‘Sure.’ They reached the ford and she clucked encouragingly at Daybreak, who wanted to stop and snort at the water even though they weren’t going through it. ‘Come whenever. But maybe not Monday. I so need to feel a pencil or a brush in my hand.’

‘I’ll give you a few days to wallow.’ Grady strode beside her and the pretty grey pony, chatting about sketches and projects until they were back on Gabe’s track. When she saw the paddock gate, Daybreak tossed her head and whickered happily.

Snow settling on his shoulders, Gabe stood at the gate, talking to Snobby, who eyed Daybreak suspiciously. ‘I’ll take her from here,’ Gabe called. ‘Thanks a lot, Laurel. Hope you haven’t frozen to death but you’ve taken a weight off my mind. I don’t suppose you’d want to exercise her regularly?’

Laurel dismounted, patting Daybreak’s neck to thank her for the ride. ‘I’m not sure I can.’ She gave Gabe an apologetic look. ‘I have to start a new project. If you haven’t found anyone else by next weekend though I could probably give her another hour then, depending on what Daisy and my sister are doing.’

Gabe’s face fell, but he said, ‘I understand.’ He loosened Daybreak’s girth and removed her saddle, balancing it on top of the gate, gave the pony’s back a rub and tossed her rug into place. He took the reins from Laurel’s hand and glanced around at the house as if checking they wouldn’t be overheard. ‘I’ve no idea why my uncle bought her. He’s bonkers.’

Laurel removed her riding hat and rubbed her fingers through her hair, shivering as snow landed on her unprotected head. ‘Maybe he thought it was the thing to do, as he was coming to live in the country?’

‘But he’s not even sure that he’s staying,’ Gabe protested. ‘I offered, because he complains about his bungalow, but he’s missing his grandkids and lunching with his mates.’ He thanked her again and Grady held the gate so Gabe could lead Daybreak through.

They said their farewells and turned back down the track, Laurel wisely wearing the riding boots she’d just inherited and carrying the ones she’d arrived in. She seemed relaxed and happy. Grady decided to capitalise. ‘Fancy a meal at The Three Fishes one evening? Check the place out for yourself?’

She frowned hesitantly, her boots cracking an icy puddle. Then, just when he thought she was going to make an excuse, she said, ‘OK. Sounds nice.’ But then she added, ‘If I’m doing this Craft Stuff session on Wednesday evening we can go after.’