“You know I’ve wanted my own horse ever since you took me trail riding that day.”
“Phew for that,” I laugh. “He’s a Pryor Mountain Mustang, they’re known for being tough and smart as well as connected to their person on a deep level. I’ve been told he’s independent, but loyal once he gets to know you. He’s experienced in trail riding, too.”
“That’s amazing. I don’t know what to say, Bails. He’s perfect.”
“I think you’ll be perfect for each other.”
“Just like we all are, one big happy family,” he says. “I love you. Thank you for this. You don’t know what it means to me.”
“You’re welcome. I love you so much.” I reach up to kiss him and for several moments we’re caught up in our own world, but surrounded by our beautiful horses, it’s the best place to be.
“Now, can we step inside and get to know Bounty?” he asks, like he needs to.
I gesture to the stable as Bounty gives us his little signature snuff, right on cue. We both laugh.
“That sounds like pure magic to me.”
EPILOGUE B
Brett
Another month after that
I strum my guitar and hum the melody I’ve been working on, inspired by Bailey, for my new album coming up, aptly named Pony and Clyde.
Bailey and I have barely spent a day apart during these past few months in Wyoming, and we don’t intend to any time soon. I’m looking forward to the holidays later in the year, spending Thanksgiving together, and then our first Christmas. The more I get to know her, the deeper I fall. Being on the farm is where my heart belongs, and when I’m away, I can’t wait to be back. I haven’t broken my promise of only being away for no longer than two weeks at a time, and frankly, that’s too long. But Bailey is understanding, and we don’t live in each other’s pockets.
“Did I tell you I love you today?” I ask.
“Yes.” She nods with a twinkle in her eye. “Twice this morning, after you did that thing that should be illegal, especially before work. You almost made me late.”
I chuckle.“Well, that’s not nearly enough times, baby.”
“If you wanna say it again and again, I won’t mind.” She jiggles her eyebrows.
I can’t get enough of saying I love her. We’ve both opened up even more than ever and have been honest as well as vulnerable about our past relationships.
Unfaithfulness hurt us both. Slowly but surely, I’m breaking down the barriers Bailey has had over her heart, and I love that there’s no guessing games with her. She isn’t afraid to tell me how she feels, even if it isn’t always what I want to hear.
“You know I love you, and can’t get enough of you,” I say, so happy to be home. I squeeze her tighter, “I love you to the moon and back, my beautiful cowgirl.”
“To the moon and back? That’s an awfully long way,Cowboy.”
“Sure is.”
“I love you, baby.”
I nuzzle into her neck. “You smell so good.”
“I know what you’re doing.”
“We have time,” I murmur.
“We have to be at George’s in an hour.”
“So what? I can be fast.”
She laughs. “Right. One thing I’ve learned about you is that you like to take your time.”
