“Well, sure. We’re all wondering that. No one asks if you are up to the challenge when talking about your capabilities, but your horse, yes, there are concerns. And right now, everyone’s eyes are going to be on you. On us. When you and Wrax are on your game, you are unbeatable. I just don’t want your horse to cost us everything we’ve worked for.”
Cost us everything we’ve worked for?
“Do you remember what you asked me after I won Worlds?” she asked, her voice quieter now.
“I do. And you were exhausted when I asked the question.”
“What was the question?” I asked, because now I was curious.
He lifted his chin. “I asked her if she was ready to chase the final goal.”
“The Olympics,” I said flatly. Because I didn’t know who was chasing it anymore. Her father. Her coach. Or her.
“Yes.” He scrubbed a hand down his face.
I looked down at Wren, who leaned back to look at me. “I was honest. I said that I was tired of chasing things. I wanted to just enjoy the moment.”
“Because you were overworked and burned out at that time,” he snipped.
“But I’m not burned out, Coach. After I got Wrax back, I took him out every single day back home, and I loved it.”
“Let’s just get your head back in the game. Personally, I think the accident shook you,” he said, glancing at me as if he was looking for support.
He was barking up the wrong damn tree.
If Wren wanted to chase something, I’d be out there cheering her on. And if she wanted to just ride for the fun of it, I’d be out there cheering her on just the same.
This conversation was making things crystal clear.
Everyone was concerned about what she could do for them.
I was just concerned about her.
I got it. A lot of prize money was at stake—sponsorships and the whole nine yards. That was many people’s driving force, but that was not my girl’s driving force.
“I guess we’ll find out.” She sighed and then glanced up at me as a wide grin spread across her face. “Wrax will be arriving here tomorrow. He’s coming in an Axel Chadwick custom horse trailer.”
“Wren told me about your business, and I looked you up. I’m super impressed with your work.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“So how long are you staying?” he asked, and I got the feeling that he wasn’t so thrilled that I was here.
“I’ll be here for a week.”
“Ah, you’ll be here for the competition. It’ll be good to see our girl get back to business.”
Our girl?
My girl, asshole.
“Yeah, it’s a good one to cut our teeth on,” Wren said. “It’s on our home turf, and Wrax is also very comfortable being here.”
“Exactly,” her coach said.
She said, “Okay, well, I’m going to take Axel to the Riders Cup for dinner, because I’ve been craving it and he’s going to love it. Best steaks in town,” she added. “And then I’ll meet you to do some cross-training in the morning until Wrax gets here.”
“Sounds good. Glad you’re back, Wren. I’m sure there are a few people who aren’t going to be so happy.” He chuckled, and she just ignored the comment. “I think a lot of people werehoping that you were going to hang up your saddle after that accident. But we’re fighters, we don’t quit.”
