Chapter 21

Abigail had ridden all her life. She found the big animals relaxing to be around. She could just lose herself and her cares as she rode.

It was only a short ride when they halted near a stream that was at the back of the farm. Here, the stream widened out to form a pond. There were flat rocks right along the edge, and the trees made it a very secluded place. They dismounted and tied up the horses. Abigail unpacked the saddle bags. She brought a large blanket, which she spread on the rocks. She then brought out some cold chicken and fresh-cut veggies from yesterday. From the other bag, she produced a chilled bottle of wine and two plastic glasses.

"You thought of everything," Hayden said, shaking his head.

"I used to come here a lot, just to get away. Jessica and I would swim here when we were teenagers. Afterwards we just lay in the sun and talk about many things." Here Jessica and she would share secrets.

As they ate, Abigail told Hayden she and Carol had stayed up late last night ta