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“Sorry” Lauren had to laugh “I’ll say noto the bank thisto make sure the man hadn’t stopped payment on his check I’ve learned my lesson No more political favors for me”

Sky was silent for a moment “I take it your father doesn’t know about us—not that there’s much to know”

The last words stung Lauren shook her head “I’”

“He wouldn’t be happy” It wasn’t a question

“No, he wouldn’t But since he chose not to be part of my life, why should it be any of his business?”

Sky didn’t answer His eyes had taken on a veiled look, as if his thoughts had wandered elsewhere

“What about your parents?” she asked him “Do you have family somewhere?”

“My mother died when I was three My father” The words had taken on an edge “My father’s dead, too They weren’t married”

“I’m sorry,” she said

“Don’t be It is what it is I was raised by my aunt and uncle in Oklahoh I can’t say much for the way they live”

“And what you do with horses? How did that come about?”

“My grandfather was good with horses He died when I elve, but I owe everything I know to that old ht me was to look at every situation from the horse’s point of view”

“Empathy, then”

“I guess that’s the fancy word for it But I’ about myself How about you?”

Lauren hesitated, knowing she needed to share but unsure where to begin