Love Never Happens on Valentine's Day: a sweet romantic comedy by Francesca Spencer

Author:Francesca Spencer [Spencer, Francesca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2025-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Luke

Sheena booked the trek for herself, plus one. It’s the day before I fly out to visit a possible breeding partner but that’s fine. I’m happy to lead the trek. It’ll be good to show Sheena what we have to offer the hotel guests and tourists in the area. I’m sure that’s her main reason for wanting to win the prize. She is obviously super keen; otherwise, why would she have put her name into the draw so many times?

Ray helps me saddle the ponies, Mabel and Olive. They are quiet and steady, temperaments perfect for first-timers and children. Our pedigree Quarter Horses are separate. For breeding purposes only and for sale.

Ray fits Mabel’s bridle, then leads her out of the loose box and into the stableyard to wait for Sheena and her plus one.

She could be bringing a colleague from the hotel. Or she could be bringing a friend. Perhaps a husband or boyfriend. Maybe Molly from the library or Kate from the café. Or, I secretly wish, Lydia from the floristry shop.

I finish fitting Olive’s bridle and lead her out to join Mabel who stands patiently with her head lowered and her eyes half-closed. One of her rear hooves is tipped up on end. She looks like she’s snoozing.

Soon a car pulls up and parks near the house. I hear the doors open and close and the sound of female voices. I leave the ponies tethered to the post and walk over to greet my guests.

“Howdy, ladies,” I say as my heart leaps because Sheena’s plus one is Lydia. I instantly relax and feel a rush of excitement at the same time. I take a minute to shake it off, then say, “Welcome back. Are you ready for a ride?”

“Hello, yes,” says Sheena brightly. Lydia is more reserved. She raises a hand and says a quiet hello.

“Alright. Let’s get you on a horse, then.” We walk together to the stableyard where Olive and Mabel stand quietly with Ray who is holding their reins. He tips his hat and nods politely in greeting.

“So, hands up if you’ve never been on a horse before,” I say by way of introduction.

“I have, but it was a long time ago,” says Sheena.

“Same,” says Lydia.

“There’s really nothing to it. The ponies know their job. All you need to do is stay on.” I walk toward Olive and Mabel. “But first, before you get onto your pony, you have to say hello. This is Olive. Lydia, she’s your pony today. And Sheena, the grey one here is Mabel. She’s yours. Go ahead, say hello. They understand.” I allow a minute for the ladies to pat the ponies and get acquainted, then I continue. “The next step is getting on, which can be a bit tricky if you haven’t been on a horse for a while. Go ahead, if you want. Otherwise, I’ll talk you through it.”

Ray helps Sheena onto Mabel, and I stand close to Lydia in case she needs assistance. I breathe in her fragrance, a mix of honeysuckle and fresh-mown grass.

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