"Oh, come on now, Sally May!" Lin called back over her shoulder, chuckling. "Don't make me have to drag you along." Her tone was light and teasing as she continued toward the barn, taking slow steps that emphasized her curvy body language. "Besides," she added with a wink, "I hear practice makes perfect."

"Oh, be quiet you two," Sally May grumbled good-naturedly as she followed them towards the barn. "I'm just trying to do my job here." But there was a spark in her eyes as she spoke, and it was clear that she was secretly looking forward to showing off her skills for their new friend... or perhaps more so for Lin 's approval.

As they entered the barn, its warmth enveloped them and the scent of hay and horses filled the air.