“It seems like Rosewood River has been good for you, not only for your training, but maybe for your personal life, too?” she teased. Then she leaned closer and whispered, “If you don’t want to talk about your personal life, we don’t have to. But I think your fans will be happy to hear about the journey you’ve been on.”
“It’s totally fine.” I peeked up at Axel, who was smiling at me, so I knew he was fine with it. “Yes. There’s someone here who’s very important to me, and I’m glad I came back, because I’ve never been happier.”
“That’s great, Wren. Happiness looks good on you,” she said. “I know this sport is considered one of the toughest out there. It takes a lot of grit and determination, and you’ve always had it in spades. But I’m curious, as a few competitors before you have talked about the time commitment and the physical and mental challenges that come with being an elite rider. I interviewed Helen Thomas eight years ago, when she was at the top of her game. Do you remember her?”
“Of course I do. I’m a huge fan, and she’s actually mentored me along the way since she retired.”
“Well, when I interviewed her, she talked about how it was tough as a woman because she felt pressure to choose between the dreams that she had for herself personally and the dreams that she had for herself professionally. Do you ever struggle with that?”
I nodded. I understood her question, and I remembered reading that interview and not fully getting it at the time. Because eight years ago, all I cared about was competing. But today, I would read those words very differently.
“I do understand it, for sure. I think you hit different points in your life and in your career where you might change perspectives about what you want and what’s important. I’ve achieved a lot in the years I’ve been competing, and I think it’s always okay to pivot. Right now, I hope to go back and give it my best shot, and I’ll just take it one day at a time from there.”
“Everyone’s talking about you chasing the Olympics and doing whatever it takes to make the team. I read somewhere that you said you wouldn’t retire until you were a member of the team. Is that something that will define your career? Is it the make-or-break piece of the pie, so to speak?”
I blew out a breath. “I’ve actually never said those words, but I believe my father said them in an interview on my behalf a few years back. If I’m being honest, I’ve always just loved being out there with Wrax, and competing against athletes I have so much respect for. Winning the world championship was a highlight of my career, and I’m honored to have achieved it. But there isn’t anything out there that defines me in that way. I don’t need to win a certain competition or make the Olympic team to feel fulfilled. I’m fulfilled when Wrax and I are flying through the air together. I’m fulfilled when I leave it all out there and I know I’ve done my best. I admire any athlete who’s disciplined in their sport and driven enough to do what it takes to make the Olympic team. But it’s not something that drives me personally. I don’t need to reach that pinnacle to feel like I’ve made it in this sport. Some athletes I train with feel that way, and maybe I had that same attitude when I was very young—but that’s not how I feel today. I feel content and happy with where I am. I’m looking forward to heading back and giving it my all.”
“What else makes you happy, Wren? Your fans want to know about your real life. I know you’ve been very private about that before now, and I wondered if there’s anything you’re willing to share?”
I chuckled. “It’s not that I’ve been necessarily private; it’s that I didn’t have a ton to share. For the last several years, my life has been all about riding. About my career. My passion. But after the accident, I was feeling very burned out and exhausted. And coming home has opened my eyes up to so many things.”
“Such as?” she pressed.
I looked over at Axel, who had this sexy-as-sin smirk on his face, and it wasn’t lost on me that Laney blushed every time she looked at him.
“Love. Life. Finding joy in the little moments.” I took a sip of my water before continuing. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time, and it feels really good.”
“What do you think the reason is for that?”
“Honestly?” I shook my head with a laugh. “I think it’s because I’m in love and I have a partner who supports me and believes in me. He’s the reason that I have Wrax back. He’s the reason that I feel ready to go back and compete again. He’s the reason that I didn’t let the personal issues that I came home to deal with derail me. He’s my person, and that was something that was missing before now.”
“Can I say that I’m sitting here at this table with him sitting beside you—and I feel it. The way you two look at one another is something.”
Axel found my hand beneath the table and winked at me. “It’s easy—just look at her. She lights up every room she walks into.”
“Swoon,” Laney said as she fanned her face. “And you two have a long history?”
“We do,” I said. “We’ve been best friends our entire lives, and it turned into something deeper these last few months.”
“Will he be moving to the training center in North Carolina with you?” she asked.
“He’s got a thriving business here making custom horse trailers, and he’s very talented. So I don’t think his clients or employees would be too happy if he upped and moved. But we’ll visit when we can and talk daily. We’ll make it work.” I cleared my throat, because she looked unimpressed with my answer. She gave me what I could only describe as a sympathetic smile, as if my words were a bit too hopeful.
“Long-distance is tricky, especially when you’re in a high-stress sport, Wren. How do you think you two will make it work?” I heard the doubt there, and it rubbed me wrong.
As if Axel could read my mind, he spoke first. “The distance will be challenging, but it won’t break us. We won’t allow it to. We’re both willing to wait for however long we need to, so that’s the plan.”
“Wow. No doubts, huh?”
“None,” Axel said, his voice unwavering.
“I like a man who’s sure of himself. But I’m curious, how are you so confident?”
“Because the alternative isn’t an option. We’re all in. End of story.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer.
“Ditto,” I said with a laugh as my head leaned on his shoulder. “I’ll be back in a heartbeat, Cowboy.”
“All right, well, I’m sure your fans will be rooting for you two. And hopefully we’ll see you at some of the competitions, Axel.”
