Chapter 16 - Aunt Sarah's Stables

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The following morning, the crisp country air was perfectly chilled as Richard and Leo walked down the gravel path toward the large wooden stables at the edge of the estate. Richard’s older sister, Sarah, had managed the equestrian property for the past decade. She was a woman of fierce independence, wearing worn leather boots and a faded denim jacket, her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail.

When she saw them approaching, she dropped her pitchfork and marched out of the barn with a massive grin.

“There are my two favorite city boys!” Sarah called out, opening her arms wide.

Leo ran to her, and she scooped him up, spinning him around until he shrieked with laughter.

“I am not a city boy anymore, Aunt Sarah,” Leo corrected her very seriously once his feet touched the ground. “Daddy said we are country boys now.”

“Is that so?” Sarah laughed, looking over at Richard with a raised eyebrow. “Well, your father has a lot to learn about mucking out stalls, but we can start your training right now. I have someone very special I want you to meet.”

She led them into the dim, sweet-smelling barn. The scent of fresh hay and sweet feed filled the air. She stopped in front of a large stall near the back, where a beautiful, gentle chestnut gelding poked his head over the wooden door.

“Leo, this is Brave,” Sarah introduced, gently stroking the horse’s white muzzle. “He is an older horse, very calm and very patient. I think he would be the perfect horse for you to learn how to ride.”

“He is so big,” Leo whispered, taking a hesitant step backward, suddenly intimidated by the animal's size.

Richard knelt beside his son, placing a reassuring hand on his back.

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“He is big, buddy,” Richard said softly. “But look at his eyes. He is very gentle. Would you like to try feeding him an apple?”

Sarah handed Leo a sliced green apple. With his father holding his waist, Leo slowly extended his small hand flat. The horse gently lipped the apple away, making a soft, crunching sound. Leo gasped in pure delight, the fear instantly evaporating, replaced by a radiant smile that told Richard they were exactly where they needed to be.