Chapter 12
Much later that evening, after all the chores had been tended to and they’d enjoyed another delicious, masterful dinner cooked by Pearl, they retired to the barn. Chad walked wistfully behind the siblings as Pearl rattled off a long list of things her new pony needed, including an appropriate name. Chad appreciated the view, especially the way Rafael looked in his jeans, pleased to see the rancher using only one crutch to get by, his knee clearly on the mend. Of course, Rafael had looked even better in the dawn hours when he stepped out, missing his shirt.
Chad was ready to move on, to put the broken pieces of his heart in the past and create new memories.
Perhaps Rafael was, too. If not, well, he was willing to take things slow.
“You sure you’ll be fine?” Rafael asked as Pe
