Page 74 of Falling Together

“I told you, the kids are fine. No one is getting the shaft with the big celebration tonight.”

Sam scrubs a hand down the back of his neck. “I appreciate you helping out. These things are a lot of work, and we need someone with experience helping out with the rides.”

I pat him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it covered.”

People are in and out of the barn getting everything ready for the end of summer festival tonight. After a great first season, Kade decided to make this a regular thing. I love it. I know it’s a lot of work for Sam since he manages the barn, but for me? I get to help with horseback rides in the field.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

Given that my students won’t be here for a bit longer, I head into the barn to check on all the horses. A few of the ranch hands are getting them ready, but Queenie is patiently waiting for me, her nose sticking out of her stall.

“You know something’s going on today, don’t you?” I ask, giving her a kiss.

She neighs in response.

“Yeah. You’ll have a busy day, but don’t worry. You’ll get lots of treats. And Luke will be back, so make sure you’re good for him, okay?” I tell her.

Another nod.

“Georgia, are you in here?” Janice’s voice calls out.

“Oh, hey.”

I peer through the barn door to see her waiting with the kids.

“Sorry, we got here a bit earlier than I planned,” she says.

“Not a problem. Just talking to Queenie about her day,” I say.

“Did you ask her if I get to ride her today?” Maddie asks without hesitation.

“I don’t know. Do you think you’re ready for that?” I ask her.

I know she is, but I want to hear her say it. It’s always up to them if they want to ride her. I never want to put a kid on a horse too soon.

“If Maddie gets to ride her, can I ride her too?” River asks.

“I think I’m ready,” Maddie says.

“Awesome. Why don’t y’all go grab your helmets and we’ll get started on tacking Queenie and then go for some rides, okay?”

“Yes!” They all cheer, running to where the gear is kept.

“Maddie was talking the whole ride over about how excited she was that today might be the day she gets to ride Queenie,” Janice tells me.

That brings a smile to my face. “Chatting your ear off? I’m glad she’s making progress.”

“Me too. Her foster mom said she’s opening up more at home, and is engaging meaningfully with them.”

“That’s why I love doing what I do,” I tell her, turning my back to her and facing Queenie so she won’t see the tears welling my eyes.

It’s hard not to get emotional when I know my students are making progress. Maybe if I had something like this, I would have been able to find a family like Maddie. Her foster parents are working hard to adopt her—two wonderful people who couldn’t have biological kids, but are giving her everything she’s never had.

I hope she gets it, because all of these kids deserve the world.

“We're ready.” River and Ben are standing at the entrance to the stall as Janice heads out.

“Who gets to ride Queenie first?” Maddie asks.