Pleasantries are exchanged all around. Tarek is about to answer his aunt with a glowing introduction. Hannah is a dear friend. He wasn't looking for a mare. He was looking for a home, but instead found Hannah. They haven't known each other long, but her good nature is clear. All its taken is this to have Tarek head over heels. But he hasn't time to explain this before Hannah voices her discomfort.

Tarek's brows knit with worry, and his heart, once beating the rapid pace of joy, again races with anxiety. Tarek stands steadfast beside Hanna, and turns his face towards hers. He offers her a breath of encouragement, and a touch charged with meaning. He will go with her or stay here. That is her choice, but no matter where they are in physical relation to each other, he will be thinking of her.

This foal may not be his by blood, but such things don't matter now. They are family. He can't wait to meet this newest addition to their strange little family, and he will do his best to be a true father. Tarek never had a father himself, so he has no example to follow, but he can imagine what good fathers do, and he's going to do all of those things.