“Yeah, she is,” I say, feeling that warmth in my chest again. This… this right here is worth everything. I set Alex down, letting the trainer help him onto the pony. He’s tiny up there, his helmet almost slipping, but he’s grinning from ear to ear.
Wren steps closer, wrapping her arm around my waist—just a small touch, but it’s enough. I take the hint, pulling her against me as we watch Alex, her warmth pressing into my side. She glances up at me, a teasing glint in her eye.
“You sure you don’t wanna ride, too?”
I shoot her a look. “You know damn well I’d break the pony, Wren.”
She laughs, and it’s contagious, like someone’s tickling my insides.
I start laughing, too.
“Papa! Momma!” Alex calls out, twisting to look at me, his eyes shining. “Look! I do it!”
The trainer starts leading Bella around the paddock, Alex’s laughter ringing out as they go. He’s holding on tight, but he’s not scared. Not even a little. Kid’s braver than me sometimes.
“You’re doing great, buddy!” I shout back, and he beams, turning his attention back to the pony.
Wren leans into me, her voice soft. “He loves this, you know. Loves being with you.”
“Yeah,” I murmur, watching Alex, the way his small hands grip the saddle. “I love it too.”
Wren knows. She fucking knows. She can see it in my eyes, the raw fucking hunger to keep this life, this happiness. She knows how hard I’ve fought to get here, how I’d rip the fucking world apart to protect it.
The trainer brings Bella back around, stopping in front of us. Alex’s face is flushed, his eyes bright as he looks at me. “Papa, can we go fast now?”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Not today, kid. Maybe when you’re bigger.”
“Like you?” he asks, tilting his head.
“Yeah, like me.” I reach up, taking him off the pony and setting him on the ground. He stumbles a little, but I catch him, ruffling his hair. “You did good today.”
He grins up at me, and for a moment, everything else fades away—every fight, every enemy, every goddamn thing that ever mattered before this.
“Alright, let’s get you some lunch,” I say, taking his hand. He holds on tight, and I look over at Wren. She smiles, and I know—this is it. This is what I fight for.
We start walking back toward the house, the ranch stretching out around us, the sun warm on my back.
“Papa?” Alex’s voice is small, curious.
“Yeah, buddy?”
“Can I ride da big horsie tomorrow?”
I glance at Wren, and she’s already smirking, shaking her head.
“We’ll see,” I say, and Alex cheers like he’s already won.
87
Wren
The engine of D’s bike rumbles beneath us, a steady, powerful vibration that feels like freedom.
“Weeeeeee!” Alex’s giggles break through the noise, pure and infectious, and I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips.
My arms are wrapped tightly around D from the back while Alex sits in front of him, his tiny hands gripping the handlebars like he’s in control of this wild ride.
The wind whips through my hair, tugging strands free, and I press closer to D, my chest against his back, feeling the warmth of his body, the solid, unwavering strength that he carries. For once, I let myself lean into that security, into him, letting go of the tension I’ve held onto for as long as I can remember. It’s terrifying, but at the same time, it’s the closest I’ve ever come to feeling safe.
