“Oooh! Great names!” Tina said excitedly.

Bette’s heart did a flip. She loved seeing Tina so happy. They walked up to the horses slowly. Tina chose Cash. She rubbed his nose. Then she put her forehead onto his. 

One heartbeat.

Two heartbeats. 

Three heartbeats. 

Bette walked up to Bandit and stared into his eyes. She didn’t touch him. She waited. Then Bandit took a step towards her. Bette took a step towards him. Tina watched Bette’s soul connect with Bandit’s as she rubbed down the side of Cash’s neck. The white horse took another step towards Bette. Bette took another step towards him. They kept staring.

One heartbeat.

Two heartbeats.

Three heartbeats.

Four heartbeats.

Five heartbeats.

Bandit finally bowed to Bette and put his head on her shoulder. Bette smiled and gave him a good pat.

“Fantastic,” Susi said. “That was absolutely fantastic. Okay, the sun will be going down in about 45 minutes. We have cleared this part of the beach. You have about five miles to play with. Mount your horses. I just want to make sure everyone is comfortable with everyone.”

Bette looked at Tina and nodded. Tina jumped up on Cash in one beautiful motion. Bette did the same. They were graceful. The horses did not move.

“Okay. Let’s get a picture.” 

Tina moved closer to Bette. The four of them smiled.

“Brilliant,” Susi said in her British accent. “Off you go. Feel free to let them loose. See what they can do. There is water and apples for them at the end of the trail. I will meet you there right as the sun disappears on the horizon.”

“Thanks, Susi,” Tina said. 

Bette nodded at Susi.

“Ready?” Bette asked Tina.

“Yawwww,” Tina said and gave Cash a kick. 

Cash took off. Bette laughed her famous Porter laugh.  

“Let’s go, Bandit.”

Bette patted him on the side of his neck.

“Yawwww,” Bette said.

Bandit chased Cash until they were neck and neck. Tina looked over her shoulder. They slowed down a bit and trotted next to each other.

“This is absolutely amazing. Thank you,” Tina said.

“You like it?”

“Like it? That doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling right now.” 

“How are you feeling?”

“Elated.”

“I’m glad.”

“Thank you.”