The horse let out a little huff of air. I could only hope that I was doing the right thing, choosing the right timing. I slowly rose, and she backed away. I did the same. But I would be back for her. She’d never be alone on my watch again.
The bell jingledas I pushed open the door to the Kettle. The scents of tea and baked goods were almost as comforting as that of horses and hay. Almost.
My mom greeted me with a bright smile. “So?”
I grinned back. “I’m bringing her home tomorrow.”
Mom did a little jump and squeal, clapping her hands together as she went. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“She’s going to need a little time to adjust, but I can tell she loves people.”
My mom sobered. “Poor thing. I hate that she’s been stuck there for so long. We’ll make her feel safe again.”
I rounded the counter and wrapped my mom in a hug. God, I loved this woman. She approached every living creature, large or small, the same. It didn’t matter if they were human, mammal, or reptile, they all got kindness and a safe place to rest in Sarah Cole’s orbit. “I love you, Mom.”
She gave me a squeeze. “I love you, too, baby girl.” She released me. “So, you got a name picked out?”
“Not yet.”
My mom let out a huff of air. “Everyone needs a name.”
I chuckled. My mom was always hurrying me to name the horses I adopted, but I liked to give them a chance to show me who they were first. “I’ll know when I know. But I have a couple ideas.”
“Oh, fine.” A timer buzzed from the kitchen. “Watch the register while I grab that batch of brownies, would you?”
“Of course.” I eyed the bakery case to see how we were doing on supplies. I’d only been gone a couple of hours, but the scones were gone, and the brownies were running low. Good thing I could count on my mom to stay on top of it all. Now, if only I could find another employee as good as her.
The bell over the door jingled, and two men entered, pulling off their cowboy hats as they crossed the threshold. Their expressions were as different as night and day. One had a bright smile, the other wore a deep scowl.Here we go…
Kind smile walked up to the counter. “Afternoon, Miss Jensen. How’re you doing?”
“I’m good, Bill, how about you?”
“Can’t complain. Just grabbing some supplies at the feed store and had to get a stash of some of your treats for the road.” He patted his stomach.
The man behind him mumbled something under his breath that I couldn’t quite make out, but it had Bill giving him a warning look.
“Check out what we’ve got in the case, and my mom’s pulling another batch of brownies out of the oven right now.” I met Mr. Grumpy’s gaze. “Can I offer you a sample of anything? On the house.”
The man’s stare hardened. “I wouldn’t take food from you if you paid me.”
“Tom—” Bill started.
I bristled. “Excuse me?”
Tom’s hands fisted at his sides. “You think you’re better than the rest of us. Throwing your family’s money around to protect those horses that are no good to anyone.”
My jaw clenched. Last year, there’d been a vote on whether to increase the lands for ranchers to lease for grazing. That increase would’ve cut into the area where the mustangs roamed. My family had been vocal in opposing the measure, and some people thought we were betraying our own.
I took a steadying breath. “I understand you might not agree with our stance, but that doesn’t change the taste of the cookies we serve here. I’d be happy to give you some.”Kill them with kindness.I repeated my mom’s mantra over and over in my head.
Tom let out an unflattering curse, then turned on his heel and strode right out the door. Good riddance.
Bill shuffled forward, his cheeks red. “I’m real sorry about that, Jensen. Tom has a temper on him.”
I waved a hand in front of my face. “Not your fault. I know it’s tough when you’re passionate about something and someone disagrees.”
“That’s true enough.” Bill pointed out what he wanted and paid. “You have a good day.”
