. Trailer hitches were like saddle cinches as far as she was concerned, they took a second to check and that wariness is what kept you safe.

With the trailer slowing her down a bit and using the GPS it took her about 20 minutes to get to Al’s place and was surprised that is was larger than she thought it would be with a barn, several outbuildings and some fenced in meadows. She caught sight of several horses milling around in the field, some larger horses, none Butch, that she was sure were for Al’s business and a few that looked like straight up ranch horses. She spotted Night immediately and a circle drive up to the nice porched house where she spotted a lone cowboy sitting and sipping coffee, his hat by his side.

When she stopped the truck she leaned across to the open window on the passenger side and called out “Hey handsome, looking for some company ?”

“What can I get you for breakfast sweetheart, how about an egg and a piece of toast ?” Jack asked leaning over as Amy grabbed a cup of coffee and stopped for a yogurt at the fridge.

“Cheesy Egg.” Lyndy answered.

“I can get her breakfast Grandpa.”

“That’s Ok Amy there’s nothing to it and I need to ask for a favor.”

“And what’s that ?”

Jack turned and lit a small fire under the frying pan on the stove and walking over to grab an egg and a slice of cheese. Butter and bread were already on the counter and Amy had already poured Lyndy’s milk into her cup.

‘Lisa got an early call, they’re down two trainers with some kind of stomach thing and she was wondering if you could give her a few hours with some new horses they took in.”

“And that’s why she’s not here.” Amy said to herself “I can give her a few hours Grandpa if you’ll deal with our brood. Just let me get Lyndy to the bus.”

“They’ve already been fed and I’ll get them outside before I ride over to check the herd.”

Amy drove Lyndy up to the bus stop and hugged and kissed her off before heading over to Fairfield. She parked next to Lisa’s Porsche and was surprised to see Jessica’s BMW on the other side.

“Good morning ladies, Jessica, I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”

“Good morning Amy, just having a cup of coffee with Lisa, I’m going to take some pictures of this place for a new brochure Lisa has been thinking about.”

“Join us ?” Lisa asked standing with an empty mug in her hand.

It took Amy about a second to decide and sit for her second cup of the day. Lisa smiled and pushed a now filled mug over.

“Tell me what you need Lisa.”

“Basically we have some new horses and I just really need you to keep them calm while they’re vetted and they get checked by the farrier. Cass should be by any minute.”

“And ?” Amy asked swallowing a sip and then looking over at Jessica and then Lisa.

“And Finn.” Jessica added with a grin.

“What are you two up to ?”

“We are not up to anything, when I called Finn I made it very clear that these horses are new to Fairfield and he asked if I could lend him someone to keep an eye on them while he worked.”

“Why do I think that’s not all that was said ?”

“Well, he did ask after you and Cass did as well which brought you to mind and then I found myself somewhat short handed so it worked out.”

“He’s very handsome Amy.”

Amy looked at Jessica for a second “Jessica, I…..”

“Ok stop, just for a second Amy and hear me out.”

“Fine go ahead.”

“He’s, well, he’s gorgeous Amy, muscular, his smile, I mean come on aren’t you the least bit ….”

“The least bit what ?”

“Interested.” Lisa cut in.

Jessica looked at Lisa and laughed “Interested my ass, let’s not beat around the bush, horny Amy, it’s been almost three years, you need to get out there and he’s clearly interested.”

“Seriously.”

“Yes seriously Amy.” Lisa said. “Look I’m, we’re not setting you up but you two are obviously, uhm, attracted to each other. Lyndy went on and on about your trail ride and I do need those horses dealt with.”

“Besides, Cass will be there.”

As if on cue they heard her distinctive bubbly voice from down the hall ‘Knock, knock !!”

“Speak of the devil, come on in Cass, have a cup of coffee with us.”

Cass turned the corner into Fairfield’s spacious kitchen and walked over to kiss Lisa’s cheek, grab a mug of coffee, wave to Jessica and seat herself next to Amy. “Hey girl, long time no see, how have you been and my luscious god daughter.”

