He seemed reluctant to leave her alone each evening and encouraged her to make frequent visits to his parent’s ranch. She did so without much urging because she missed Hank’s company and because she like it out there. Lydia treated her like one of the family and she was able to get involved in some of the ranch work.

One day, as she pulled up in front of the ranch house, she noticed a pretty little pinto mare, saddled and bridled and tied to the tree in front of the house. Hank bounded up to greet her as she got out of her truck, and she bent down to give him a hug.

“Hey ole’ buddy! How’ve you been?” Scratching his ears, she ran her hands down his sleek sides. “You are looking good,” she said. “The fresh air and exercise is doing you good.”...

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