Noble Dreams Year 2

By Mary Kit Caelsto

As the riders at Noble Dreams continue to balance their riding goals with life, things are changing. Ari faces a traumatic event and Cora worries she's not good enough to support her partner. Can they come closer together as Ari moves toward healing?
Eva's time at the barn is no longer her own when her husband begins lessons. His competitive nature has her wondering where her "me" time went and stresses their marriage.

Linda's finally accepted her infertility, but when her situation changes she's forced to deal with an entirely new reality.

And still pursued by Leandro, Sara's forced to make a decision. Along the way, she chases the dream she's always wanted.

This boxed set contains the books six through ten in this series and take place over the course of a year. Whether they're sailing over obstacles or picking each other up, these women are there for each other and know that the best wins are the ones you celebrate with good friends to cheer you on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary Kit Caelsto
• Release date: May 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005415297

Book preview

Table of Contents

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< Riding Double >

< Rosettes & Rompers >

About The Author

Fox Hunt Inn Sign Up Backmatter

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< Noble Dreams Year 2 >

A Boxed Set of Books 6-10 in the series

Mary Kit Caelsto

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT:

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. Permission is granted to make ONE backup copy for archival purposes.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

SHADBELLY FAULTS

Copyright © Mary Kit Caelsto, 2019

HUSBAND ON BOARD

Copyright © Mary Kit Caelsto, 2019

DOUBLE CLEAR

Copyright © Mary Kit Caelsto, 2019

RIDING DOUBLE

Copyright © Mary Kit Caelsto, 2019

ROMPERS & ROSETTES

Copyright © Mary Kit Caelsto, 2019

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Cover Art ® 2021

Cover art by Epona Author Solutions

Book formatting by Epona Author Solutions (http://www.eponaauthorsolutions.com)

Electronic Publication Date: May 2021

Print Publication Date: May 2021

This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author.

Please support horse rescue and rescue organizations. You may just find your next best friend.

Contents

Also by the Author here

< Shadbelly Faults > here

< Husband on Board > here

< Double Clear > here

< Riding Double > here

< Rosettes & Rompers > here

About The Author here

Also by the Author

Women’s Fiction

Noble Dreams Series

Gift on Course

Course Clear

Steady on Course

Standing on Course

Correction on Course

Walking on Course

Course Perfect

Shadbelly Faults

Husband On Board

Double Clear

Riding Double

Rosettes & Rompers

Crossed Rails

International Obstacles

Baby Green

Mare Stare

Future Courses

Noble Dreams Year 1 (Books 1-5)

Noble Dreams Year 2 (Books 6-10)

Fox Hunt Inn Series

Poached Piaffe

Creamed Canter

Western Star Series (Combined in Western Star: The Collection)

Spins Are Wild

Turn & Burn

In The Chute

Back In The Saddle

Winning It All

Fantasy/Magic Realism

World of the Musimagium

Hidden

Tonic Chords

Bardic Chords

Songs & Horns

Discovery of Songs

Songs & Paperwork

Songs & Fury

The Pegasus Project

Pegasus In Flight

Draco Magus

Radio Arcanum

Chasing Neptune’s Cat

Tempus Magic

Mythology

Racing Luck

Bad Luck Titan

From the Deep

Healing Luck (Rota Rising Book 1)

< Shadbelly Faults >

Noble Dreams 6

Chapter One

Cora nodded to Tasha as she led Buster out of the arena. Their new boarder seemed to have settled in well, though she usually kept to herself. Then again, she often rode in the dressage arena, which she had all to herself. Having a dressage rider in the barn had helped. Not only had it encouraged Brit, Ari’s friend, to board here too, but now the stalls were full, with limited room left in the pasture. Certainly, Ari had pulled her weight in advertising Noble Dreams and becoming a true partner.

