“So your mom was just shit out of a horse?” Amanda laughed. “What kind of raw deal is that?”
“They moved to Europe so he could film a movie and she’s been shopping her face off all around London and Paris ever since. That former beauty queen is living her very best life. She don’t give a fuck about no horse.”
“Oh, okay. Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. I have a confession to make.”
“Spill it, girl.”
“I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
He blinked. “You wanna change that?”
Amanda hesitated before she replied, “Not today, but maybe soon.”
Sam laughed at the adorable smile on her face. The way her dimples popped was cute as hell. She nudged him back, shoulder to shoulder. “What? So I’m a bit of a coward.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“I love horses, but I just fear and respect their size and literal horsepower. Also one of my worst fears is getting kicked in the head.”
Another burst of laughter erupted from Sam. “I will not let you get kicked in the head.”
“Thank you. I’m too pretty to take a horseshoe indent to the face. Plus I love all of my teeth.”
“I’ll keep you safe. I promise. I do have to warn you though. My horse hates everyone.”
Amanda shook her head. “She won’t hate me.”
“Oh? Feeling confident all of a sudden. I thought you were afraid of horses.”
“I’m not afraid of them. I love horses. Like I’m a low-key weirdo horse girl. But there’s a difference between dreaming of having your own horse one day and naming her Buttercup and braiding her mane during another horse girl sleepover, and knowing that horses are massive animals that I’m just not sure I would like to climb atop.”
“She lets the guests ride her, but she’s just not in the mood for no bullshit. Now, Zach’s horse, Steve. That’s a horse you bring to a slumber party.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah.”
“And his name is Steve?”
“Yes,” Sam said, chuckling a bit.
“Steve’s gonna love me too.”
“He will, but don’t get too full of yourself. Zach literally trained him to kiss people on the cheek. Steve’s a damn flirt.”
“Oh well, then I’ll focus on making friends with him.”
They came around to the pasture just as Chris was bringing Bam Bam out to join Majesty and Steve during their turnout. He led her over to the fence.
“So the midnight beauty right there is Majesty, the speckled gray fella there is Steve, and black spots there is Bam Bam.”
“They are all so beautiful,” she said, her voice near a gasp. Sam almost went on telling her about how Bam Bam was their newest addition, but when he looked down he recognized that look of awe on her face. He’d seen it on many a guest’s face and felt that special thrill run through him the day his dad handed Majesty over to him. He stood beside her quietly and let her enjoy the moment.
“I wonder what they’re thinking,” she said quietly.
“Usual horsey thoughts, I’m guessing.”
“What exactly is a horsey thought?”