“Of course we do,” Dad replies. “What kind of ranch doesn’t have horses?”
“The New York City kind,” I tease.
“Well, sweetheart, you’re in for a treat then.” He smiles sweetly at her, which I know she takes to heart by the content grin that’s covering her face.
We finish our breakfast, then get ready to head out. Thankfully, she’s able to fit in some of Katie’s boots because there was no way I was taking her out in the flats she brought to wear today.
Once we’re in the barn, I flip on the radio to play some tunes while we prepare the horses. When “Crazy Eyes” by Morgan Wallen comes on, I pause and swoop her up in my arms.
“Do you know how many times I listened to this song, dying to know if your eyes would affect me the way he explains?”
She raises her eyebrows seductively at me. “Well?”
“It’s more than my kryptonite. You’re either going to be my entire world or the death of me. Jury’s still out,” I tease as I drop her to her feet, wanting to get a rise out of her.
She places her hands on her hips. “Jury’s still out?”
I laugh out loud. “Nah, I just wanted to push that little fight button of yours.”
I give her a quick kiss, and she swats me away.
I finish saddling the horse and hold out my hand to her. “Up you go!”
The way her brows furrow is so cute. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“You’ll do just fine. Come on. I’ll help you up. You trust me, right?”
“We’re not doing the whole Rose and Jack thing fromTitanic, are we?” she jokes.
“I sure hope not!” I admonish back. “You do remember he dies at the end, right?” I pause and look up to the sky in thought. “If only she had given him some space on that wood she was floating on.”
She places her hands on the saddle, lifts her foot to the strap, and leans up to kiss my lips. “I’d give you the space to sit with me.”
I slap her ass before lifting her up onto the horse. “You’d better! With your size, there’s definitely room for both of us!”
She gets settled, and then I hop on and guide us out to the pasture.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks.
I point out to our land that stretches as far as I can see. “Anywhere you want to go.”
Her eyes open wide. “Seriously? This is all your family’s property?”
“Yep. Let me show you what life really is when all you have is land and all the time in the world to enjoy it.”
Zoe
I had no idea our world held so many amazing things. The beauty of this place is unlike anything I’ve ever imagined.
The best part, though, is ending our day sitting around a firepit, under the stars, while I’m wrapped up in his arms, just like we did last night.
“Is this a typical nightly thing around here, or is this just because I’m here?” I ask.
“I used to sit out here all the time. It was my favorite place. Having so many siblings and having to share a room never gave me space to think. Out here did.”
His response is so truthful, so heartfelt that it makes me sad almost.
“Don’t you miss it here?” I ask, feeling like I already know the answer.
