“I’m Anna Beachy.”

Gabe nodded, a glimmer in his blue eyes. “I’ve heard the Beachy name before. Plenty of ’em round here, but you’re from around Mifflinburg, ain’t?”

She was surprised. “How did you know?”

“Your Kapp’s like the one the womenfolk up there wear, jah? I used to make some deliveries there, back before my wife passed away.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Anna said, thinking how very young he was to be a widower.

“Denki . . . it’s been two years already,” he said solemnly, eyeing her Kapp again.

She reached up to touch it.

“What brings ya to Lancaster County?” he asked, his gaze friendlier now.

“Well, I’ve taken a part-time job working as a tour guide.” She looked toward the far meadow, where she could see a palomino, a half dozen chestnut quarter horses, and a black pony grazing. The pony whinnied, bobbing its head up and down. “It’s so beautiful here,” she breathed, hoping Gabe wouldn’t rush her off.

“A tour guide,” he said quietly. “Where at?”

She told him and he nodded, saying that he knew several people who worked there. “Helen Weber, for one. She’s the receptionist, so I’m sure you’ve met her.”

“Jah. What a small world.” Anna wished he would tell her more about how riding therapy worked, so she asked.

An expression of curiosity crossed his face. “Do ya know someone who could benefit from our program?”

“No,” she said. “I just love horses and find the idea of using them to help people really fascinating.”

Gabe seemed eager now to tell her more about the different programs available at the retreat for different needs. “For instance, a child who’s never walked can experience the feeling of walking while ridin’ a horse.” He went on to talk about the confidence this therapy could give to a child or teenager with a disability. “And things like learning to groom or lead a horse can help improve hand-eye coordination.”

As he talked more about some of the children they had helped, or how often a typical patient visited, Anna felt herself growing more and more impressed.

“Listen to me, though, goin’ on and on,” Gabe said, removing his hat and revealing more of his tanned and handsome face.

She smiled. “It’s obvious you’re excited about what you’re doing.”

“It’s what gets my boots on in the morning,” he said with a chuckle. “Well, if I can answer any other questions, just give me a holler.” He removed a business card from his wallet and gave it to her. “Leave a message at the phone shed.” He pointed to a narrow wooden structure standing in the middle of the hayfield.

“Denki for your time,” Anna said, accepting the card and yet another firm handshake from Gabe. Then, making her way back to the car, she smiled at having stumbled onto something so wonderful.