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“Well, I want to make Piper do the work,” I said. “I’m gonna miss you, kiddo.”

“I’ll be back before you know it,” Piper said. “Oh my God, do you think Chloe’s friends could recommend a barn there? Could I take lessons?”

“I bet so!” Emma chimed in. “She knows everyone.”

Thank God I was about to get the money from Opal’s sale. I’d need a mint to put her in dressage lessons in Germany. I wanted Piper to have the world, but her world grew greener. I didn’t want to remind her we were not Chloe Markham level wealthy, no matter which circles she ran with. I assumed somehow with her mother’s support, intelligence, and an ability to act like a social chameleon, she’d only grow into this world. Hell, she’d probably marry up!

I didn’t want to think about that. God, what if she found a boyfriend in Germany and begged us to fly her between? I wasn’t ready for boyfriends. Ever since she’d gone to Homecoming with a boy who was the self-described “queen of drama club”, I hadn’t given her dating life a second thought. Piper had always been more in love with her horses than boys.

Riley smiled. “Chloe will know someone. But you really don’t want to take a few months off? I’ll give you a pass.”

“No! The Germans are fab at dressage!” Piper insisted.

“And then you can add ‘learned riding in another language’ to your college apps,” Emma said.

“See, Dad. It’s Practical!” Piper said.

Leslie grinned at Piper. “Yeah, she’s got to ride, and she can’t lose her edge. I’ll kick her ass otherwise.”

“Not gonna happen,” Piper said, nudging Leslie with her shoulder playfully. “I will come back even stronger! Just you wait.”

Her fighting spirit always won. After all we’d been through—storms, trials, losing our home, and a new school, Piper continued with grace we didn’t deserve.

“You’ll go on to do amazing things, Piper,” I said. “I’m so proud of you, honey. You don’t have to convince me any further.”

“Thanks Dad,” Piper said. “Now, I need to figure out what clothes I’m going to bring.”

Ah, teen girls! They were always planning an outfit. I didn’t have to understand it. I just had to live with it.

* * *

CHLOE

“You alright?” Cole asked, as I sat beside him at the campfire.

I loved and hated that he was here. I enjoyed riding with him, but he tempted me. He hovered and I worried Riley would again point out what they saw.

“Just fucking exhausted,” I laughed. “I got some more dish soap. I also grabbed some cocoa. Did you want one?”

“Nah,” he raised a koozie and beer. “And I feel you. I’m not long for this evening. No rest for the wicked.”

“Where are the kids?” I asked.

“They went on a walk. I don’t know. I have no idea how they have the energy after that ride today.”

“I know. Where did that enthusiasm go?” I sighed. “Why did I agree to this?”

“Why did I agree to ride a horse at Congress? That’s the same question I’m asking.”

“Oh, that’s happening?”

He’d debated riding a horse for a friend after she broke her arm. I didn’t understand Quarter Horse Congress in a large sense, but I knew it was a big deal.

“It’s a hot mess. But the mare is out of Doobie’s mother. I cannot say no.”

“I get it,” I chuckled. “I am a sucker for a family saga.”

“Same.” Cole looked down. “Did Piper tell you her news?”