“Okay, okay,” Sam cut in before they started making out. Ever since they got back together they’d been attached at the mouth and didn’t care what poor fool had to suffer and witness it. “Evie, do you have any tips for a novice rider for getting back in the saddle? Amanda wants to ride but is worried that she’ll be decapitated by a renegade hoof to the head,” he said.

“I don’t want to get kicked in the face. And as you can see, I am very beautiful. We can’t let anything happen to my beautiful face,” Amanda added, deadpan.

Evie burst out laughing. “No, you’re gorgeous and your head belongs on your shoulders. Let’s see. I would say it’s good to start with getting comfortable around horses. Babe, maybe Steve can come say hi.”

Zach pursed his lips and let out two high, quick whistles. Steve lifted his head from whatever he was investigating in the grass and made his way over to the fence. Majesty followed.

“Come here,” Zach said to Amanda. “Come step up right here.” Sam watched as she made her way over to him and stepped up on the bottom railing of the fence. “Okay. When he comes over here, just hold still. He’ll take care of the rest.”

“He’s not gonna kick me in the face, is he?” Amanda asked.

“You betcha. It’s the first trick I taught him. Find the nearest guest and kick them right in the fucking face. Come here, boy. Give Amanda a kiss.” Zach gave Steve the cue, a light tap on Amanda’s cheek. Sure enough Steve came over and brushed his big horsey lips across her cheek and then gave her a light peck on the forehead. He took a few steps back and waited for his next cue.

Sam reached over and lightly touched her elbow. “You can open your eyes.”

She pried them open and smiled. “Can I pet him?”

“Sure. Come here, boy.” Steve stepped back over the fence and waited patiently while Amanda stroked the side of his large head.

“Hey, sweet boy. Aren’t you the sweetest?” she said quietly, like she only meant for Steve to hear.

“Oh, watch out. Here she comes,” Evie said as Majesty nudged her way into the party. Steve backed up, giving her room to shove her face under Amanda’s hand.

“I—” Sam started to . . . he didn’t know what. Maybe he was trying to save Amanda from Majesty’s proven track record of being somewhat of an asshole. But to everyone’s surprise all Majesty seemed to want was Amanda’s attention.