Texas Blue by JODI THOMAS

run.
    A mile later he smiled when he realized what joy it was to ride a fine horse. The animal moved to his slightest command. The woman a few lengths in front of him used no whip or spurs. She didn’t need to. These animals were born to run. He just hoped he was born to ride, because he didn’t know if he could find the ranch house if he fell off, and he had no doubt this M woman would leave him behind.
    The sun rose, spreading golden across the winter land. When Lewt finally had time to look at his surroundings, he was amazed at the wild beauty of the place. He could only imagine how grand it must be in summer when everything was green.
    The woman finally slowed and glanced back at him. She seemed surprised he was still there.
    She didn’t speak or give him any hint of where they were going. He didn’t ask. He simply followed and studied his surroundings. Most of his life he’d traveled by stage or train, but the dirt trails and rails passed no view as grand as this one. They crossed streams, slowed to a walk along wooded paths, and ran full-out in pastures.
    When they came over a ridge, he spotted a herd of the most beautiful horses he’d ever seen. She didn’t move as she studied the remuda. He finally had time to maneuver up to her side.
    “They’re grand,” he said, more to himself than her.
    She nodded, smiling now. “I know.”
    “M, promise you won’t leave me out here. No matter what stupid thing I do or say, just make me that one promise. I don’t think I could find my way back.”
    She pushed her hat back a few inches. “I won’t,” she said. “I’m surprised you stayed up with me as poorly as you ride. Mind if I give you a few pointers?”
    “Blast away,” he said, liking her directness. She recognized ignorance and was willing to help. He’d finally found one good quality in this woman named M.
    Five minutes later, when she’d corrected almost everything he did from the way he sat in the saddle to the way he didn’t use his knees to control the horse, Lewt felt pretty much like the village idiot.
    “I guess I should thank you,” he said.
    “I didn’t do it for you. I did it for the horse. I couldn’t care less how you ride, but you’re probably irritating the horse.”
    “Oh.” Lewt wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or feel insulted, but he had a feeling if he didn’t correct everything he was doing wrong, he’d be given the lecture again . . . for the sake of the horse, of course.
    They walked among the animals, and he watched as this strange woman touched each horse as if these were her friends. Now and then, she climbed down and walked among them with a saddlebag of tools and medicines over her shoulder. After a while, she let him carry the bag, and he felt like in some small way he was helping.
    She’d stop and check hooves or study a cut to make sure it wasn’t infected. Each time she patted the animal as if silently saying hello and then good-bye.
    “Do you think they’d let me pat them?”
    “If they like you, they might. Stand still and give them a chance to come up and smell you first.”
    Lewt froze. The first two mares who came near snorted as if blowing the smell of him out of their nose, but the third one stayed close, bumping his shoulder with her head.
    Lewt raised his hand slowly and brushed her neck. When he laughed, the mare shook her head, splashing mane in his face, but she didn’t run away.
    Lewt glanced at M.
    “You’ve made a friend,” the woman said. She smiled at him and Lewt smiled back, proud of himself.
    After a time, they collected their mounts and walked away from the herd.
    Lewt knew he had to be honest with this woman. He had a feeling she’d settle for nothing less. “I’ve never ridden a horse like this one,” he said, patting the horse’s neck as they walked. “In fact, I’ve never owned a horse. I’ve only rented one now and then from the livery.”
    “Then what are you doing out here? Why do you want to see the herd if you