Page 99 of My Heart Still Beats
I can’t even believe I’m looking at such magnificent creatures.
Horses. Three horses. Two are shiny brown, and the third is golden with a white tail. A palomino. They’re perfection, and for a moment, I forget about my first communion.
“Surprise!” Ben smiles.
“What’s going on?”
“You said you love horses. So I got you horses!”
“When did I…” A smile spreads over my face. “When we were talking about Nana at the Oyster House. I told you how she used to read me horse stories.”
“Right.”
How sweet of him to remember. But… “Ben…” I return his smile, but I shake my head. “I do love them. But I’ve never actually ridden one.”
“Then we’re even. I haven’t, either. Come on.” He reaches for my hand but doesn’t take it.
Boldly, I grab his as we walk toward the man and the animals.
“You must be Mr. Black,” the man says, holding out his hand. “I’m Cole, your guide.”
“Nice to meet you, Cole. Call me Ben, and this is Tessa.”
“It’s a pleasure, Tessa. Ben here says he hasn’t ridden before. How about you?”
“I haven’t,” I say. “Is that a problem?”
“Not even slightly. Hannibal here is great with beginners.”
Ben widens his eyes. “Did you say Cannibal?”
Cole tilts his head back in raucous laughter. “No, Hannibal. With an H.”
“Like Hannibal Lecter?” Ben furrows his brow. “Not feeling a lot better.”
“Hannibal like my uncle Hannibal,” Cole says. “And this is the gentlest horse I’ve got, so we’ll let this lovely lady ride him.”
Hannibal is the palomino, and his saddle is vibrant blue. “What kind of saddle is that?” I ask.
“It’s waterproof,” Cole says.
“Why would it need to be…” Then I glance at the sparkling blue water. “You don’t mean…”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean,” Cole says. “We’re going to ride along the beach and even go into the water.” He hands me a life jacket. “Put this on.”
“It’s okay. I can swim.”
“Sorry. Rules are rules.” He hands one to Ben. “You too, Ben. Now, Tessa, let’s get you mounted onto Hannibal here.”
I swallow. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
“Place your left foot in the stirrup.”
I breathe in deeply and slide my foot as instructed.
“Good,” Cole says. “Now hold the reins in your left hand and the saddle with your right hand. Then gently swing your right leg over Hannibal’s back and settle into the saddle. Make sure you’re comfortable and balanced.”
I laugh out loud. “I’m on a horse!” I look around, taking in the sights from the new vantage point.