Zahra had worked wonders with Cora’s young horse, and because of that, she’d even entered him in some green classes at the next show. Nothing fancy and certainly not outside of his scope, yet it’d begin to give him mileage and bring him up in the ranks. Ari had talked about possibly taking him on as a new mount, though Cora hadn’t dismissed the idea of selling him either. She hooked him in the crossties and quickly removed his tack, then gave the horse a good brushing. He shook, sending a cloud of hair everywhere. Ahh, shedding season. The time of year when she wasn’t sure who was shaggier, her after grooming and riding or the horse. She patted Buster on the shoulder, then turned him out. Just as she turned away from the gate, Ari drove in, laughing with Brit as they returned from the feed store.

A pang of something, she couldn’t quite call it jealousy, hit Cora and she waited for Ari to park. Sure, Ari and Brit had been nearly inseparable since she’d arrived with her horse. That she’d been studying abroad for a year in Germany no doubt explained it. Cora knew if she hadn’t seen her friend for over a year and now had a chance to spend nearly every day with her, that she’d take advantage of it. Yet, as snippets of conversation drifted to her, and Brit bent her head close to Ari and laughed, the moment appeared too intimate for just old friends.

Ari turned. Hey! We got everything on the list and I’ve got a reminder to call the feed store about sponsoring our show. She stepped forward, then reached into a pocket and pulled out the farm’s debit card and a folded up receipt.

Cora took them, the familiar warmth as her fingers brushed Ari’s chasing away the disquieting thoughts. Thanks. I will. It’s on the list for this afternoon. She grabbed the wheelbarrow she’d parked right next to the barn door and steered it toward the truck. A moment later they were dropping fifty pound bags of feed, and once they had four or five loaded, pushed it back to the barn. Four trips later, the truck was unloaded and Ari was dumping sacks into the large feed bin.

You going to ride? Cora asked Ari.

I thought I would. Brit said she’d help me with some flatwork.

Brit straightened from where she was pouring two bags of her horse’s special feed into a metal can, her dark black braid swinging over a shoulder. Her flatwork has always been atrocious, she said with her light British accent and the two women laughed.

There it was again, a sense that someone knew more about Ari’s life than she did, had shared a closeness that she hadn’t had with her partner. Cora shoved down the emotion. Ari had proven herself a thousand times over as her partner both in life and in the barn. Things since her ankle had healed were going wonderfully, and Cora refused to mess it up now.

I’ll be in my office. I’ll make that call and do a little bookwork. We decided on a mid-May date, between a couple of the bigger shows? Cora asked.

Ari nodded. The third weekend if I remember right.

That’s a great time. People kind of scatter for various shows, so it’ll be nice to have one so close. Remember, my cousin is in Girl Scouts and I might be able to get her troop to help volunteer. Service brownie points or something. Brit waved her hand. I can’t keep it all straight, but no one works harder than a bunch of horse crazy girls if they think they’ll get to be around horses.

True. Thanks. If you don’t need anything… Cora wished she could just turn and go back to the house. Instead, she lingered.

We’re good. Ari confirmed.

Taking that as a sign, Cora turned and hurried up to the house. She washed and grabbed a glass of water, as well as a sandwich with some leftover turkey from dinner a couple of nights ago, then sat down in her office. Her scribbled to do list on the notepad would keep her occupied for a while, and hopefully not thinking about her partner or her partner’s best friend down in the arena. And frankly Brit was right. Ari tended to rush and could use some good dressage work to help keep her horses light and balanced.

Deciding she was worrying over nothing, Cora called the feed store and soon was having a conversation with the owner about finally holding that show they’d agree to sponsor. From ribbons to an extra load of hay and bedding, the shop had them covered and soon Cora wondered why she hadn’t done this earlier. She glanced out the window, smiling as she saw Ari work in 10 meter circles. Her horse was supple and listening, but needed more bend. A few moments later, she cantered serpentines in the outdoor arena and Cora turned back to her computer. With the show plans progressing, she spent some time with her bookkeeping software and entered in the bills. Certainly, things looked a lot better than they had just a few months ago.

Tasha pulled out with her big truck after pausing to chat with Brit and Ari. Cora glanced at the clock. In an hour or so Sara and Eva, maybe Linda, would be arriving. She better get the bookwork done because both of them were working hard to show in new divisions.

