“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?”

Sam shrugged and played it off like he hadn’t wondered about the inner workings of a horse’s mind since he was five years old. As if he didn’t ask Majesty what she was thinking about at least three times a day.

“I imagine they have great concerns about political matters, both locally and abroad.”

“Hmm, yes.” He leaned his arms over the railing and continued to watch her as she watched the horses. A few moments later Zach and Evie came out to join them.

“This is my brother Zach and my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Evie Buchanan.”

Amanda let out a nervous laugh as she reached forward to shake their hands. “Oh. You’re Evie, Evie.”

“Yes. I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. I am a huge fan. Like, I’m working really hard not to embarrass myself right now. I didn’t really put two and two together when Sam mentioned you two getting married. I didn’t realize you were you.”

“That’s actually comforting. I wouldn’t want the Pleasant name to eclipse my amazing brand,” she said, winking at Zach.

“Not possible, babe. You’re too big of a star.”