Joanne's face brightened seeing Jeffrey. "You're awake," she said and walked to him.
"Top of the morning to you, Lady Joanne," Jeffrey smiled and gave a deep bow. Joanne's smile widened.
"Gordon!" Jeffrey strode in, a lopsided grin on his face. "She has a gentle Shire and a psychotic Appaloosa back home, and both treat her like royalty. Trust me, she knows what she's doing."
Then he glanced at the snorting pony. "No offense, Betsy. You're not a real horse, no matter what you tell yourself."
The stable erupted in laughter. Even Betsy seemed to huff indignantly.
"You have horses?" Gordon asked, surprised and impressed. "In that case… what do you think of Greta?"
He led her to a stunning black Arabian, sleek and proud. The horse lifted her head as Joanne approached, and as soon as their eyes met, something clicked. Greta let her stroke her nose, gentle and trusting.
Joanne's face lit up. "She's perfect."