~* * *~

If she’d had any worries about Eva and Sara showing in the same divisions, or about Sara’s moving up, Cora watched her students and realized they could handle it. She’d set up jumps side by side, both so Sara could see the exact difference in height as well as allowing Eva to see where she could go next if she and Cin wanted. With two large verticals on either side of the arena, and then a pair of smaller cross rails at the ends, she sent the women through their paces, first over the flat working on bends and turns, then taking some of the jumps, but not too many.

Neither horse really needed the practice, more this was to get their riders thinking about their new, more challenging levels. She called both riders into the center of the arena and talked to them a bit about what she saw and how they could improve. Then, Cora sent Sara out to work through bends and circles while Eva watched before asking Eva to critique the performance.

At first, Eva grew uncomfortable, which frankly Cora thought was silly. The two women talked about each other’s work all the time, never shy about offering pointers or letting them know what she saw. Apparently Cora had put her on the spot, but soon, Eva pointed out both the flaws and the good things in the performance. Then the two switched places and it was Eva’s turn to ride.

Sara, on the other hand, had no problem critiquing what she saw. If she continued with her plan, then there’d be no telling how far she’d go. With Jimmy heading to college next year that’d give her more time to compete, too. Cora ended the lesson and walked with them back to the barn, then she caught Ari’s wave and went to talk to her partner.

They looked good out there, Ari said.

They did. What’s up? Cora glanced at her phone. Not time for dinner yet is it?

No. I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming clinic with Ingrid Meiner. Katy is going to hold it at her farm, and Brit and I want to go. In fact, since I’m a jumper, Katy said she’d like to have me ride so she could compare how Brit and I do for the audience. Ari’s face lit up.

When is it? She remembered something about the clinic, but couldn’t remember the dates.

The same weekend as the Tulip Jamboree.

Oh. Cora pressed her lips together to keep from cursing aloud. That would be Eva’s first show jumping in her new division and most likely Sara’s as well. She’d hoped to have the entire Noble Dreams team on hand to cheer both of them on. Well it’s a great opportunity. I’d hate to see you miss it.

But you’d rather have me at the Jamboree.

Cora frowned. Am I that obvious?

Ari laughed and rested her hand on Cora’s shoulder. Only to someone who knows you as well as I do. And we’d talked about it. I know this is sudden and it’s last minute, but it also could be a good thing for the farm.

Of course. Cora forced herself to sound light, because Ari was right. She was disappointed and had hoped to have Ari there with her. She’d even thought maybe Ari could compete in some of the classes. Clearly the clinic was the better opportunity. A rider like Ingrid, who mostly competed in Europe, rarely came to the US and when she did, it was for a show. This would be excellent for both Ari and her horses. I’ll put it on the calendar this evening so I don’t forget. I agree. It’s a great opportunity.

Ari pulled her into a sudden hug. Thanks. I know Brit and I have been spending a lot of time together lately. She’ll be going off for some show circuits on the east coast soon, so this will kind of be a last weekend for us. You’re the best. And now I’ve really got to start dinner. Ari kissed her on the cheek.

Cora reminded herself she had nothing to worry about as she ducked back into the barn to check with Eva and Sara. Both of them were almost finished cooling out their horses and untacking. Ashley had arrived to do evening feeding, and realizing she wasn’t needed, Cora went back to the house. She updated their shared calendar, then went to look over the Tulip Jamboree’s show schedule once more. Not that they all hadn’t decided what classes to enter and paid the entry fees. She just wanted to make sure they had all the bases covered.

By the time Ari called her that dinner was done, Cora had gone over the show schedule as much as she could. Ari served her famous spaghetti, and they sat down to dinner—just the two of them. Cora listened while Ari talked, thinking about how nice it was that they could spend some couple time together right now. Brit had gone home. Zahra had come in some time ago, the sound of the basement apartment door the only thing that had indicated her return from Meadowbrook After Care where she’d been looking at some new horses to potentially bring for training. Her other horses had all been sold and found excellent homes; Zahra was making quite the name for herself and Cora couldn’t be prouder. Judging by the truck and trailer Zahra had brought with her, she’d found more horses to bring for training.

