of air from his vocals. Mike hugged his neck.
Ben might be old, but he’d come to Mike with years of experience. He was the best horse he owned. Every horse they trained was held up to the standard of this one, and with that they’d built a reputation for breeding excellent show Percherons.
There wasn’t anything like a team of solid black Percherons pulling a wagon. Sure, the Clydesdales were popular, but Mike wouldn’t trade his team of Percherons for all the beer-wagon horses in the world.
“Hey, Dad.” Misty picked up a brush and headed for one of the stalls. “I’ll get Box.”
“Thanks. No homework tonight?”
“Not much. I’ve got time to help.”
“Are you okay? You seem a little quiet lately.”
She shrugged and muttered “I’m okay” as she led Box out into the alley and tied his lead rope to the outside of the stall. She brushed with long sweeping motions, settling her other palm on the side of the horse’s neck as she poured soothing comments with every stroke.
Mike finished up with Ben and led him over to his stall door. As Ben ambled in, Mike handed him an apple. Ben brayed a thank-you.
Mike looked around the barn, thankful for all he’d been able to do here. These horses, and Misty, were his team.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Mike said. “I used the leftover pot roast to make my vegetable beef soup. Your favorite.”
“That sounds perfect. I love soup nights. I can make some fried corn bread to go with it.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” They exchanged a quick smile. They worked quietly through the rest of the team, and then Mike swept out the alleyway in the barn until Misty got done.
She led her horse to his stall.
Mike walked over to her. “What’s going on? You’re never this quiet.”
“Nothing really. I just have this feeling.” She used the back of her hand to brush back her bangs. “I love my job at Porter’s.”
“That’s a good thing. It’s been in the family forever.”
“I know, but I overheard Lilene talking. Someone from corporate is coming to town.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, but after all the fuss when we got bought out, we really haven’t heard a thing from corporate. Now out of the blue someone is coming. Like tomorrow.”
“They promised nothing would change. There hasn’t been any announcement to the contrary, has there?”
“No. But it seems like odd timing. We’re so busy. No one has time to deal with someone looking over our shoulders right now. You don’t think they’ll close Porter’s, do you?”
“No way.”
“What if they realize how young I am and fire me so they can hire someone older and more experienced to manage the retail store?”
She was quickly outgrowing the title of his little girl. Wise beyond her years, she made him proud and panicky at the same time. “Misty, you might be young, but you’re doing a great job. You showed me your reports. You’re responsible for the lift in sales last year since the new layout of the store. You’ve saved them a great deal of money, and profits are at an all-time high. You’re a natural. No one is going to replace you. Your good work stands for itself.”
“You really think so?”
“I do. Don’t worry about things you have no control over. Enjoy being a teenager. There’s no sense in worrying about all that stuff right now.”
“I know, but I’d be heartbroken if anything happened to my job at Porter’s. I love being there. It makes me still feel close to Mom.”
He hugged her close. “Which is probably why you’re so good at it.” A day didn’t go by that he didn’t curse his grandfather for selling out. Sure, the corporation had promised they’d leave everything “as is” with Porter’s, but didn’t they all say that? “You know you don’t have to work all those hours. If you had more time with your friends, or study group, that wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Maybe you’re stressed because you’re so busy.”
“I’m getting all A’s, Dad. I don’t need more time to study, and I see my friends at the store too.” The horse she’d just put up leaned forward, hanging his head out of the stall and resting his chin on the top of her head. “Ewww.” She lifted his chin and stepped aside, rubbing his jawline. “Now that you’ve unsuccessfully dodged my question, what do you really think this corporate exec wants with us?”
Mike wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “It’s anyone’s guess. Let’s not