far from the highway. At its opposite end, the trail
spilled out right onto downtown Main Street.
“Everyone rode horses here at one time,” said
Fletch, pointing out the tie poles scattered all over
town. “You’d ride up to the General Store, tie up
your horse, and do your grocery shopping.”
People waved at them as they walked down the
street. Cars slowed down and gave them a wide berth.
Shy Guy walked with his head high, unperturbed by
vehicles or people or pavement. As they arrived at
the ice-cream shop and tied up their horses, Fletch
winked at Hanna and said, “Told you.”
Hanna and Fletch stayed with the horses while
the others went in for ice cream. Izzy promised to
get Hanna’s order for her.
All the Quartz Creek Ranchers ate together out-
side. Rae Ann somehow managed to get ice cream
on Cade’s face, and Izzy practically inhaled hers.
“How on earth did you do that so fast?” asked
Josh.
“I don’t get brain freezes.” To demonstrate, Izzy
took Madison’s leftover ice cream and sank her teeth
directly into it. Everyone winced.
Hanna wasn’t watching. She studied Shy Guy,
who simply stood tied by the other horses, lazily
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