She’d heard Linda and Eva’s trucks leaving while Ari had been cooking, followed by Ashley’s maybe ten minutes ago. After dinner she’d stroll down the barn aisle, checking on the horses, patting noses, talking to them, and making sure everyone was settled in for the night. She appreciated the last barn walk of the night, a way to settle her thoughts and her mind. With the way things were going, she needed all the calm she could get.

Chapter Two

Cora leaned against the fence enjoying the slight breeze playing with her hair and the hint of flowers blooming around the walkways. The beautiful spring day was a perfect one for staying outside, and once she’d gotten done planting some petunias in half whiskey barrels by the entrance to the barn, Zahra had called her over to evaluate the horses.

Zahra wore paddock boots and jeans, her yellow shirt bright against her darker complexion. She’d tucked her hair into a ponytail, then put an Ariat cap over the top of it to keep it contained. A pair of riding gloves hung from the pocket of her jeans. The chestnut shows some promise. I’m not sure what to do with the gray.

What do you mean? Cora surveyed the horses, noticing that the chestnut seemed to have natural athleticism. Maybe not the fastest horse, but if someone wanted a scopey hunter, he appeared to have what it’d take. The gray gelding, on the other hand, either was younger than the chestnut or just hadn’t grown into himself yet. How old is he?

Six. Zahra laughed. He’s faster than he looks on the track, but still couldn’t quite make it. He actually came through 2 Hearts Rescue in Missouri. Someone had contacted Erin who spoke with her friend Avery, who then passed him onto Meadowbrook or something. Poor guy has been hauled around quite a bit and you can tell he’s just not sure how long he’s going to stay.

Indeed, the big horse appeared checked out as if he weren’t really engaging with his surroundings. He grazed, but when the chestnut and bay horses tried to get him to play, he shrugged them off and went to the far end of the paddock, coming back only to drink out of the waterer before returning to graze.

Just didn’t develop into his promise, did he?

Zahra shook her head. Nope. He’s a gentle giant though. No spook or buck in him that anyone could tell. Frankly, if someone just wanted to putter around, I’d say he’d make a great husband horse. But I’d want to put some training on him first.

That may not be a bad thing, Cora replied, keeping one eye on the horse. Even when the chestnut rolled, shook himself off, then farted and bucked spectacularly, the gray didn’t even twitch an ear. Those horses are worth their weight in gold. Not everyone wants to win ribbons.

True, she agreed. What about the bay? He’s three, never really got it together on the track.

Cora studied the smaller of the three geldings. Nice conformation and good movement, though probably not flashy enough for dressage. Could go in any direction. What do you think? Just then, the bay stopped and whinnied at the pasture where Ivy and Skipper shared the pasture with other horses.

Ivy whinnied back, then trotted over to the fence line. The two horses touched muzzles and groomed each other for a while, the chestnut and gray in with the bay all but forgotten.

I think it’s love, Zahra said. He’s been like this ever since he arrived.

Cora grinned. Thankfully the horses had been quarantined, so there wasn’t a danger of anything, and all the animals on the farm were vaccinated. Looks like it. Makes me think I ought to show him to Linda, but I’m not sure where she’s at with her riding. She’s getting back into the swing of things and might be more of a competitor this year, but I think she’s enjoyed the break.

Sometimes you need one. Zahra’s phone rang. She glanced at it. I’ve got to take this. She swiped her thumb across the screen. Hello.

Cora walked away to give Zahra space. From the conversation it sounded as if she were talking to the after care agency about the horses. She went into the tack room and tidied up. When she was done, Tasha had arrived to ride Viggo in the outdoor arena, so Cora went and got Buster. The young horse had come quite a long way since the accident that had hurt her ankle, and with Zahra’s excellent tutelage, had turned into something that might actually earn a ribbon in the hunter ring. Cora mused how strange that had seemed just a few months ago while she groomed the horse. She spoke softly to him, telling him how he was such a good boy and he’d done so much. Then, she took him to the indoor riding arena—less chance of distractions that way—and decided to do some schooling on the flat.

She noticed Zahra entered the barn and paused by the fence to watch, but kept her focus on the horse. He moved well today, his gaits nice and even, bending through his entire body. An arc from nose to tail, as her old trainer had told her, and today she felt it in the way he moved. She hadn’t been much to ride in the hunter classes, preferring the speed and flash of jumpers, but perhaps she could do a late entry at the Tulip Jamboree after all.