Amy smiled as they leaned over to peck each other’s cheek. “We’re good, she loves school. How’s Carson ?”

“He’s great, always smiling and a ball of energy.”

“Potty ?”

“Actually coming along, we spend a lot of time sitting with him. He’s got it, the rest is tacking on 10 percent for being Caleb’s kid. I know, I know and I love him like crazy and he’s a great dad but….”

Amy laughed “So when’s the last time we spent any real time together ?”

“It’s got to be a month, we ran into each other at Maggie’s and had lunch that time.”

“Well,” she continued “I’ll be having more time now, Scott and I hired a vet and a tech, they start Monday. They’ll handle a lot of the office work which will give Scott and I more time with livestock and some really needed time off.”

She glanced over at Amy whose face changed a little “Don’t do that Amy, our being busy is not your or Ty’s fault, it’s been over two years and we procrastinated finding the right people.”

Amy smiled and nodded while Cass continued. “So what are we here for, this is my only stop until after lunch, Lisa, you have new horses ?”

“We have recent blood work so a general check-up before they mix and a farrier check, cleaning and probably some shoes.”

“So Doug Henshaw ?”

“Finn Cotter, Amy’s friend.” Lisa corrected.

“I met him last week at the Carmichael ranch, he’s cute. Amy’s friend huh ?”

“That was terrible, you’re all in on this.”

“All in on what Amy, you think Lisa bought 6 horses just to get you and Finn together ?”

“It is definitely not out of the realm of possibility Jessica.” Amy muttered.

Lisa smiled “well I didn’t, but I needed a farrier and my granddaughter asked me to give some work to a young farrier and I did.”

“Well, thank you for that, and I’m sure Finn thanks you.” She said finishing her mug off and getting up to rinse it.

“They’re in the small barn Amy, stalls 1 to 6.”

Lisa had arranged it so that Finn was scheduled with enough time to have Cass check a couple horses first so that he wouldn’t have to wait before he started and so that he could work straight through.

Amy smiled when she saw Finn’s work truck stop at the house, he was early and she and Cass had just started working. She recalled the last time they had spoken he was telling her that he was looking for another truck so that he didn’t have to use it for his day to day travels as well. It was ridiculously heavy with his tools and the small work furnace he traveled with and cost a fortune in gas. She saw Lisa stop out and point and caught him looking over to where her finger pointed. She though she caught a smile when he realized it was her.

“Hey Amy, Dr. Odell, good to see you both.” He said getting out of his truck with a bright smile.

“Hey Finn, how’s business ?”

“Well Amy, seems your recommendation actually means something around here so pretty good actually, how about you, getting back in the swing of things ?”

“Actually I am, with Lyndy in school and then an after school program, both of which she loves I’ve taken on some clients and I’m starting a waiting list, things are good Finn.”

“She likes school, you had mentioned being a little iffy, you doing OK so far ?”

“The first couple of days I was a wreck but she’s been so happy so that’s gone.”

“Excellent, good to hear, let me get set up and I’ll be back with you both and ready to go.”

Fairfield’s small barn held 16 horses, 8 spacious stalls on each side and a considerable amount of space between sides to work on the horses. Lisa used this barn if they had to isolate some horses for whatever reason they needed to be separated fro her normal stock. Through the morning Amy moved from horse to horse as she was needed. Since Finn preferred working in the sun and needed his tools and truck nearby he took the first slot close to the doors. Cass was fine where she was.

For the most part the horses were cooperative as thoroughbreds usually are. Amy was there when they acted up a little and she moved back and forth calming them or helping as she was needed. Both Cass and Finn did their jobs well and they worked smoothly together with horses going from Cass to Finn by way of Amy.

Cass checked each horse, noted their vitals, did a cursory check of their osteo health, checked their eyes, teeth, legs and hooves, along with their bloodwork. Since Finn was there she mentioned anything other than disease on their hooves just to make sure Finn dealt with it. She also noted that several were on the cusp of needing shoe changes which would mean she would be done before him and figured she would check with Amy when Cass was on her last horse and she was close by and out of earshot.

