Cam describes an unseasonably warm, rainy March in Meadowlark and heads to Rebel Blue to pick up Riley from her indoor riding lesson with Emmy. Watching from the fence, Cam notes Riley’s focused expression that mirrors her own, and Emmy quietly keeps Riley on task. Cam reflects on how she often sees the Ryders in Riley, but recognizes their shared “thinking face.”

Cam spots Dusty on a flatbed truck in the pasture, feeding hay while operating a jury-rigged single-person system with a pull-string throttle. She reflects on the two months since New Year’s Eve, telling herself they both chose to be content with friendship after nearly crossing a line, even as she admits her long-standing desire and fear of losing him again. She recalls their normal, friendly interactions since the bed-frame delivery and appreciates the harmlessness of Dusty’s light flirting.

Emmy teases Cam about openly staring at Dusty and prefers it to the pair’s stolen glances, then returns to teaching, noting Cam may have company. Dusty approaches and greets both women, and he compliments Riley’s riding, explaining the groundwork exercise and reminiscing about taking lessons from Stella as a kid. Cam admires Dusty’s appearance and notices he still wears the blue friendship bracelet Riley made him.

They joke about the truck setup and Dusty’s flirting, with Dusty briefly catching Cam’s hand after she playfully shoves him. Cam internally reminds herself to keep it friendly. Dusty hints he could “dial it up” when she is ready, underscoring the simmering tension.

Riley finishes and rushes over, happily asking if they saw her leading Sweetwater. Dusty calls her a natural, and Riley repeats Emmy’s compliment. She shows Dusty her leather bracelet from him; Dusty shows he still wears the blue bracelet she made. Riley becomes bashful and asks if Dusty can join their post-lesson coffee; Dusty, eyes on Cam, promises “Next time,” signaling interest without pushing.

Dusty ruffles Riley’s hair and returns to help Emmy move horses, displaying capable horsemanship as he rides out with a second horse ponied alongside. Cam watches, struck again by Dusty’s steadiness—still fun and flirty but now feeling unshakably solid—and wonders whether someone like him can stay anchored or will eventually seek open waters. She and Riley head out as Dusty rides toward the stables.