Just then Linda stepped into the barn. He looks nice. You guys have done great with him. She paused by the gate.

An idea flashed into Cora’s mind. Want to ride him? I’d like to see how he does under someone else and you can give me your honest opinion. Am I crazy for thinking he’s hunter material?

Sure. Let me get my helmet. She dashed away almost as soon as she spoke, and a moment later returned. Cora dismounted, adjusted the stirrups for Linda, and held him while she mounted. Then, she stood in the middle of the arena, not too far away though Buster seemed unlikely to try anything, while her student rode.

They looked amazing together. About as tall as Ivy, with the kind of natural carriage that would garner notice in the ring, Buster appeared tailor made for her. And judging from the grin on Linda’s face, the feeling was mutual. They finished making several large circles, then came back to where Cora stood. She stopped and Buster stood, no longer fidgeting or getting impatient.

He’s dreamy, she said. Thanks for letting me ride. She dismounted.

You’re welcome. Glad to know I’m not the only one who feels that way, though it’s due to Zahra’s hard work. I’d thought he’d be a good jumper prospect, but watching you two, I think I could see him in the hunter ring.

Oh definitely. Linda moved out of the way so Cora could loosen the girth. You selling him?

Cora thought she detected a hopeful note in Linda’s voice. You thinking about another horse? I thought you and Ivy were taking it easy.

Linda grinned sheepishly and walked with Cora as she led Buster back to the cross ties. Maybe. I’m getting the bug to compete, but I kind of feel that Ivy’s done all she can. We could move up. She’s ready for it. She also seems to be enjoying her vacation and I don’t mind keeping her around for trail rides and hacking.

Thought about leasing her out? Cora lifted the saddle off Buster’s back and set it on the rack, then grabbed a brush and began to groom him. Hair flew and Cora made a show of waving her hand in front of her face with a big grin. Ugh, shedding season.

Linda chuckled, then thoughtfully returned to the topic at hand. Not really. I’m a bit overprotective so probably would want to do an on-farm lease. And only to the right person. She paused for a moment. It’s something to think about to be sure. I just hadn’t really decided what to do yet. It’s a bit awkward. I mean Kevin totally supports me and things are so much better than they were last summer. But I’m not really used to it yet. Even his family was completely supportive and understanding over the holidays. It was almost like aliens had kidnapped my in-laws and replaced them with these nice people. She laughed a bit. That’s probably not nice of me to say.

Cora shrugged. Sounds like the truth though. I’m glad things are working out. I know how stressful it’s been in the past when they visited. You didn’t seem quite as flustered this time. She finished grooming Buster. Well this guy isn’t going anywhere, though while we’re on the subject of horses, Zahra’s got one in that might be a good fit as well. So if you’re thinking about getting a new one, there’s no rush to make up your mind. I’m going to turn him out. She unhooked the cross ties.

I’ve got to get riding. Kevin says he’s not working late tonight and I have papers to grade.

Have a good evening, Cora said.

You too.

Cora turned Buster back out into his pasture and checked her phone. A little more than an hour before her students would arrive. She sat down and thought for a moment about the conversation she’d just had with Linda. Certainly leasing out Ivy wouldn’t be a bad thing. It’d keep the mare in work and keep her skill sharp. No doubt there was a young rider who would like a ready-made horse to be competitive with, and Cora had the feeling that Linda would find she rather enjoyed watching her horse pack a younger rider around the arena.

Laughter caught Cora’s attention and she turned to see Ari and Brit deep in discussion over by Zahra’s paddock. Again the stab of jealousy, and again Cora told herself it was unwarranted. They were friends—that was all. Then Brit rested her hand on Ari’s shoulder, and a sense of possessiveness shot through her. She stood and had taken several steps before she realized what she was doing. No, she wouldn’t interfere. Jealous girlfriend never was a good look. Not on her or anyone.

Zahra walked toward the barn, pausing next to her. They look cozy, she said. You okay?

