She rubbed his big head and addressed the vet. “Doc, get the shots prepared as well as the sutures for Ace’s hind leg.”

She met Luke’s worried gaze. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this. I grew up on a horse ranch. I’ll take care of Ace. I noticed you have two horses saddled outside. I presume those are for the boys to ride. Why don’t you take them out and have someone help you get them up in the saddle and riding.”

“I’m not leaving you with Ace. If he gets upset again, he could really hurt you.”

“You and I both know if any of you come near this horse, he’ll just go off again. He needs to be tended to, and I appear to be the one he trusts at the moment. I’d really like for you to take the boys out of here while I do it.” The last thing she wanted was for her boys to see her get kicked if Ace got upset when she checked that hoof and cut. She was willing to take the risk for the beautiful animal.

It didn’t hurt to show Luke she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and do the work.

The vet planted his hands on his hips. “Good God, Luke. You can’t allow this woman to tend Ace. She’s not a vet. What if she hurts him?”

Sarah rubbed Ace’s neck. “I know what I’m doing. Take the boys outside, and I’ll be there soon.”

Luke shook his head. “I’ll stay. Jerry, my manager, can take the boys outside to ride.”

She didn’t want anyone but Luke with her boys. “Look at them. They trust you. I trust you with them. Trust me with Ace. You take care of my babies, and I’ll take care of yours.”

He clamped his jaw tight. “Damnit.”

“Mama, Luke swore.” Jack looked up at Luke with a disapproving frown.

“He’s just mad. You guys go and see the horses outside. Luke will let you ride, then we’ll have our picnic.”

“Mama, is Ace going to hurt you?” Nick gave her those big worried eyes that made her heart melt.

“Ace was just having a tantrum.” Ace decided to punctuate that statement by stomping his hooves and shaking his head up and down. “What does Mama do with boys who have tantrums?”

“You make us calm down, and if we be good, you sing,” Jack said.

“If we’re bad, you send us to our room for a time-out. We don’t like that. I like it better when we get ice cream.” Nick hid his face in Luke’s leg.

She hoped Luke remembered what the boys said the next time Margaret told him a bunch more lies about her.

“Mama likes giving you ice cream better than tantrums, too. Now go have some fun.”

“I think Luke needs a time-out for swearing, Mama. Are you going to send him to his room?” Jack asked.

“Only if she’s coming with me,” Luke said under his breath, but she caught the hushed words.