Today that all went to shit.
“Tristan, I’m not asking for permission. I’m a grown woman, a horse trainer, and I know what I’m doing. So either you get your shit together or you go back to your farm and don’t watch. Either way, I’m getting on this horse.”
Of course I had to fall in love with a freaking headstrong woman. I couldn’t have found someone who just likes to ride occasionally or doesn’t have a death wish.
“I’m begging you,” I say, trying a different angle.
“No. I’m sorry, but Cloud did nothing wrong, and he’s a great horse. I’m going to ride him, and then I want Sadie to start working with him.”
My hands ball into fists, and I tighten before releasing them. “That’s not…”
She ties Cloud off to the post and rests her hand on my face. “I know you’re scared, love. I get it. You almost lost her and then me—all on the same horse. I don’t blame you one bit for every part of you rejecting this idea, but know this…I would never put myself or Sadie in danger. If I thought for one minute that either of us would be harmed, I would never suggest it.”
“You both already came to harm!”
How does she not remember this? It was weeks ago. She was in a goddamn coma. No, I can’t do it. I can’t watch her or let her put Sadie on that horse.
“And that wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was an accident, Tristan. A terrible one, but we are fine. Sadie isn’t going to mount him, just handle him a little. I want her to do weeks of training before she gets on him, but I think she needs this. Do you want her—or me—to live in constant fear around something we love? Do you want us to just give up and neverlive?”
That question is not fair.
I take a step back, pulling my hat off and dropping it against my leg. “That’s not what I’m saying.”
“No. It is what you’re saying.” She gives me a soft smile. “I’m not fragile, and neither is Sadie.”
Fragile? I never thought she was fragile. If she were any stronger, she’d be Athena, the goddess who came from Zeus.
“I’m very aware of your strength, Lark.”
“Then trust it.”
I wish it were that simple. “I’m the one who isn’t strong.”
She huffs a laugh. “Oh, love, you’re the strongest man I know, if only you could lead with your heart instead of your head.”
“Well, my heart says it can’t handle losing either of you,” I tell her.
Lark steps closer and leans in. “Then we’re just going to have to make sure that doesn’t happen.” She kisses me quickly. “Now, are you going to watch or go?”
There’s not a chance in hell I’m going to let her do this alone. “I’ll be right by your side,” I inform her.
“Exactly where I want you to be.” She winks and grabs the lead, taking Cloud to saddle up.
Chapter 43
Lark
Tristan is sitting on the fence, watching Sadie come to join me in the ring of my training arena. After I rode Cloud successfully for three days, I pushed that it was time for Sadie to come into the ring with me. She’s already aware that neither of us thinks he’s ready for her to ride, but she can do some drills for twenty minutes, and then she’s going to ride Olympia.
I don’t know that I’ve ever been as nervous as I am now. Tristan already expressed to both of us how hard this is for him, and I hate it.
I also know that horses feed off our energy, and Cloud will only pick up on it.
I do a box breath. In for four, hold for four, out for four.
Again.
I feel my body start to settle.
