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"And don’t flatter yourself, bub--I’m not about to throw myself at your feet"

He smiled "That’s a relief"

"Plus, it would seeross"

Night had fallen over the fields Caleb realized what he’d beenof Kate’s friendship As kids, they’d been as close as any two siblings But then life had happened--the Arirls and all their plans--and they’d mislaid each other in the shuffle Years had passed since they’d really spoken, the way they were doing now

"But I didn’t answer your question, did I? Why I married Bill The answer is pretty simple I ood reason why I did, but a person doesn’t get to pick He was a sweet, happy, worthless man, and he was mine" She stopped, then said, "I didn’t come out here to help you with the horses, you know"

"You didn’t?"

"I ca you so nervous I don’t think Piht "It’s probably nothing"

"I know you, Caleb It’s not nothing And I have irls to think about Are we in trouble?"

He didn’t want to answer, but Kate had hiht be"

A loud whinny in the paddock broke his thoughts They heard a crash, then a series of hard, rhythrabbed a lantern from the shed and raced across the paddock Jeb lay on his side, his head tossing violently His hind hooves were knocking against the wall of the shelter in spas with hi His bowels released, then his bladder A trio of convulsions barreled through his body, followed by a final, violent tre He held this position for several seconds, as if stretched on wires Then the air went out of him and he was still

Caleb crouched beside the carcass, lifting the lantern over the ani fro with reflected light

"Caleb, why are you holding a gun?"