sharp slam of Thunder’s hoof against the stall door sounded, an earsplitting crack of wood cutting through the air and causing them all to jump. Logan’s arms shot out, snagging the boys close. He bundled them all together and rolled over, pressing against the wall and covering them.
“What’s happening?” Jayden cried, his arms tight around Amy’s neck.
“That mean horse is trying to stomp on us.” Kayden burrowed his blond head into her middle.
“No.” Logan’s voice, calm and soothing, rumbled at her back. “He’s just letting us know he wants his space.”
Thunder’s assault on the stall door ceased. Logan tensed, holding them all tight in the wake of the silence, then eased back. He stood and tugged them, each in turn, to their feet.
“Land sakes, what have the boys done now?”
Betty stood in the stable entrance, Traci at her side, and eyed the twins.
“Nothing,” Amy said hastily. “Thunder’s being rowdy is all.”
“Rowdy’s an understatement,” Logan said, frowning. “He’s about to take that door down. We need to turn him out so I can work on it. Don’t want to chance him breaking it down tonight.”
“He wants out,” Jayden murmured.
His sad eyes lingered on Thunder. He took a hesitant step toward the stall. Thunder resumed kicking, his hooves slamming against the stall walls and echoing around the stable.
Logan jumped in front of Jayden and examined the door for damage. “We’re about to turn him out, buddy.”
“Why can’t we let him out now?” Jayden slipped between Logan’s parted legs, stretching up on his toes and reaching for the latch on the stall.
“No, Jayden.” Logan spun him gently toward Betty. “You leave this to me and keep your distance from him. He’s dangerous.”
“But—”
“No buts. Thunder’s wild when he’s loose. He needs to be fenced in.” He ruffled Jayden’s blond hair and nudged him toward the door. “You and Kayden can watch Thunder all you want once we turn him out. For now, you keep out of the way.”
Jayden glanced up at Amy, his chin trembling and blue eyes glistening. “He doesn’t like it in there. He wants out.”
Amy’s chest tightened. She patted his cheek and smiled. “I know he does. And we’re going to let him out for some fresh air soon.”
“Well, in that case, you boys go on in and get some breakfast,” Betty said. “Give Logan and Amy time to get a handle on Thunder, then you can come back out to watch later on.”
Kayden grumbled on his way past Betty and Jayden trudged behind but both boys picked up their pace at hearing pancakes and bacon were waiting on them.
“Pop told me he found the two of you out here with Thunder last night,” Betty said. “We got worried when you didn’t show back up.” She tilted her head at Amy, expression cautious. “I guess this means you changed your mind about working with Thunder?”
Amy nodded. “I don’t know how much progress I’ll make with the little time I have but I promised Logan I’d give it a shot while I’m here.”
Betty glanced at Logan. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Logan ducked his head and resumed examining Thunder’s stall.
“I brought a pancake and bacon sandwich out for each of you.” Betty smiled, placing two foiled bundles in Amy’s hands. “Figured if y’all were gung ho to stay out here all night, you wouldn’t take a break long enough to eat this morning. The hands were wolfing them down so fast, I didn’t think there’d be any left by the time you did get around to coming in.”
The thick weight of the packages warmed Amy’s palms and the sweet aroma caused her stomach to growl. The rumble was loud and long, triggering Logan’s deep chuckle at her back and a giggle from Traci.
Amy joined them, the laughter lifting her spirits. For a moment, it felt like home again. The way it used to before things went so bad. When the ranch was full of comforts, family and laughter. A time when she’d never wanted to leave.
“Take a few minutes to eat before you start working,” Betty said. “You can’t make it through a long day on no sleep and an empty stomach.”
Betty smiled but her eyes were puffy. Dark circles hovered beneath them and a red tinge lined her lashes.
Amy winced, a lump rising in her throat. Betty had probably stayed up half the night, too. Worrying and weeping. And she’d been the cause of it.
“Thank you, Mama.” Amy hugged her close, murmuring near her ear, “I’m not going anywhere yet, you know?”
Betty sighed, squeezing her tight. “I know. I’m glad to have you home for however long you’re able to stay.” She pulled back and smiled. “I’m happy about your new job and I’ll help in whatever way I can. For now, let’s just have a great Christmas together, okay?”
Amy grinned, the pressure easing in her chest. “Yes, ma’am.”
Betty looked at Logan. “Dominic and Pop said they’d handle the trail rides for you today. So make sure you eat, too, before getting started.”
Logan dipped his head and winked. “Yes ma’am.”
Betty left, calling over her shoulder, “I gotta get back to the kitchen. Sun’s coming up and there’s a hungry crowd of guests that needs to be fed.”
Amy tugged at Traci’s arm as she turned to leave. “You’re still gonna help me out with Thunder, right?”
Traci’s brows rose. “Do you want me to?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Amy placed the foiled sandwiches in Traci’s hand. “Can you do me a favor and hold on to these? I need to change out of these clothes before we get started, then you can watch me work on getting Thunder out of the stall.” She laughed. “Or, at least, try getting him out. Do you think you can round up a couple sticks and strings? We’ll need a rope, too.”
Traci beamed. “No problem.”
Amy changed into a gray hoodie, jeans and boots then joined Logan and Traci outside. The strong morning sun had broken out above the horizon and burned off the frost from last night. The air turned warmer and the wind less fierce. Amy tilted her head back and pushed up her sleeves, absorbing the heat.
Figured. Georgia weather was unpredictable at best. It could be thirty degrees at night then spring back to seventy by noon. She’d learned a long time ago to just take it as it came.
She, Logan and Traci took up residence on the white fence lining the paddock. They lingered over the sweet and salty breakfast Betty had provided, watching the horses stroll across the dormant brown grass of the fields. The pleasant chatter of guests sounded and, soon, Raintree’s grounds were speckled with visitors, all soaking up the pleasant late–November day.
After