“You OK alone, I’m done.”

“Alone how Cass, with a single male ?”

“We’ll, he seems pretty chummy so if you’re uncomfortable.”

Amy turned and looked towards the front of the barn and Finn caught her and smiled which widened hers considerably. Cass noticed but didn’t react where Amy would have noticed.

“Cass, tell me the truth, are you a part of this Lisa Jessica thing ?”

“What thing Amy ?”

She said it looking pretty surprised or confused would be a better description and Amy watched her for a few seconds.

“Getting me and Finn together.”

“Wait, what ?”

“Don’t make me repeat it Cass.”

“Is that why you’re here ?

“I swear Amy I have no part in that, unless of course you need me for something. So are you Ok ?”

I’m fine Cass, we’ve been alone before.”

Cass nodded “OK then. Well, I need more, so after dinner we’ll talk ?”

“This is not public yet, especially Caleb.”

“I’ll send him in to give Carson a bath and get him to sleep. Good for you Amy.”

“I like him Cass, I’m serious about not going public yet.”

“Ok Amy but if you like him.”

“I’m going slow and he knows I’m going slow and is fine with it. We’ve had coffee a few times, oh and a trail ride with Lyndy.”

“So what’s next ?” Cass said putting her tools into one of her small leather satchels.

“Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and coffee.” Finn said standing behind Amy which made her startle for a second and made Cass stand a little too quickly and off balance. Finn reached out to steady Amy, caught her shoulder and pulled her backwards against him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Cass stood and watched what came next. First Amy laughed but didn’t immediately pull away, then she smiled and playfully swatted Finn on his chest before she stepped forward a touch and turned again “Ok, we’re not going to be doing a lot of that.”

Finn smiled and shook his head no while crossing his heart and saying the words simultaneously “no, cross my heart.”

After they said goodbye, Amy walked Cass out to the vet truck leaving Finn behind at the next horse in his line up. They were back out of earshot and Amy helped her lift her bags into the back.

“Ok, I have to say this, Caleb’s been hanging out with that guy Sam who bought Tim’s place, he may have a thing for you.”

“Sam Langston ?”

“That’s it.”

Amy was quiet for a second and and looked up at Cass and shrugged “can’t say that ever gave me a twitch Cass, zero interest at all.”

Cass nodded “I’ve met him a few times, no vibe at all honestly, not with you for sure. I’ll try to lead Caleb off that path.”

“I’m glad you’re going to get some time away from the practice.”

“I’ll be by for a trail ride soon enough.”

“I’ll look forward to it Cass and to tonight’s call. Text me when it’s getting close and. I’ll free up my time.”

“I sure will Amy, have a good afternoon.”

Amy walked back into the barn entrance and stopped by Finn who was rubbing a horse named Truck’s muzzle.

“Hey, what are we up to ?”

“Truck here is fine and needs his stall.”

“I’ll do that and what’s next ?”

“Hand washing and PBJ’s.” He answered untying his apron as Amy led Truck away to an empty stall. “We’ll finish after lunch.”

Amy washed first as Finn’s hands would take longer and in the interim she separated two hay bales from a stack and set them up facing each other over a third that was placed as a small table. Finn joined her a few minutes later with a large steel thermos in one hand and an old fashioned steel lunchbox in the other. He put them down on the center hay bale and moved the bale that was his seat, next to rather than across from Amy.

She smiled and watched as he turned back to his truck and pulled a thermal mug out of one of his cubby holes. She patted the bale next to her and he joined her.

“Strawberry or apricot ?” He said reaching for his lunchbox.

‘Smooth or crunchy ?”

He chuckled “does it matter ?”

She smiled back “not really, Lyndy hates crunchy, how about we go halfsies ?”

“Halfsies would be great” he said pulling out a baggie and slipping half a sandwich out while Amy spread two napkins she saw sitting in the box.

