She was a striking mare with a Dalmatian-like coat. Her mane and tail mixed strands of black and white into a soft gray. Tracy instantly wanted to take in this lovely creature. But her instructions from Regan and Lily had been crystal clear. Just like the first time she house-sat for them, she wasn’t supposed to accept any animals while they were gone. “I’m sorry.” She kept her tone friendly but firm. “I’m not authorized to admit any animals this week. Perhaps you’d like to come back at the end of the month when the owners are here.” “Can’t wait that long, ma’am. I can’t feed her no more. I’ve run through the money I got from selling my stud and I can’t find work.” The man could have been anywhere from thirty to fifty years old, but he’d obviously lived a hard life judging from his weathered skin and resigned expression. “I wish I could help, but—” “I came this close to selling Dottie to a guy in Jackson, but he wouldn’t have treated her right.
