Page 98 of See It Through
“Yep. Graham’s son, Remington.”
Allen strode over to us, his hand extended. “Nice to meet you. Knew your dad a long time ago. Got reacquainted with him when he helped Hannah out with my horses. My condolences.”
I shook his hand, thanking him, even though I was still confused why we were here.
Allen winked at Hannah. “Follow me. I’ve got him in the smaller pin. The old boy gets cantankerous around others these days.”
We trailed behind Allen. Hannah was practically vibrating. “What’s going on?”
“Just wait, Rem. You’ll see in a second,” she promised.
Rounding the barn, we came upon a pen, holding one lone horse. He was a sorrel with a white muzzle and more white around his eyes. An old boy, as Allen had said.
Allen clapped his hands. “Come here, boy.” The horse’s ears twitched, but he didn’t budge. Allen laughed. “He likes to pretend he can’t hear, but watch this. Come on, boy. I’ve got a treat for ya.”
The horse looked up, pinned Allen with his black eyes, and meandered over, nostrils flaring. I didn’t know why, couldn’t put my finger on it, but my stomach clenched as he drew near.
Allen fed the horse an oat ball from his palm and stroked his wispy mane. “Attaboy. You’re just an old man, aren’t ya? Earned your right to be cranky.”
I cleared the knot in my throat. “What’s his name?”
Hannah squeezed my hand, and Allen looked at me funny before shifting his gaze to her. “You didn’t tell him?”
“No. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Allen’s grin was slow, spreading over his whole face when he looked at me again. “Well, allow me to be the one to reintroduce you. This old man is Huckleberry Town.”
My heart stopped as I got closer, looking into the eyes of the deeply familiar horse. “Huck? My Huck? He’s got to be—”
“Twenty-nine years old,” Allen pronounced proudly. “Slowing down, but he’s got life in him yet.”
Huck turned to me, giving me the stare down of a lifetime. There wasn’t any way he remembered me, but when I stepped forward, my hand out to him, he pushed his muzzle against my palm and chuffed. I stroked his neck, the feel of his soft coat bringing to life memories of grooming him with my mother.
Hannah came up to stand beside me, her arm around my waist. “I’ve been trimming his hooves the last eight years, Rem. I always called him Huckleberry…but then remembered Allen calling him Huck and put two and two together. This is your guy.”
For the second time in as many days, tears pricked my eyes. “You took care of him?”
“I did.” She wiped a tear away. “I think he knows you, honey.”
“Yeah?” Huck lowered his head to my shoulder, leaning his cheek against mine. “Seems like he does.”
Allen let us stay for as long as we wanted, and I wanted to stay for a while, watching my old horse do nothing special but everything fantastical. Hannah remained right by my side, telling me little anecdotes about my boy over the years.
It didn’t make up for my dad getting rid of him, but knowing he’d had a long, healthy life certainly eased that old wound.
Just another way Hannah helped see me through.
I gave Huck one last pat and turned to my girl, touching my lips to hers.
“You’re good?” she asked.
“Better than good.” I took her hand in mine. “Let’s go home, sweetheart.”
“Yeah,” she agreed. “Let’s go home.”
Chapter Thirty-seven
Hannah