Being able to read horses also meant that if someone applied those same skills they’d be able to read people too. Cora gave a half-smile. Who are you riding? I mentioned to Linda you might have a horse for her.

Nice change of topic. You didn’t answer my question. Zahra fixed her with a look that made Cora wonder if she could see all the way to her soul. You okay?

Cora nodded. I have to be. They’re just friends. Then sighed and added. Right?

Zahra stared at Cora for a moment and then shrugged. I suppose. If you want to know, though, you’ll need to talk to Ari. In my experience some things will fester until they get ugly. You don’t want that.

No, I don’t. Given that Zahra had gone through a breakup with her partner just a few months ago, one that had made a rushed job of having her move into the basement apartment, Cora didn’t doubt that her friend knew exactly what she was talking about. Thanks. So, you didn’t say, who are you riding?

I was thinking the gray. See if he really is husband horse material. A truck pulled in and Zahra paused. Someone new. Better let you do your thing.

Cora grinned. Her thing was meeting new people, telling them the barn was full. The door opened and a tall woman, her fall of platinum blonde hair pulled up with a silver clip and wearing an outfit that probably cost more than she paid for her Stubben saddle, stepped out. She looked not in Cora’s direction but Brit and Ari’s. They turned, saw her, and squealed their delight. You made it! Brit said hurrying across the grass. Ari, too, had an ear-splitting grin on her face, and suddenly Cora realized she was the third wheel. She waited for a moment, then when it seemed as if Ari wasn’t going to introduce her, went back into the barn. Maybe she could help Zahra evaluate the gray.

Chapter Three

A few nights later, Ari set the plate down in front of Cora with a little more force than necessary. Cora glanced at her, then looked away but not before Ari saw the arched eyebrow and incredulous expression.

I know you’ve been upset because I’ve been spending time with Brit. I thought we’d dealt with all of this when you hurt your ankle. I’m your partner in the farm, Cora. I’m here for you. But not if you’re going to act as if I’m going to betray you every single moment. There’s this thing called trust. Use it. Ari turned on her heel and went back to the stove to fill her own plate.

Whoa. Wait a minute. Where’d that come from? Cora blinked, feeling as if she’d been lashed with the end of a lead rope by Ari’s words. Sure, she’d wondered. She’d doubted. Even been jealous. But this seemed way out of proportion. I haven’t accused you of anything. I know Brit’s your friend and you haven’t seen her for a while. I also know she’s heading out soon—

And you’re happy about it. Admit it. Ari spun away from the stove with her plate in hand. She set it down, wobbling as she did so, and sat.

I— Cora stared at her partner, truly at a loss for words. Emotions churned inside her. I won’t lie, she said at last. I’ve been a little jealous. You guys seem so close. Sometimes I feel like a third wheel. But I know you’re friends and I know you won’t do anything to hurt us. She released a breath, because frankly Ari’s words stung. She’d thought she’d been doing better, feeling better about things recently.

Do you? Ari’s voice wavered.

Oh crap, she really had hurt her and she hadn’t intended to at all. Yeah, Cora said.

Oh. Tears welled in Ari’s eyes and spilled over her cheeks. She ignored her perfectly seared chicken breasts and steamed vegetables, which certainly wasn’t something that Ari would ever do to good food. Then I’ve got to tell you something.

Cora swallowed hard. Her stomach fell. Okay. She kept her voice even and tried not to jump to conclusions. And yet, with Ari’s sudden touchiness and the current topic of conversation, how could she not?

Two nights ago I almost kissed Brit. Ari made some kind of inarticulate angry noise.

Cora gasped. She hadn’t meant to and pressed her fingers to her lips as if to keep any other judgmental noises from emerging. She opened her mouth to say something, then stopped. Brit wasn’t done talking and her inner voice told her she had to listen right now. Not speak.

We were in the barn. She was riding her horse under the lights and I was watching her, trying to see if I could learn something. You know how bad I am at groundwork.

They both laughed. That, at least, was true. Not that Ari was horrible, but certainly with some refinement she could save tenths of seconds, if not whole seconds from her time and move up in her placings.

Well she finished, and I was holding her horse. We were talking and then… Her voice