I pointed towards the forest floor. While most of it was riddled with pine needles, there was a small patch of soft soil showing through.
Noah’s head snapped back to me. “Tracks!”
I rose, helping Noah up as I went. “Let’s go see if it will show us where they’re headed.”
We made our way over to the patch of ground, and Noah crouched low, studying the hoof prints. “I think…” He paused, nibbling on his bottom lip. “I think they’re going that way.” Noah pointed off to the east.
“I think you’re right.”
Noah’s face brightened, and he rose.
“What do you know that’s in that direction that the deer might be interested in?”
His thinking-face scrunch was back. Noah looked like a cross between Yoda and an adorable Pug. I fought the chuckle that wanted to escape. His face brightened. “The creek! Maybe they’re thirsty.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Let’s head over there and see what we can find.”
Noah grinned but faltered. “I don’t know exactly where I’m going, can you lead the way?”
“Of course.” I stepped over a fallen log. “The more you come out here, the easier it will be to remember exactly how to get where you want to go.”
“I just have to keep a lookout for landmarks, right?”
I couldn’t help the massive smile. Noah was so eager to learn. “That’s right. But no coming out here alone, remember?”
“Oh, I won’t. I don’t want to shovel horse poop for two weeks like you and Uncle Walker.”
I chuckled. “Smart man.”
Noah grabbed my hand. “Look!” The single word came out on a whisper-shout. I froze. “There’s babies.”
My gaze shot to the creek where a herd of about eight deer, including three fawns, drank. “You did it. You found them.”
Noah looked up at me, wonder filling his expression. “I did, didn’t I?”
“I’d say you’re on your way to becoming a tracker.”
He didn’t let go of my hand. “Thanks for teaching me, Tuck.”
Warmth flooded me at his words. “Anytime, little man.”
“I can’t wait to tell Mom.”
My chest tightened. Yet another reason I needed to keep Jensen filed away in the sister category. I didn’t want to lose this with Noah. I already had one family in shambles, I couldn’t risk the one I had built for myself.
I pulledmy truck up to the fence line at Jensen’s property. She’d been busy this afternoon. Two smaller paddock areas had been set up next to her small barn. I turned off the engine, my gaze searching for that flowing, brunette mane.
I pushed my door gently closed as my eyes caught on her form. Jensen stood forehead to forehead with Phoenix in the pasture. My steps halted. Watching Jensen with her horses was always a sight to behold. The connection. The trust. It was simply breathtaking.
Phoenix must’ve caught my scent because she broke the hold first, her head turning towards me. Jensen followed, raising a hand as she headed my way. “Hey. Where’s Noah?”
I ducked between the rails in the fence. “We stopped by the ranch house on the way up here, and he opted to stay with Irma so they could practice their karate moves.”
Jensen laughed as the wind whipped her hair around her face in a wild dance. God, she was beautiful.
I swallowed hard and looked towards the newly erected paddocks. “I take it you’ve found at least one new member for your herd.”
Jensen took a step closer, and I could see hints of that old wildfire dancing in her eyes. “She’s beautiful, Tuck. Beaten down, but so beautiful. We’re gonna give her a safe place to rest.”
