Page 136 of Time To Learn

My lips pull up in a confused smile.

“That’s a strange question coming from you. You know we don’t keep the horses once they’re fully rehabilitated, sweetie.”

The flare of hope in her eyes dies down, making me feel wretched, but it’s just the way it’s always been. I gather the reins in my right hand before I motion Ailith closer. Slowly, her head hanging down, she walks towards me and I hug her to my side. Thunder turns his head and I can’t help but notice his eyes appear sad, too.

But he can’t be sad. He’s just a horse.

I look down at my daughter and give her a gentle squeeze.

“Listen, it’ll be a long time before this guy will be able to trust anybody else but us. So let’s talk about it again when we reach that point, okay?”

She heaves a sigh butnods.

“Okay.”

“Come on.” I turn us around and head for the stables. Thunder snorts once, but follows me placidly. “I have to get ready for my date with Kristian.”

Just thinking about him sends a swarm of delicious butterflies through my tummy.

“Can I ask you a question, Mummy?”

I cluck my tongue ather.

“Of course. You can ask me anything, you knowthat.”

“Well…” Ailith squints her eyes at me before she takes my outstretched hand. “I was just wondering if Kristian makes you happy?”

Warmth settles in my heart and I smile gently at her. She’s taken to my new relationship status really well—better than I’d expected—but I’ve known it wouldn’t be long before she started grillingme.

She’s a smartgirl.

“Yes, hedoes.”

When her smile breaks through, I almost have to catch my breath at the sheer happiness in hereyes.

“I’m glad. I’m happy you’re not so sad anymore.”

“Oh, sweetie.” I take a deep breath as we enter the stables. “That means a lot tome.”

“Are you going to get married?”

I almost stumble and suppress a nervous laugh.

“We haven’t known each other for that long, Ailith. It’s way too soon to think about marriage. Plus, I’m not sure I ever want to get married again.”

“Whynot?”

I stop next to Thunder’s stall, and turn to unstrap the girth on the saddle as I think carefully about how to answer that. I remove the saddle and place it on the ground before I turn to faceher.

“People don’t always get married even though they love each other,” I answer, keeping my voice soft. “It doesn’t mean they’re afraid to commit—it’s just not for them. I respect and understandthat.”

“I don’t understand.”

I can’t contain my chuckle, and tap lightly on her nose, amused at the small frown that appears between hereyes.

“Don’t you worry about it. When you’re older, I’ll try to explain things to you. You just concentrate on being a child for now, please.”

She nibbles on her lips, nodding slowly as I turn back to remove Thunder’s harness.