I sent a quick text in the family group chat letting them all know.
She was surrounded by people, but that didn’t stop her from sliding off Wrax and asking Coach Sharky to hold the reins as she ran toward me. She jumped into my arms, and I spun her around.
“You’re so fucking amazing,” I whispered against her ear. “No fear, baby. Just fierce and strong out there, doing your thing. Not for anyone but you.”
She slid down my body, and I set her on her feet as she leaned her head back and let the rain fall against her pretty face.
“You saw all that, huh?” she asked.
“Damn straight.”
“Will you come with me and finish up the photos, and then we can sneak away after? I need to talk to you.”
I did a slow nod. “Of course. And you know that whatever you want to talk to me about, I’ve got you, right?”
Because it didn’t matter. If Wren was pregnant, I’d be happy. If she wasn’t and she wanted to continue competing for years, I’d be just as happy.
Because when we were together, I felt complete in a way that I’d never understood until now.
This was love.
We’d been through the ups and downs, and we’d found our way back.
So we’d keep fighting. No matter the obstacle.
“Same, Cowboy. I’ve got you, too.” She smiled as her fingers interlaced with mine.
We made our way back over for more celebrating and photos and questions.
Athletes and fans came up to congratulate her.
People were not running for cover, almost like they were aware that they’d just witnessed something rare.
Something special.
The rain finally slowed, and Wren asked if I would take Wrax to his stall so he could eat and drink and rest. She needed just a few minutes with Coach Sharky and her father.
Her brother was there to congratulate her and then took Chrissy inside to get dry.
I nodded as I led him out of the crowd and took him to his stall. I made sure he had food and water, and I patted him down, congratulating this badass horse for all that he’d just accomplished.
I’d seen multiple falls today, and several slips, and every other rider had received a time penalty, aside from Wren and Wrax.
This horse might’ve been considered a senior horse in this sport, but he was fierce and strong, just like the woman who’d ridden him to victory.
“Hey.” Wren’s voice called from behind me.
“Hi. Everything good? Do you want to get back to the room so you can get some dry clothes on?”
She shook her head no. “I have to tell you something.”
“Is it about the pregnancy test I saw in your backpack?”
She winced. “I forgot I tucked the box in there.”
“Were you afraid to tell me?”
She chuckled as a wide grin spread across her face. “Not even a little. I’m not pregnant, Axel.”
