Back to Texas by Amanda Renee Read Free Book Online Page A

two large handles on the top for the rider to grip.
    Horses’ neighs and hooves clomping against the dirt reminded Adam of his parents’ ranch. Closing his eyes, it almost felt like home. He opened them as a man in military fatigues rode proudly past. With a few exceptions, most of the patients were children. “You said your granddaughter inspired Dance of Hope?”
    “See the rambunctious girl in the far corral.” Kay pointed out a tiny brunette with pigtails. “That’s Ever. A friend of ours told Joe about hippotherapy and the concept fascinated my husband. By the end of the day, Joe had researched the nearest facility. It was quite a distance from here. He called them up and we took a trip there the next morning. It’s where he met Ever. At the time, she was wheelchair-bound. She had grit and determination and Joe loved her the moment they met.
    “Ever’s adopted?” The girl waved when she spotted her grandmother.
    “Since Ever was a foster child, the opportunity for her to continue with this type of therapy wasn’t guaranteed. Joe and I had inquired about adopting her, but we were—how’d they put it—above the ideal age range. My son Cole and his wife adopted Ever. Once they’d met her, they had found it impossible to allow her to stay in the system. She’s a very special child.”
    Adam watched the girl dismount next to a platform. “I thought you said she was wheelchair-bound.”
    “She was.” Kay touched Adam’s shoulder. “Would you like to meet her?”
    “I’d love to.”
    Despite the greater part of her legs being encased in braces over her jeans, Ever practically ran to her grandmother. Adam found himself battling tears that threatened to choke off his words.
    “She can walk because of a horse?” Adam raked his hands down his face. “How come I haven’t heard of this before?”
    “It’s still not widely accepted, but with nonprofits like this one, we’re making progress in the field. I only wish my husband had lived long enough to see his dream come true.”
    “Don’t be sad, Grandma.” Ever reached for Kay’s hand. “Grandpa Joe’s watching us from heaven.”
    Any chance Adam had of keeping his emotions in check would officially be lost if the kid kept this up. Crouching down, he smiled at her. “How old are you to be this wise?”
    “Six, but grandma says I’m going on thirty.” Ever lifted her eyes to Kay for approval. “Right?”
    “Understatement of the year.” Kay playfully tugged on Ever’s hair. “I’m so proud of you, kiddo.”
    This was the kind of impact, the kind of good, he wanted to make in the world. Sure, his music entertained people, but it didn’t change lives. His money would be much better spent helping others than funding a lifestyle he no longer wanted.
    Adam made a mental note to call his accountant later and have a donation sent to Dance of Hope...anonymously.
    * * *
    “I HEARD YOU enjoyed yourself at Bridle Dance,” Mazie said to Adam across the expansive dining table.
    “Adam hasn’t stopped talking since we left.” Bridgett playfully nudged him with her knee under the table.
    “What’s Bridle Dance?” Mrs. Phelps, one of the inn’s guests, asked.
    “You have to see it,” Adam answered before Bridgett had a chance to open her mouth. He leaned forward, his hands moving animatedly as his words tumbled forth. “It’s a horse ranch, but they have a center where they use this process called hippotherapy to help people walk again. And a state-of-the-art rodeo school and a pecan grove and—”
    “Dearest me.” Mrs. Phelps patted Adam’s arm. “I’m getting worn out just listening to you.”
    Adam sheepishly glanced around the table, “Sorry. I guess I’m overly enthusiastic, but amazing doesn’t begin to describe it.”
    “Do you travel much?” Mr. Phelps asked.
    “I’ve been a few places.” Adam said.
    Bridgett had originally thought a large communal table was an awkward idea when Mazie had first planned the Bed &