“She is,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in close. “But she went knowing she was loved.”
Katie couldn’t hold back any longer. She nodded, bobbing her head as the truth of his words sank in. She wept quietly and turned to Luke, her tears running down her cheeks and soaking his shirt.
“It’s okay, Katie. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”
“I knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I thought we’d have more time with her.”
She had never owned a pet. She’d never had an animal to care for, to nurture and love, until she’d started working at the rescue. She loved all the horses here; they all had a story. But for some reason Snow was special. She’d touched Katie’s heart and they’d shared a deep connection, a bond that she didn’t have with any of the others. Katie had taken it as a personal challenge to make Snow’s days comfortable.
Luke clearly felt the same way. His eyes moist, his expression sad, he couldn’t mask his sorrow either. He brushed his lips across her forehead. She needed his warmth right now, his strength.
“There’s nothing more we can do.” His voice was shaky and he seemed reluctant to release her, to let go of the bond they’d shared. “We should go.”
She nodded, wiping her face with the back of her hand and then attempting to pat his shirt dry from her tears. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said softly.
“I hate to leave her.”
“I’ll let Wes know she’s gone. He’ll take good care of her from now on.”
It was hard to let go. To say goodbye.
Luke rose and helped her up, entwining their hands. “Ready?”
“I think so.” She glanced at poor Snow one last time, her heart breaking.
Luke picked up the jackets and brushed the straw off them. “Put this on. It’ll be cold outside.”
He gave the fallen horse one last glance, too, a look filled with sadness and regret as he grabbed a woolen blanket from the stall post and covered her body.
Katie slipped into his jacket and he clasped her hand again, his warmth and strength seeping into her. He led her out of the barn. “C’mon, sweetheart. Let me take you home.”
She didn’t mind the endearment this time; she couldn’t fight it. Couldn’t argue. She’d had a rough twenty-four hours and she was just too numb to think anymore. His shoulders were there for her to lean on, he seemed to know the right things to say and this one time she would accept what Luke had to offer.
Without guilt.
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