“You’ll just know, trust me.”
“How is it going back home? How was the first day of class for you?”
“Everything is good here. Jessup, Cara, and all the girls have been sending their love your way. Class was good but exhausting.”
“You’re in the bath, aren’t you?”
“You know me too well, kid. Got to see Mr. Handover today.”
“How’s he doing?”
“Good. Trying to set me up with his nephew who just bought the Drum and Quill.”
“Date him!” Ellis yelled, sending echoes through the large marble bathroom.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why? Free drinks sound like a good idea to me.”
“That’s because you’re in college and free drinks are life when you’re an undergrad.”
“Honestly, Annie, you can’t stay single forever. Dad would have wanted you to move on. He’d want you to be happy.”
Her words stung. I didn’t know if it was because I knew she was right or if I was ashamed that I still wasn’t ready to take that step. Either way, getting set up by my farrier was mildly embarrassing—a seemingly common theme in my life.
“I am happy. I have you, the barn, my students, my friends.”
“I’m not there anymore, and the barn practically runs itself because of Jessup and Cara. Your students come and go, and your friends have their own lives. At least think about going on one date with the guy. Just one?”
“Fine. I willthinkabout it.” I couldn’t say no to my stepdaughter and she knew it.
“Perfect. Okay, I’m going to run. Some of the girls from my floor are going to make brownies and watchGrey’s Anatomyreruns in the common room.”
“Have the best time, sweetheart. Call soon.”
“Love you, Annie.”
“Love you, too, Ellis.”
I guzzled down the rest of my wine before letting the lukewarm water drain. With pruney hands, I toweled off and stared at myself in the mirror.
“You knowyou’re the light in my life, right?” Freddy wrapped me in a warmed towel.
“And you’re the love I never knew was possible,” I responded, looking at him through the mirror.
“What are your plans for the day?” he asked before putting toothpaste on his toothbrush.
I slid onto the counter to watch him groom for the day. “I have a meeting with a student at eleven and just milling around the barn for the most part. What about you?”
“I am going to look at a few properties with Dan and Jon. Wanna go for a ride before I have to leave?”
“It’s been too long. I would love that.”
After getting Ellis off to school, Freddy and I hopped on our horses. The crisp morning air was sweet as it whisked by us. As I cantered along with Freddy right behind me, I felt like life could never get better than that moment. I was right.
Freddy was a better rider than I was, but suddenly he was sprawled out on the ground vomiting.
“Freddy!” I yelled, hopping off of Hunter’s back.
