When I finish my shift at work, I go home and change into riding clothes. I kiss my parents goodbye, give Moose some love and attention, and then drive to the ranch.
“Hey, sweet girl…” I rub my palm up Piper’s nose and give her some praise. “You ready to get outta here and stretch your legs?”
After I put on her tack, I lead us out to the training center. Noah’s helping me sign up for local events that’ll start up in a few months, and although I’m still new to the sport, I’m looking forward to this next season. It’ll be a nice change of pace and keep me busy.
“Hi,” I say when I see Waylon and Wilder bundled up in hats and jackets standing next to Noah, surprised they’re both here.
“Hey,” they reply in unison.
“Looks like you have an audience today, so we’ll start with a course run before we do her exercises,” Noah says, looking suspiciously at her brothers.
“He dragged me here to help with the rails.” Wilder points to Waylon. “But I don’t think I’ve seen you jump before, so you better show me your best.” He winks.
“I’ll try, just for you.” I smirk, securing on my helmet. “But I need to warm her up quickly.”
I hop on and run a few laps around the arena. Every time I pass by Waylon, he’s watching me intently while Wilder plays on his phone. Noah’s watching me too, but she’s looking at my posture and Piper’s trotting.
“You ready?” Noah asks.
“As long as no more loose goats come in and scare my horse…” I arch a brow at Wilder and his mouth drops open.
“Oh, come on. That was one time!”
Waylon shakes his head. “And you’re the reason she fell on her ass.”
“Blame that on Landen for not helpin’ me when I asked him for an extra hand. Those little fuckers are quick and feisty. Be happy only one got out.”
Noah snorts. “I made sure the back doors are closed. That way we won’t freeze our asses off either.”
“Good call,” Waylon says, glancing up at me but then shifts his gaze back to Noah.
We haven’t exactly told anyone in his family that we’ve been talking or that he’s beencoachingme on dating. I’m not sure how they’d react to that news, so I don’t blame him entirely for not wanting to make it obvious with his siblings around.
“Anyway…let’s show ‘em whatcha got.” Noah grins, grabbing her clipboard and timer.
The rails are about three feet from the ground, but I’m hoping to start practicing closer to four feet and eventually two rails so I can enter more challenging competitions. Even if I don’t compete in national shows, I like pushing myself and making goals to prove I can do it.
Piper and I get into position and when Noah gives the signal, she takes off for the first jump. I stay focused on the obstacle and guide her with each jump. After the fifth, she’s flawlessly completed all of them and then I hear cheering on the sidelines, almost forgetting they were watching.
“Wow, y’all killed that one!” Noah claps. “You didn’t come to play ‘round today.”
Wilder looks impressed but Waylon looks proud and in awe.
Honestly though, I was zoned in and wanted to show all of them that we still had it after a few rough weeks.
“Damn, girl. You got the moves.” Wilder holds out his hand for a high-five and bring Piper closer to reach him.
“You did tell me to do my best.” I shrug bashfully. “Maybe you’re my lucky charm.”
Although I’m only teasing, Waylon’s shoulders tense the more Wilder beams at me.
“Guess I’ll haveta come to all of your practices and shows from now on.”
“Please, Lord no.” Noah groans, and I laugh at her reaction.
“I take offense to that!” Wilder nudges her.
“Good, it was meant to be offensive.”
