Silver Spurs by Miralee Ferrell

fine.”
    Melissa heaved herself the opposite direction and fumbled for her stirrup, then drew back on the reins and brought Mocha to a halt.
    Kate knew what was coming next—the explosion of temper she’d seen in the barn when Rufus had frightened Melissa’s horse. She’d hate to be an animal that made this girl mad. Kate would bet that any minute the crop Melissa held would flay Mocha’s backside.
    She didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath for several seconds, until she felt the need for air and released it, then sucked air into her lungs. She stared at Melissa, shocked at what she saw. The other girl spoke in a soft, soothing tone, stroking Mocha’s neck and patting him like he’d done something right instead of wrong.
    Kate shook her head, not understanding. Where was the Melissa who’d screamed at Rufus the day she arrived? She turned to Colt and Tori, ready to ask what they thought, when Melissa bumped Mocha with her heel and drove him forward into a trot.
    Mrs. Jamison didn’t speak but moved to the center of the ring and nodded in approval.
    Melissa increased her horse’s gait to a canter, then rounded the corner and headed for the first jump again. Mocha cleared it and headed toward the second at a steady pace, but what about the third?
    Tori leaned closer. “Think he’ll go over this time? If I were Melissa, I wouldn’t try again. I’d have gotten off that horse.”
    The awe and respect coloring Tori’s voice seared Kate with discomfort. Had Melissa won Tori over like she had Pete? Kate returned her attention to the arena, not wanting to miss the action. Feeling bad over her pang of jealousy, she asked God to keep Mocha steady this time, even though part of her wished Melissa wouldn’t have something to brag about later.
    Melissa tightened the reins as she neared the third jump, planted her heels even lower, and pressed her fists on each side of Mocha’s neck as she gripped the reins. She kissed to the horse a stride before the fence. He slowed for an instant, then rose and soared over as though it wasn’t even there.
    A muted shout broke from Colt’s lips, and even Tori applauded. Kate wasn’t sure what to think. If Melissa had been friendlier or even polite most of the time, she’d want to root for the girl too. She was happy Melissa hadn’t been thrown and had gotten her confidence back, but part of her squirmed at the accomplishment of this girl who quickly seemed to be turning into a rival—in more ways than one.
    Kate worked to maintain a smile, but her heart hurt. Would she lose her two best friends to Melissa, or was she silly to even think that way? After leaving all her friends in Spokane a few months ago, she hated the thought of starting over again. She gave herself a small shake and told herself to knock it off. Just because Pete responded to Melissa, and Colt and Tori thought she’d done a good job, didn’t mean any of them intended to desert her.
    â€œShe did great, huh?” Kate mustered a smile. “I think I’d better get to work. It’s easier to clean the stalls with the horses out, so I’ll tackle Mocha’s first and then the one for Miss Ryan’s mare. You guys can stay here and watch.”
    She started to move away, but Tori caught her arm. “Hey, wait up. I’d rather spend time with you than watch another lesson. I think my brain is worn out from all the technical stuff Mrs. Jamison throws at them, anyway.” She looped her hand through Kate’s arm.
    Kate felt like she would burst with joy. She gazed at Tori, then looked at Colt. “How about you?”
    â€œI’m only here because you guys wanted to watch. I took care of my stall already, and I’d better get home. Dad said he needs help building a chicken coop tonight.” He exhaled heavily. “I told him I don’t mind building it, but I’m not crazy about