An Unexpected Journey
Chapter 14 - Some opportunities knock gently. Others send a prince to your doorstep.
“Not again!”
Sam stood staring at Raven, his arms crossed as he processed her news. “I thought you were done traveling to clients’ homes to work with their horses.”
“I know, Sam. I thought so too.” Raven held her ground, her expression resolute. “But how can I resist the Prince of Liechtenstein when his horse is in distress? He’s covering all expenses—not just for me, but for anyone I want to bring with me. I’ve never been to Switzerland, and this is a chance to see a little more of the world before I can truly settle here at home. Would you come with me?”
“You know I can’t, Raven.” Sam sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Someone has to stay and take care of the ranch, and we’ve got too much going on with the Centennial celebration coming up. There’s no way I can leave.”
Raven met his gaze, searching for any flicker of hesitation. “True. I admit it’s not the best timing, and it’s not fair of me to tempt you with this trip. I need to be sensible. The ranch and the horses need you here.” She hesitated, then added, “At least we don’t have any clients scheduled until after I’d be back.”
“That’s right, and I’m relieved to hear you say that.” Sam gave her a pointed look. “Would any of your friends or Ben be able to go with you?”
“I doubt it. Ben will say he has too much to take care of, and I can’t see any of the women just packing up and heading to Europe on short notice.” She paused, considering. “But I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
Sam twisted his hat in his hands, his brows drawing together. “What exactly is going on with the horse? And don’t they have trainers over there?”
Raven exhaled. “She’s had a major change in behavior over the last few months. The Prince has already brought in several trainers, in addition to his own, but nothing’s worked. She refuses to trailer, she’s reluctant to go into the barn, and she’s been displaying aggressive behavior toward the other horses and stable hands. The Prince is at his wit’s end. He called me out of sheer desperation.”
Sam studied her for a long moment. He didn’t like the idea of her leaving, not with everything they had on their plates—but he also knew Raven. There was no stopping her when a horse was in trouble.
“I know we have a lot going on,” she said softly, “but I have to go.”
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