Fighting for control, he lowered his voice. “So, what are you doin’ out here?”

His question brought a frown to her forehead. “I’m waiting for Daisy to calm down.”

Chase glanced at the grazing horse. If the mare was any more relaxed, she would topple over. “Calm down?”

“She’s thrown a shoe. Naturally, she’s upset.”

Moving closer to Daisy, he noticed what looked like a white sock on a front hoof. A closer look revealed a lace bandage that could only have come from feminine underpinnings.

“I couldn’t get the nail out,” Emily explained. “I went to ask for help at the house there, but it seems to be deserted.”

He nodded. “That used to be the Circle R ranch, but the place went into foreclosure. It’s one of many deserted ranches around here.”

“Because of the drought?” she asked.

“That and a greedy loan company.” Whenever he thought about the number of pioneer families that had lost properties due to bad loans, his anger flared. Now, however, was not the time to dwell on the past.

Crouching down, Chase ran his hand the length of Daisy’s leg. The mare flinched when he touched the hoof.

Emily squatted by his side. “I wrapped her hoof so she wouldn’t catch it on the other leg.”

He nodded approval. “I thought you didn’t know anythin’ about horses.”

“I know about injuries,” she said, sounding defensive.

“You did good,” he said.

“Whoa!” she said, standing. “Is that a compliment?”

He glanced up at her. “Yes, but don’t make me regret it.” Lately, Emily had looked pale and listless, but today, her eyes sparkled, and her cheeks were rosy as a ripe peach. The ride had done her a world of good. Or maybe it was just that she’d enjoyed going against his wishes. “You still haven’t said what you’re doin’ out here.”

“I rode to town to purchase books for Ginny.”

“Books?” He raised an eyebrow. “You do know that she’s—”

“I plan on reading to her.”

He studied her for a moment before turning his attention back to Daisy. As he unwound the strip of soft fabric from the mare’s hoof, he caught a pleasant whiff of lavender that did nothing for his peace of mind.

Standing, he walked over to his horse and reached into his saddlebags for the pliers kept there for just such an occasion.

After pulling the nail out, he examined the hoof for other nails or chunks of metal. Finding none, he rewound the cloth around the horse’s hoof.

Emily ran her hands along Daisy’s neck. “Will she be okay?”

“She’ll be fine, but I’d rather you didn’t ride her. I’ll pony her back.” He tilted his head. “Don’t worry. We still have my horse, and I’m willin’ to share.” Noticing her disproving frown, he added, “It’s either that or you’ll have to ride a shank’s mare.”

She glanced around. “I don’t see any other horses.”

He sighed. Talking to Emily was like talking to a foreigner. “A shank’s mare means to walk.”