She knew what he was referring to. The Springs Haven Animal Rescue was just a few miles outside the other end of town. They provided homes for abused and neglected animals, as well as animals that were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them. She’d vowed not to be that kind of owner, someone who promised a home to an animal, then gave it up when the going got rough. Besides, at the last fund-raiser for the animal rescue, Margaret Cooke, the owner, had told people that she wasn’t sure she’d have the funding to keep it going much longer. If the rescue closed, what would happen to Snookie? Shane looked regretful at reminding her of that option, but she knew that the boys’ safety was his primary concern.
Fernando gave her a smile. “All is not lost. I think she’s a good horse, very smart. But she’s scared. Even though you’re doing your best by her, your actions are making her more fearful because they’re inconsistent with her nature.”
Her fault. Wow. So much for thinking she could do the right thing.
But before she could even process the thought, Fernando stepped into her space and spoke quietly. “Don’t be hard on yourself. You meant well, and most people would’ve made the same mistakes you have.”
She nodded slowly, fighting the tears. This horse was supposed to help her, and she was supposed to help it. And together, they were going to help each other.
He touched her arm lightly. “Let me help you help this horse. I believe you can do it. I know there is love in your heart for her, so let’s get her to see it, too.”
The last thing she ever wanted in her life was to have Fernando here. To have Fernando be a part of the peace she’d so carefully built around her heart.
But as she looked out at the barn, she knew she didn’t have a choice. Her last hope, her only hope, was this man. She didn’t like it, but how could she let this beautiful horse down?
Even though she’d already decided to let Fernando help her, she knew everyone else thought she was being difficult and needed convincing. But they didn’t understand the emotional cost of admitting out loud that someone she held partially responsible for her pain was the right person to help her horse.
* * *
Fernando hated the way Nicole looked at him. Like he’d just taken a whip to poor Snookie himself.
But she had to understand the importance of the situation. Of doing the right thing by this horse.
“All right,” Nicole said. “You can help with my horse.”
Her tone was like that of someone agreeing to a root canal. But at least it meant he could stick around for a while. Figure out what happened to the woman who’d lost the light he’d once seen shining in her eyes.
Horses had saved him from a very dark period in his life. Maybe, if Nicole had the same chance he was given, she could find a new reason to be happy. A new reason to smile again, and not have it look like it caused her pain to contort her face in such a way.
The door opened, and Nicole’s sister Erin walked in, followed by Leah’s two sons, Dylan and Ryan.
“Fernando,” Erin said, smiling in the fake way Nicole had been doing. “What brings you here?”
“I’m going to help Nicole train Snookie,” he said. Nicole could fill her in on the rest. By the way Erin looked at him, it was clear she shared Nicole’s anger at him.
“I see,” Erin said. “Boys, why don’t you get cleaned up for supper, then we can tell your mom all about what you saw at Mr. Ricky’s.”
The two boys raced past him, barely acknowledging him. He turned and watched them leave, appreciating their zest for life.
Fernando had once hoped to have a family of his own. But who would marry someone who’d been to prison? When he’d been arrested, Destiny, his fiancée, had told him she’d stand by him. But once they realized that the authorities were going to make an example of him, she’d slowly pulled away. Until she finally confessed she was embarrassed to admit he was in prison and didn’t want her future children to face the same stigma. Every time he dated a woman and that fact came out, she lost interest.
Still, it bothered him to think that some of his most treasured dreams would never come true.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Nicole said, coming up behind him. “Even if you manage to befriend the rest of my family, you and I are never going to be friends.”
“That’s kind of harsh, don’t you think?” Shane stepped forward. “I know you’re mad at Fernando for keeping things secret from you, but maybe you should give him the chance to explain, to see things from his side.”
Leah put her arm around Shane’s waist. “Exactly. I don’t think it was right for Fernando to not tell you about Adriana’s affair with Brandon, but having seen him with Snookie, and how hard he’s trying to do the right thing here, I have to believe that there’s more to the story. Give him a chance.”
Instead of Leah’s words being encouraging to Nicole, they only seemed to make Nicole’s face scrunch up, like she was trying not to tell Leah exactly what she thought of her sisterly advice. But then, just as quickly as the anger filled her face, the fake smile returned.
“I’m letting him train my horse, aren’t I? As for why, I don’t care. I just want to get my horse trained, and then both Fernando and I can move on with our lives. Separately.”
Fine by him. It wasn’t like he and Nicole had a future together. And the more she reminded him of it, the less tempted he was to wish his life were different.
“Whatever you want,” Fernando said. “I’m only trying to help. I’d leave now, except that I want to work with Snookie. Can we call a temporary truce for her sake?”
Crazy to think that a horse would be the thing they could find common ground on.
“Fine.” Nicole turned and glared at Leah. “But don’t think this means anything.”
Leah was obviously happy with Shane, and from what he knew of Leah losing her first husband, Fernando was glad to see her get a second chance at love. Hopefully, Leah’s example would show Nicole that not all men were like Brandon, and that she, too, could find happiness.
Except, instead of that thought making Fernando feel good for Nicole, it made his heart hurt a little bit at the thought of her with anyone else. Crazy, since he couldn’t have her for himself. He wanted her to be happy. And he prayed for the man who could do it.
Shane cleared his throat. “There’s also the small item of payment. While you said you were happy to do it for free, it wouldn’t be right for us to not pay you.”
Not this again. They’d already argued about it in the kitchen, and Fernando thought it was the end of things. But obviously, Shane had another plan. Which, by the expression on Nicole’s and her sisters’ faces, was exactly where this conversation was going.
“I agree,” Erin said. “We’ve budgeted for horse training.”
Then Erin sighed. “Probably not what you’re used to getting, but...”
“I’m not used to being paid for working with horses,” Fernando said. “I do construction for a living.”
Nicole gave him a funny look. “That’s right, you do. Why are you going to Salida? Isn’t that where your creepy uncle lives? Adriana once told me that you wouldn’t work for him for a million dollars.”
That was when he had a good job and he thought they valued him, despite his record.
“I