I step closer, careful and slow, giving him space.
Behind me, I hear Aiden set the crate into the truck bed. A moment later, he’s beside me.
“You wanna pet him?” he asks.
I glance at him. “Do you know this horse?”
“I know its owner. We’ve never met, but we can introduce ourselves.”
He steps forward first, offering his closed hand. “Hey, boy.”
The horse lowers his head, nostrils flaring as he sniffs Aiden’s hand. It doesn’t take long for his posture to soften. Aiden runs a hand along his neck, slow and sure, and the horse leans into it already trusting him.
Aiden looks back at me. “Your turn.”
I step closer, holding my hand out the way he did. The horse sniffs, warm breath brushing over my skin, and when he doesn’t pull away, I slide my hand along his side.
His coat is warm from the sun.
For a while, neither of us says anything.
Just the soft sound of breathing. The rustle of leaves. The quiet presence beside me.
I realize I’m not searching for something to say. The silence doesn’t feel heavy or awkward. It just feels… easy.
The feeling that settles in my chest is simple and calm. Peace.
Chapter 24
When we pull into the driveway, the truck rolls to a slow stop between our houses. For a second, neither of us moves, the engine ticking quietly as the silence settles after the drive.
We step out at the same time, doors closing almost in sync. The afternoon sun feels a little warmer now, but the ocean breeze feels cool against my skin.
He walks around to the back of the truck, glancing at the stacked crates.
“I’ll start unloading,” he says, already reaching for the tailgate.
“I’m gonna let the dogs out,” I tell him. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to help.”
He looks over at me and nods. “No rush.”
I smile, grabbing my bag before heading toward my door, still feeling that light, recharged energy buzzing quietly inside me.
The second I unlock my door, Neptune and Skye are on me, tails wagging, bodies bumping into my legs like they haven’t seen me in days instead of hours.
“Okay, okay,” I laugh, dropping my bag onto the counter. “I missed you too.”
I walk toward the back door with both dogs circling my feet, talking to them like they understand every word.
“You guys would’ve loved it,” I say, unlocking the door. “Big fields, lots of smells, way too many berries.”
The moment the door opens, they burst outside, racing into the yard. Skye takes off first, Neptune right behind her, until he slows near his favorite bush, lifting his leg with complete seriousness.
I giggle, leaning against the doorframe.
I pull my phone from my tights pocket and unlock it, realizing I haven’t looked at it since early this morning.
Notifications flood the screen.