“Coffee ?” He asked.

“Of course.”

He poured and handed her the mug as opposed to the thermos lid and they tapped them together before sipping.

“Sorry if it’s strong, grandad’s into cowboy coffee.”

“I have one of those grandpa’s too and my dad, it’s fine.” Amy said followed by taking a bite and another sip. “You’re a good cook, just the right amount of of peanut butter.”

He laughed “Truth is Amy Fleming I am actually a competent cook, you ?”

“I’ve learned, Lyndy likes my cooking.”

“So is this like a lunch date ?” Finn asked glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

“Lunch date huh, as opposed to PBJ’s on a hay bale ?”

“As opposed to meeting for coffee, a lunch date would be moving forward so ……”

“Kind of a cheap date don’t you think ?”

“Well, it’s name brand peanut butter and I get the jam from Schrader’s Farm Stand so not as cheap as you think.”

“So Cass knows and we’re on a lunch date, hmmm, this is a big day for you Finn Cotter.”

“Considering I didn’t expect you to be here, let alone us spending the day together, it’s a pretty special day regardless Amy.”

Amy smiled, Finn was a sweet talker, she liked it. “We’ve been set up Finn.”

“Set up ?”

“Apparently, Lisa and Jessica think we’d make a good couple.”

“And ?”

When Amy got back Lisa volunteered to get Lyndy washed and dressed for her ride while Amy ate. She sat down with a yogurt and a banana and took a big sip off her second mug of coffee when she got a text which she checked and involuntarily smiled.

“Hey it’s Finn, just checking in on how Spartan’s doing, I could probably stop by and look today if that’s Ok, no charge.” He wrote followed by a smiling emoji.

Amy thought for a second “It’s been too rainy for anything real yet but I promised my daughter a trail ride when the rain stopped. Leaving in about an hour.”

The response was immediate “Great !! I can definitely be there in an hour just have to trailer my horse, see you soon.”

Amy stared down at her phone and absentmindedly spooned some yogurt in her mouth.

“Something wrong Amy you look surprised.” Jessica asked breaking her concentration.

“Uhm, no, except I’m not sure what just happened.”

“How so ?”

“You remember Finn right ?”

Jessica smiled “From the lumberjack competition, I saw you working with him.”

Amy looked at the smile on Jessica’s face “what ?”

“He’s very good looking and I saw you two.”

“Jessica.”

“It’s Ok Amy, now tell me what you’re confused about.”

Amy thought for a second and called up the conversation on the phone then slid it across the table.

Jessica read it and turned it back.

“And what exactly are you confused about ?”

“Did I invite him on a trail ride with Lyndy ?”

“Lyndy and you, and not quite, but that’s what’s happening.”

Amy took a sip of coffee and then exhaled slowly.

“I, uhm, I don’t know if I’m ready for this Jessica.”

“I think you are Amy, look, I never met Ty but I know how important he was to you and what he meant to you but I’ve never seen you as at ease and happy as when I saw you cheering Finn on in the events and you two together watching his grandfather race,” she paused for a second “and for the few moments after. It’s just a trail ride Amy.”

Amy sighed “and he fixed my horse.”

“I thought he wasn’t from around here.”

“He’s not though he said he was thinking of staying to help out Al, you know keep an eye on him.

Jessica smiled again and leaned closer “Go change into something less ripped.”

Amy looked down “really ?”

“Go on, I’ll clean up” Jessica said shooing her off the stool.

Amy closed the door and shrugged out of her pants and then looking in the mirror shed her blouse as well. After looking again he brushed out and neatened her braids before heading to her armoire. She initially reached for a clean semi new pair of Wranglers and then stopped for a minute and reached under it to one of her pairs of Kime Ranch jeans, she held it up to her hanging blouses, grabbed one and a newer belt and dressed quickly.

Lisa cocked her head and looked at her when she came out but turned for a fresh pot of coffee and sat back down next to Jessica whom she noticed nod at Amy as if giving approval. Amy helped Lyndy with her small chaps and boots and then did her own. After Lyndy chose a baseball cap for herself Amy stared at her hats for second before picking a spotless white straw one off the wall.

