Shea’s chest, then froze—he’d forgotten he hadn’t said a word to Stacey about his and Shea’s relationship. Shea pulled away, and Jake glanced over his shoulder to see the quick flash of hurt in his eyes before he covered it up.
“Shea, look—”
“Naw, it’s all good. Lemme make sure the cinch is tight enough on that saddle.”
Long, purposeful strides took Shea from his side, and Jake felt torn between the duty to his daughter and wanting to give in to his heart. Miserable, he sat and watched as Shea picked up Stacey like she was a feather and placed her on the pony. Kiss walked around the horse, who ignored her, standing with his tail swishing but otherwise not making a move.
“He’s head over heels for her.” Craig rested his arms on the wooden railing. “I ain’t never thought to see Shea crazy about kids, but she’s gone and wrapped him around her little pinky.”
“You’ve known each other a long time, right?”
“Since we were nothin’ more than a spit in the wind. Shea’s been like a brother to me ’n Johnny. The Montgomerys are the best people I’ve ever been lucky to know. If it weren’t for Beau, Shea’s daddy, me ’n Johnny would probably be dead. We didn’t have nowhere to go once our parents kicked us out.”
Remembering Erica had mentioned their story to him, Jake hoped to get more insight into Shea from his closest friend. “And you live here? On the ranch?”
“Beau helped us build a house on the other side, down by the creek, and gave it to us to live in. Ain’t nobody ever treated us better than him. And Shea ain’t no different. That man has a heart of gold. Lookit how he’s holding on to those reins, even though that pony is trained specific to help with kids.”
“Oh, right, Shea mentioned many of the horses are trained.”
“Uh-huh.” Craig chewed on a piece of hay. “Them horses are gentle as a cloud. Me ’n Johnny ’n Shea bought four from the summer camp that closed last month outside Dallas. All them horses been at the camp for a good five or six years, they told us. Had all their trainin’ ’n such for kids with special needs.”
“What about you all, though?” When Jake had put Stacey in an equine-assisted therapy program, he’d made sure to learn all he could about it. “Have you taken the courses and gotten certified? When I looked up the ranch, I didn’t see anything about it.”
“Not yet. Me ’n Johnny are gonna do it together. We already got our CPR certificates. All the animals here that people might come in contact with were bought with their temperament in mind. They’re all sweet as Aunt Patty’s pecan pie.”
“Jake, see how your little princess is ridin’?” Shea called out as they circled around the paddock. “We’ll make a cowgirl outta her ’fore she leaves.”
Jake could see Stacey’s confidence growing by the set of her shoulders. “You’re doing great, honey.” He waved to her, then struck up a conversation with Craig again. “So Shea said he’s thinking of selling the ranch?”
Craig’s perpetually sunny demeanor vanished. “Yeah, I dunno what it’ll mean for us or the ranch…but it ain’t my business. It’s Shea’s to do with as he wishes. He’s always wanted to shake the dust of this place off his boots and hightail it to New York City.” Jake caught his gaze. “Our loss is gonna be your gain, I figure.”
Feeling defensive, Jake crossed his arms. “I don’t know. We haven’t spoken about the future. We don’t know each other all that well, and I have responsibilities.”
Craig pushed off from the fence. “I’m not hearing nothin’ that says anythin’ different than what I’m thinking. ’Cause you haveta know that man is as crazy about you as he is for your little girl.” He tipped his hat and walked away, leaving Jake more confused than ever.
He was soon joined by Terry, who, in a Forget Me Not T-shirt like the one Patty wore, her hair held back in a kerchief, seemed as much a part of the ranch as if she lived here.
“Isn’t it marvelous? I never imagined a place like this existed.” Terry waved to Stacey and Shea. “And look at her. She’s having a wonderful time.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I know so. You forget I’m trained to notice cues from patients, and though I’m not a psychologist, I’ve been with Stacey almost every day since she was close to two years old.