Chapter 12

The four girls stared at themselves in the dressing tent mirror and giggled. It was funny to see themselves in the traditional outfits of the first Miradero settlers, but they couldn’t be prouder. Pru, especially, had dreamed of the day that she would be chosen to ride up front in the Founders’ Day Parade for such a long time. She tugged on her bonnet and posed. “We look just like founders!”

“We sure do,” Caroline agreed, looking cheery in her mint-green frock. “But we’d better get a move on. They can’t start without us, since we’re going to be at the front and everything.” She rolled outside to where Sandy was waiting. Sandy neighed happily when she saw Caroline. The horse was hitched up to the special wagon that Turo had built just for her. When he saw the demonstration with Caroline, he got right to work and changed its design so it could safely hold Caroline’s wheelchair.

Once everyone was saddled up and Caroline was secured in the wagon, the girls made their way to the staging area. The brilliant floats were lined up and ready to go. Abigail’s saddlebag was even filled with mountains of confetti and sweets to throw out to the parade watchers. The excitement around town was palpable as the parade music began to play. Abigail, Pru, Lucky, and Caroline took their spots at the front.

“Ready, everyone?” Lucky looked to her friends, beaming with pride and honor. They still had a lot to learn, but she knew that they belonged there. They were skilled riders and trainers, but most important, they embodied the spirit of the Miradero founders. They had forged ahead, trying new things and being brave enough to continue in the face of a challenge. And best of all, they’d done it together.