“We’ll be back in a couple hours.” She said smiling as Lyndy smiled and waved goodbye.

“Have fun !!” Jessica called out as the screen door opened and then she turned to Lisa with a big smile on her face.

“What ?” Lisa asked returning her smile.

“Nothing at all.” Jessica answered still smiling.

Amy and Lyndy made a quick round of the stalls checking on clients and the other horses, she would let them meadow later on when the ground had absorbed some of the rain from the past few days. Next up was a quick brush down for Harley and Spartan before saddling.

While they worked on Harley with Lyndy on her stool and Amy alongside her Amy asked “Lyndy, do you remember Finn ?”

Lyndy nodded.

“Well, you remember that he made new shoes for Spartan ?”

“I remember.”

“He asked this morning to come and check on how Spartan’s doing so he’s going to come along with us.”

“Ok Momma. Does he have a horse ?”

“Yes he does and he’s bringing it.”

“What’s his horse’s name ?”

“I don’t know sweetie, I guess we’ll just have to ask him when he gets here.”

With Lyndy’s help, brushing down and saddling two horses expanded the time it would take Amy to do it alone by about 30 minutes. Seeing how much Lyndy loved interacting with the horses and their tolerance of her was worth every extra minute. When they were finally able to lead the horses out and tie them off it wasn’t long before a blue truck and trailer turned onto the road and pulled down towards them slowly. Amy signaled him to circle around and pull up next to the fence and then walked over to meet the driver.

She was holding Lyndy who was always a bit shy meeting new people and stepped back as the door opened. She was a bit surprised that he reached in for a cowboy hat which he fitted on before turning.

“Good to see you again Finn.”

“You too Amy and who are you ?” He asked with a broad welcoming smile while bending over to look at Lyndy and then holding out his hand.

“I’m Lyndy.” She answered smiling and then holding out her hand for an exaggerated shake.

“And I’m Finn, it’s good to meet you Lyndy.” He said matching her hand shake.

“What’s your horses name ?”

“His name is Night because as you’ll see, he’s all black.” Finn said moving to the back of the trailer and flipping the latch over.

Amy figured him for almost 16 hands, he was large by quarter horse standards for what was clearly a stock breed and it was evident he was well muscled. He was also a solid shiny black and by any stretch Amy thought Night was a handsome horse with a high forehead and clear thoughtful eyes much like his owner.

He had been trailered already saddled so Finn walked him over to the horses he saw tied off to the round pen and tied Night off as well. Spartan recognized him immediately and Finn walked over to run his hand over the horse’s muzzle and then down his neck across his side and down his legs to his hooves which he checked easily.

“So, what do you think ?” Amy asked watching him move easily around the horse.

“They look great, I take it he hasn’t been favoring any of them ?”

“He seems really comfortable.”

“Then’s let’s get him test rode and see how he does. Lyndy, can I help you up ?”

Lyndy smiled and held her hands up and Finn easily hoisted her onto Harley’s saddle.

“And what’s this handsome guy’s name ?”

“His name is Harley, he’s my horse now. He was my daddy’s horse.”

“Well he certainly looks happy that you’re taking care of him now.”

Lyndy smiled and reached over to pat Harley’s neck “He is.”

Finn smiled and stopped by Amy “here let me give you a leg up.” He said and before she knew it she was rising up and onto Sparta’s back. Finn stepped back and watched Spartan’s reaction for a second before untying Night and hoisting himself up into the saddle and settling.

Jessica stopped at the sink and was looking out the window as once again a smile formed on her face.

“Jess, what are you looking at ?”

“Amy and a young man if you must know.”

“New client, I hadn’t heard.”

“Nope not a client, the farrier who re-shod Spartan.”

“Jess ?” Lisa said walking over and catching a glimpse of the young handsome man fitting a cowboy hat to his head and speaking with a smiling Lyndy. She cocked her head when Amy turned a bit and noted the smile on her face.

