Silver Spurs Read Free

held up his hands but still didn’t meet anyone’s eyes.
    Colt grinned. “I’ll walk him to the house, since my bike is parked by your door. See you guys later.”
    â€œBye, Colt.” Tori waved. “I’ll bring more candy next time I come, Pete.”
    Pete didn’t reply, but Kate was sure she saw a tiny smile play at the corners of his mouth. “You’re so good with him. Once we have a trainer and learn more, maybe we can teach Pete to ride.”
    The smile eased off Tori’s face, and she sighed. “At least you and Colt each have a horse to take lessons on when you hire an instructor.”
    Kate sat up with a jerk. “ If we get an instructor. Mom and Dad haven’t decided yet.”
    â€œWell, they said yes to thinking about taking horses to board. And you’ll be able to use Capri for lessons.”
    â€œHey, you’re my best friend. I’m not going to leave you out.”
    â€œNot like you have much choice. I’ll never get a horse.” Tori scrunched her brows. “I can be your groom.”
    The muscles in Kate’s stomach tightened. Tori became her best friend not long after Kate and her family moved to Odell in March. She hated hearing the hurt in Tori’s voice. “No way.” Kate jumped from the chair, knocking it onto its side. “Come on.”
    â€œWhat?” Tori sat still and stared up at her. “I’ve done enough work today. I want to drink my pop.”
    Kate giggled and reached for Tori’s hand, excitement surging through her. “Get out of that chair. Hurry up.” She pulled Tori to her feet. “I’ve got a plan, and you’re going to love it.”
    Tori swung into step with Kate. “What’s up?”
    â€œYou’ll see. Help me tack up Capri.”
    â€œHuh?” Tori put on the brakes. “You rode her before I came.”
    Kate swung around, allowing a grin to spread across her face. She couldn’t wait to see Tori’s reaction. “I know. Stop with all the questions and help me, all right?”
    Tori shuffled forward. “Okay, okay. You’re awful bossy.”
    â€œYou’ll be glad in a few minutes.” Kate reached for the royal-blue halter and matching rope hanging on a horseshoe hook next to the stall door. She slid the door open, then slipped a carrot out of her jeans pocket and handed it to her snuffling mare, who always seemed to know when treats were near. “There you go. You’ll get more later, girl.”
    Tori jogged to the tack room, brought back the box of brushes, and set them down. She made another trip, returning with the saddle and pad. “When are you gonna tell me what you’re up to?”
    Kate rushed through grooming her horse, then tossed the brush into the box and swung the saddle pad onto Capri’s back, ignoring her friend’s question. Tori’ll love this. I just know it! “Grab her bridle with the snaffle bit and a lunge line. Oh, and my helmet.”
    â€œSure thing, boss .” Tori shot her a mystified look and disappeared into the tack room again. She came back with the helmet, bridle, and lunge line clutched in her hands. She set the helmet on top of the grooming tools and waited till Kate cinched the saddle and reached for the bridle. “Enough already. Spill.”
    Kate grinned. “You’re going to ride Capri too. I’m sharing her with you!” Why hadn’t she thought of this before? Her friend wanted a horse in the worst way, and she was right. Her parents couldn’t afford one. Best friends were supposed to share everything—secrets, dreams, clothes. So why not a horse?
    Tori backed up a step. “No way. I’m a beginner, and she’s a lot of horse.”
    Kate dangled the coiled, thirty-foot lunge line with confidence. “That’s what this is for, silly. I’m not going to turn you loose on my horse. We’ll walk her around in a