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“Bill’s always been good to Patrick andhis trash in a nearby can

Just then Elaine popped in “Hey, Mare, Patrick said he’s got a surprise for us But you’ve got to change into jeans, okay?”

I tried to think of any reason to say no Coed “Okay Give me a second”

She turned and disappeared the way she ca out to the paddock where a young colt waited

I followed hi you”

He only waved “No way You’re just here for the week Have some fun”

So about the way he said it, so dismissive, made me want to cry, which was stupid “See you later,” I said

He nodded and went out the door I exhaled, feeling my shoulders drop and started for the house

We paused in running our horses to look across the prairie It stretched on fore-looking orange arch that made me feel uneasy

“Are you sure it’s safe to be riding in this?” I shouted My horse didn’t see”

“It never stops blowing out here, even when there’s no Chinook,” Patrick called back “It’s like—have you ever been to west Texas or Oklahoma?” I shookbreaks it”

“Still” I couldn’t explain hoas antsy, while at the same time it was so warm and lovely

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced” Elaine’s eyes sparkled

“Don’t worry We’ll be fine,” Patrick said, turning the Palo to show it to you”

The last bit was said to Elaine, but I didn’t ave the dark-brown allop Occasionally the ould blow so hard, it felt like I hed it off Patrick had grown up coer