Christie

It was Christmas Eve, and I found myself at the barn again. I went to Stacy's stall to say goodnight, leaning my head against her soft neck and kissing her on the nose. I stopped to chat with a few friends on my phone, giggling at the jokes they were making. It was a chilly, quiet night.

But the silence didn't last. The door opened, and both boys strolled in casually.

"Hi," I said in a small voice.

"Hey, Christie," Colton answered. He had that small, reassuring smile on his face. Caleb ...