But it’s hard not to fall for her.
There’s nothing like it. Darcy’s eyes on mine from the next pillow over, her lips either smiling or puzzling over something we’re working out. We kiss and cuddle. We explore each other.
I want to keep things going, and I don’t see why we can’t. Darcy seems hesitant, but hasn’t said anything about it outright. I’m trying to give her space. After all, she was supposed to get married in a month, and instead she’s with a totally different guy. I imagine that’s a bit of whiplash.
But here, all that melts away. It’s me and Cane and our quiet time. The barrels are set up, we’re warmed up, and I think he’s ready. He’s calm this morning and everything feels right. “Let’s see if we still got it,” I tell him with a pat to his neck.
I dig my calves into his sides and we’re off. Cane follows my lead without much effort. Barrel racing can be tough on horses, and there’s no doubt something about Cane’s time in the circuit traumatized him. I’d have a bad attitude if people treated me like shit too. But he’s natural now, giving me nothing to fear. My heart races as we round the third turn, finish the cloverleaf pattern, and ride back to the end zone. “Attaboy. Hell yeah!”
I’m relieved, exhilarated—happy. I can’t wipe the smile from my face. The turns weren’t as tight as I’d like, and my leg cues aren’t what they used to be, but we did it.
And I’m ready to go again.
On our third run, Darcy and Freckle are silhouetted against the rising sun on the other side of the barn. I stay focused as she whoops and shouts to cheer us on.
“Lookin’ good, cowboy,” she calls.
We race past them until we finish the pattern, and I take Cane back into the ring to cool him down. Darcy wears a smirk before she disappears into Freckle’s stall. She pops in and out of the stalls and tack room while we walk, coming to my side once we stop in the barn.
“You look happy, Daddy,” she says, beaming up at me before I dismount.
I dip to kiss her. “I am.”
“You did it,” she says.
“We did.”
Her eyes are knowing, soft. “How do you feel?”
“It’s nice. I think it’s good for my buddy too,” I say, patting Cane’s neck.
“You gonna compete?”
“Ha, no. Not many men compete above youth. When I stopped was probably about the right time anyway. It’s just fun to do it.”
“Good. I’m happy for you,” she says, pulling me into a tight hug. “Let’s get our guy some food, huh?”
I laugh. “You mean me?”
She tips her head and reaches in her back pocket for a granola bar, holding it out to me. “Best I can do right now.”
“It’s perfect.”
She takes Cane from me and untacks him, putting him in his stall for the day. I’m just finished feeding the dogs when Darcy appears again. She toys with the braid hanging down her back. “Hey, so, I got some test results back.”
I tilt my head, trying to think of what kind of test.
“And it’s all clear.”
“Wait,” I say, the details working into my brain. “Darcy, that’s great news. Right? We’re talking about infection tests?”
She nods and grins. “Right. There’s still the chance that I have it and it’s dormant, but since I’ve never shown symptoms, it’s probably okay.”
“How do you feel?” I ask.
“Relieved.” She slinks toward me and pulls me to her by my belt loops. “And ready for you.”
I check my watch. “Caleb will be out here any minute.”
