Wren
We’d been backin Rosewood River for a few weeks. All the media attention had finally died down, and I was relieved. I’d done a few interviews about my decision to retire, and now I was done talking about it and ready to just start living.
So that’s exactly what I was doing.
I’d decided to use a portion of the money in my trust to start an official equestrian school for kids.
Axel and I were partners in the business, which we’d named the WRAX Riding School.
Work. Ride. Achieve. eXcel.
Of course our first student to sign up officially was Melody Chadwick. She loved her time out here on the ranch, and I loved working with her.
And we’d had a dozen kids follow and sign up over the last two weeks.
With all the kids back in school now, it meant working with my students in the late afternoon and on the weekends.
I spent my days working with Axel on the horse trailers, riding Wrax as far as we wanted to go every day, and working with Emilia to bring a bit more of a feminine touch to our home.
I’d never been so content in my entire life.
My mom had just officially moved back to town. She was renting a house while her new home was being built on the water here in Rosewood River. I was thrilled to have her close by again.
“You seem happier than you have in a very long time, Wren,” my mother said as we walked the property. I’d taken her out to show her where we were putting in a larger ring to train the more advanced students.
“I am, and it feels good, you know?”
“Yes. I think it’s part of life to know when it’s time to change course,” she said as we paused to sit on the patio, looking out at the gorgeous mountains with the river in the distance. “And to know it’s okay to do so. It was more challenging for you because so many people were pushing you in one direction. It’s hard to see clearly with so many voices in your head.”
“Exactly. And I think it’s hard to change course when you’re experiencing success. There’s this natural need telling you to keep conquering, to keep pushing. But when you allow yourself to dig deep inside, to question if this is actually serving you—I think it’s important to listen.”
“I’m very proud of you for doing that, my love. I know it wasn’t easy. Your father has finally accepted it, at least from what he’s telling me.” She sighed. “Has he backed off with you?”
“Yes. I think he’s finally retired his dream of me going to the Olympics.”
“It’s easy to push someone else toward a dream when you aren’t the one out there sacrificing every day. And I hope he finally gets it.”
“It’s weird that you two are friends now.” I shook my head with disbelief. The friendship was a bit more one-sided on my father’s part. My mother had gotten over a lot of the anger and given in to his relentless need to be in her life.
“I’ve had years to process his affairs. I stayed longer than I should have, and that’s on me. But I think we fell out of love a long time ago, and we were more like friends than lovers these last few years. But it doesn’t mean I condone what he’s done. I’m not in love with your father any longer, but I do love him, because he gave me my two greatest gifts and many years of happiness.”
I nodded. “He doesn’t seem that happy with Chrissy.”
“I think your father is a man who is never completely happy. He’s always chasing the next thing. He always wants more. Nothing is enough. It’s an exhausting way to live, and I’m happy that I’m no longer feeling that sort of pressure in my day-to-day life.”
“I get that. And I’m happy that you moved back here, Mom.”
“So am I. And I’m excited about building a home that’s everything that I want it to be. You being here is just the icing on the cake. I always thought you’d end up with Axel. You two just had such a special connection.”
“I’m glad we found our way here,” I said.
“How are you and Collin doing?”
“We’re making progress.” I reached for my water bottle and took a sip. “He’s still going to therapy, and I do think it’s helping him.”
“Good. I’m glad he’s owning up to what he’s done and trying to make things right. That’s the best we can ask for.”
“Yes. I am glad he’s trying.”