“Who is he Jessica, sounds like you know what’s going on.”

“Walk me to the loft and I’ll show you.”

“You’ll show me ?”

“There are pictures that go with this story Lisa.” Jessica said reaching for her jacket and hat.

Once outside a few minutes later they caught a last glimpse of the three horses and their riders heading off past the pond. Finn and Amy were obviously chatting, him to Amy’s right with Amy leading Lyndy close by on her left. The last thing they heard was Amy laughing at something before they disappeared over a rise.

Up in the loft, Lisa settled on the couch while Jessica went to fetch her iPad from the night table next to her bed all the while starting the story.

“So Al Cotter who I understand is somewhat of a legend and Finn’s grandfather is a logger in the traditional sense, he uses horses, Clydesdales I think, to move logs in the forest, you know rather than clear cutting a path with machines. The legend thing comes from competitions where he has a long unbroken string of victories.”

“Jack mentioned something about Al when I got back.”

“Yeah, Jack, I’m not sure what the deal is with those two but regardless.”

Lisa shrugged wondering herself, “go on Jess.”

“Anyway, his horse started acting up a few days before the lumberjack thing and Amy asked to work with the horse and Finn volunteered to stand in for Al while Amy worked the horse.”

“Wait, you said he was a farrier, I thought I knew all the farriers around here.”

“You’re getting ahead of the story Lisa, Finn’s from Saskatchewan just visiting his grandpa.”

“Sorry, go on, I’ll wait.”

“Anyway, apparently Butch, that’s the horse by the way went blind in his left eye and Amy suggested that he be retrained without using side blinders so that he could move his head and get a better field of vision.”

“Which apparently she did.”

“Right, anyway through this whole thing Finn came upon Amy and Spartan and noticed that Spartan was in pain and suggested that maybe he could help by shoeing Spartan with a special set of shoes which apparently worked as well.”

“I’m glad Spartan’s doing better.”

Jessica nodded “so am I, so onto the competition which almost killed Tim but anyway I was with Amy and Lyndy and she cheered Finn on and then was with him while Al raced Butch and then after there was this.” Jessica said showing Lisa a series of photos of Amy and Finn hugging and then a slight hesitation it seems for Finn to step away.

“Look at her Lisa, I haven’t been around that long but that’s a smile I haven’t seen on Amy yet.”

“But he’s from Saskatchewan.”

“He is but Amy mentioned that he told her he was thinking of sticking around for a while, you know, to keep an eye on his grandfather, but I’m thinking it may be something more than that.”

“He’s certainly handsome isn’t he.” Lisa said going through some of the pictures.

“Cute and handsome Lisa, pretty good combination I’d say.”

Lisa nodded. “Well, let’s not make too much of all this, anyway what are your plans today Jess.”

Later on, Lisa was alone in the kitchen when she heard the truck and trailer pull out and looked out the window to see Amy once again hug Finn followed by Lyndy hugging him and then waving as he pulled away.

She had a snack ready for Lyndy when she came in and offered Amy something.

“Can I watch TV momma ?”

“Go ahead sweetheart, take your apple with you, not too long though, one show.”

“Ok Momma.”

Amy sat across from Lisa and graciously accepted the coffee offered.

“New client Amy ?”

“New farrier, he’s nice and really helped Spartan.”

“Do we generally hug our farriers ?”

Amy smiled “stop, we became friends and he’s leaving back to Saskatchewan tomorrow.”

“He’s not from around here ?”

“His grandfather lives in Hudson.”

“So just visiting ?”

Amy smiled “Lisa stop, he’s kind.”

“And ?”

“He’s just going back to pick up some stuff, you know warmer clothes, he wants to spend time with his grandpa, keep and eye on him you know ?”

“Just his grandpa ?”

Amy smiled again “just his grandpa Lisa and if you can throw him some work and let your friends know it would be nice.”

“I’ll do that then, if only to help his grandpa out.”