Being around horses seemed to ease Carrie’s anxieties. Jacob experienced the same thing with the beautiful creatures. During his first visits to Destiny, he fell in love with horses because of his own darkness. Recalling his own troubled childhood, he wondered what demons from Carrie’s past still haunted her.
“Carrie, I can’t wait to ride her, but first, I want to take you home to meet our daughter Kimmie and my mom.”
“Don’t worry about the horses,” Josh said. “Jacob and I will take them back to Stone Ranch. They’ll be there when you’re ready to ride.”
“Do you have another horse for Carrie to ride?” Matt asked. “I would love the entire family to go for a ride soon.”
Jacob saw Carrie’s face light up at Matt’s words. “We’ll make sure there’s a horse for her, too.”
Carrie looked at him and Josh. “Thank you for the wonderful ride today, guys. It was the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”
“Our pleasure.” Josh tipped his hat to her. “Anytime you want to ride again, just let us know.”
“Shall we?” Jena asked, motioning to the car she and Carrie had arrived in earlier at Stone Ranch.
“Yes, sweetheart.” Matt opened his car door. “Sean and I will meet you two at the house.”
Jena passed the keys to Carrie.
Jacob watched the four of them drive away in the two vehicles.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Josh asked.
“And that would be what exactly?”
“I like Carrie, Jacob. I really want to help her. I can tell that something is not quite right for her, but I can’t figure it out.”
“I’m with you, bro. There’s one person you sent me to when I was struggling with my past.”
“Sam O’Leary.”
“Yes. He helped me, and I’m betting he can help her, too.”
Josh nodded. “Then let’s go talk to him.”
Back inside the restaurant, they walked to the O’Learys’ table.
“Do you mind if we join you for a moment?” Josh asked.
“Please,” Sean said.
Ethel smiled. “That was the most touching moment I’ve ever seen. And that’s saying a lot, since I’m 80-something years old.”
Patrick laughed. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to say 80-something. Sam and I know exactly how old you are.” He grabbed her hand. “And you’re more beautiful than the day we married you.”
Sam took her other hand. “Never more true words have ever been spoken.”
The sweet woman’s smile broadened. “My mother told me to be wary of Irish men’s blarney. I’m glad I didn’t listen to her.” Ethel kissed her husbands on the cheeks and then turned her attention back to him and Josh. “I’m so glad I got to witness Matt’s reunion with his sister.”
“It was touching, but I’m worried about Carrie,” he told the O’Learys. “And Sam, we want you to talk to her.”
Sam leaned forward. “We? You mean you and Josh?
“Yes.”
Sam smiled. “I thought so. You two are smitten with the pretty lass, aren’t you?”
“I sure am.” Josh’s admission was no surprise. “And I can tell Jacob is, too. Right?”