Cornhusker Dreams by Cara Putman

Author:Cara Putman [Putman, Cara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Whisper Valley Press

The next morning Lainie stood in the kitchen, watching Esther put together a picnic for her. Esther added a container of homemade coleslaw, so the basket overflowed with cold fried chicken, cookies, apples, and a bottle of milk.

“That should do it.”

Lainie eyed it and nodded. “I think that’s plenty. We’ll only be gone a few hours.”

“All that fresh air could make you extra hungry.”

“You’re assuming we’ll find a horse that likes me.” Lainie grabbed the basket before Esther could stuff anything else in it. “Thank you.”

She carried the basket to the front porch, where she sank onto the top step to wait. Several cars moved up and down the street. The sun warmed her face, and the scent of roses filled the air. Tom had been right; this would be the perfect day to spend outside.

Thirty minutes later, as she stared at horses that towered over her in the barn, she wanted to retract her agreement. “You seriously want me to climb on the back of one of these beasts?”

“Yes. We’ll find a gentle one for you. The WACs love to ride, so Private Thorson here is used to matching women with horses.”

Lainie eyed the skinny soldier and wondered what qualified him. “Aren’t you a little small for a soldier?”

“I’m a world-class jockey on loan to the Army. Edgar Thorson, at your service.”

“I can see your ego more than makes up for your stature.”

“Yes, ma’am, and this horse is perfect for you.”

He led a gray dappled horse toward her. Lainie stepped backward to avoid getting stepped on. The horse’s back easily met her head.

Tom gripped her hands and forced her to look at him. “Lainie, you can do this. And you’ll love it. You love your freedom, and nothing is better than racing across a field on horseback.”

Spots floated in her vision, and her breath caught in her chest.

Concern flashed across Tom’s face. “Don’t worry. We won’t race today. We’ll let the horses walk, maybe canter, but only if you want to.”

The horse snorted and lowered its head to nuzzle her shoulder. Lainie took another step away and shook her head. She considered the horse. Would it feel like freedom to soar across the plains on it? “What’s this thing’s name?”

Private Thorson grinned at her. “Daisy.”

“Exactly the name I would have chosen.” The horse pawed the ground and then stepped toward her. “Persistent thing, isn’t she?” Lainie reached up and ran her fingers along the velvety muzzle. She inhaled and smelled the mixed scent of hay, horse, and sunshine. “You’d better get me on her before I change my mind.”

Private Thorson led Daisy toward a block of wood standing next to the barn. “All you need to do is hop up on this block. Once you do, hold on to the saddle horn with both hands. I’ll hold her steady while you put your left foot in the stirrup and throw your right leg across her.”

“I’m sure it’s that simple.” Lainie rolled her eyes and pulled Tom with her as she stalked to the block.

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