The Swear Jar by Audra Osorio

apples in his hand.
    She put her hand on his arm.  Anne
was nearby, merrily feeding the horses.  The ponies knew treats were headed
their way.
    “Here comes one,” said Meara,
ducking behind him without letting go of his arm.
    “We’ll do this nice and slow, so no
one will spook,” he said.  “I’m going to hold out the apple, making sure I tuck
my fingers in so he doesn’t get a nibble.”
    “Brave, Sir Duncan,” she murmured,
leaning forward against his back.  “Be careful!”
    The pony munched happily while they
watched.  The second pony headed for her, nuzzling her side.  Her hand slid
down his arm and into his hand, intertwining their fingers.  She wrapped her
other hand around his bicep, pressing her breasts into his arm.  A thrill went
through him.  He wondered if she making a pass at him.  Then he saw the
terrified look on her face.
    “Duncan,” she breathed.  “What is
he doing? Don’t let him eat me!”
    “He won’t eat you, I promise.  He’s
just looking for his treat.  Take this carrot and hold it out to him.”

Chapter Six
    Meara took the carrot, continuing
to hold Duncan’s hand.  She leaned towards the pony.  He squeezed her hand
encouragingly.  The pony took the carrot.  Meara smiled at Duncan.  She
realized he was stroking her hand with his thumb.  She was about to let go when
the first pony nudged him from the other side.
    “Whoa, buddy,” he laughed.  “I have
a carrot for you too!  Do you want to feed this pony?”
    “No, I’ll watch you.”  She stroked
his palm with her thumb.  “Do you think my friend wants his apple?”
    “He’d follow us home to get it! 
You better give it to him.”  He didn’t want to let go of her hand.
    She took the apple.  Turning, she
was surprised to see the pony right next to her.  She jumped, unintentionally
releasing Duncan’s hand.
    “Yikes!  He’s close.  Are you sure
he isn’t going to eat me?” she whispered.
    “Librarian-eating ponies are rare,
but they do exist.  I can’t rule out the possibility.  If you give him the
apple, we’ll make a run for it.”  He liked teasing her.
    “You’ve been hanging out with Anne
too much.”  Smiling, she gave the pony the apple.
    “Now back out slowly.  If they
follow us, we’ll let them eat Anne,” he grinned.
    She giggled merrily.  Backing away
from the ponies, they headed towards the gate.  Anne was waiting, swinging an
empty bucket.
    “What took you so long?” Anne
cried.  “I’m already done!”
    “Why am I not surprised?” Meara
replied.  “Now, Anne, we have to get those plants and return Duncan to the
library.  It’s getting late and I’m sure we’re keeping Duncan from important
work.  Get moving, young lady.”
    “Sir Duncan, do you really need to
get back to the library?” asked Anne.
    “I don’t want to contradict your
aunt.  Let’s say I could keep myself busy if I were back at the library, but I
like having fun now and then.  What kind of plants were you ladies looking for
today?” asked Duncan.
    “She has some boring list,” huffed
Anne.  “If it’s not on the list, she won’t get it.  It’s always like that!”
    Meara said, “And there’s a good
reason.  You talk to me and I forget things.  It’s self-defense.  You know I
only stick to the list to annoy you.”
    Anne scrunched up her nose and
squinted.  “You’re so mean.”
    Meara blew the raspberry at Anne. 
“Go get a greenhouse cart and we’ll get started.”
    Anne ran off, her braids flying. 
Duncan waited for Anne to be out of hearing to give a hearty laugh.
    Meara rolled her eyes.  “You don’t
have to live with her.”
    She followed her list while Anne
brought over different plants that were quickly vetoed.  Anne was frustrated.  
She picked up marigolds and approached Meara.  Duncan caught Anne’s attention
and winked at her.
    “Anne, marigolds!  That’s perfect. 
Some gardeners say having marigolds repels deer and insects,”