Page 8 of Meadowsweet and Marigold (EverAfter CozyXverse #1)

SWEETNESS IN THE DEPTHS OF THE MEADOW

~ M ARIGOLD~

Marigold stood at the edge of Meadow Calloway's ranch, her heart pounding against her ribcage like the rhythmic beats of a pas de deux.

What brought her here?

An ad for a part-time position at a ranch in Willowbend. A poster advertisement was left upon the door of her new humble abode, gauging her interest immediately because she was now unemployed.

Let go of her dream career all thanks to her sister.

Just wasn’t trying to marinate on her reality, but maybe this was the universe’s way of cheering her up by making this new transition a bit easier than horrendously daunting.

The sprawling pastures before her were a far cry from the polished stages she once called home. She clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to quell the trembling in her fingers.

"You can do this," she whispered to herself, the words barely audible above the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. "It's just horseback riding. How different can it be from dancing?"

Taking a deep breath, Marigold stepped onto the property.

The crunch of gravel under her boots startled her, so unlike the silent give of ballet slippers on sprung floors. Each step forward felt like a small victory against the fear threatening to send her fleeing back to the safety of town.

The scent of hay and horses wafted towards her on the breeze, earthy and pungent. Marigold inhaled deeply, letting the unfamiliar smells wash over her. It was so different from the sterile air of dance studios or the polluted haze of the city she'd left behind.

"This is what new beginnings smell like," she mused, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Manure and all."

As she approached the stables, Marigold's trained dancer's eye couldn't help but notice the graceful lines of the horses in their stalls. Their powerful bodies reminded her of the strength she once possessed before betrayal had shattered her world.

"You're not here to reminisce," she chided herself. "You're here to move forward."

With that thought, Marigold squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, channeling the poise that had once made her the darling of the ballet world. She may have lost her place on stage, but she wouldn't let that define her.

Here, on this ranch, she had the chance to rewrite her story.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice carrying across the yard. "I'm here for my first lesson."

As Marigold's voice echoed across the yard, a figure emerged from the barn, his presence immediately commanding her attention.

Meadow Calloway approached with a calm, measured stride that spoke of quiet confidence. Marigold found herself captivated by his rugged appearance, so different from the polished Alphas she'd known in the city.

His jawline was strong and defined, accentuated by a slight stubble that caught the sunlight. But it was his eyes that truly arrested her — a striking amber-brown that seemed to hold warmth and wisdom in equal measure.

Chestnut hair, tousled by the breeze, fell across his forehead in a casually appealing way.

Meadow's broad shoulders and chiseled physique were evident even beneath the simple flannel shirt and well-worn jeans he wore. It was a stark contrast to the designer labels Marigold was accustomed to seeing on men in the city.

As he drew near, Marigold felt an inexplicable flutter in her chest.

She hesitated, suddenly unsure how to begin.

Meadow offered a gentle smile and a reassuring nod.

"Welcome to the ranch. I'm Meadow. You must be Marigold?"

His voice was deep and melodious, instantly soothing her nerves. Marigold nodded, returning his smile tentatively.

"Yes, that's me. I'm here for my first lesson, though I'm not quite sure where to start."

"No worries," Meadow replied, his tone warm and encouraging. "We'll take it nice and slow. Everyone's a beginner at some point."

As he spoke, Marigold became acutely aware of his scent — a heady mixture of sun-warmed leather, fresh hay, and something uniquely... Alpha. It made her body hum with an unexpected delight, a warmth cascading through her that she'd never experienced before — not even with Rowan.

Startled by her intense physical response, Marigold tried to focus on Meadow's words.

"H-Have you worked with many first-time riders?" she asked, attempting to ignore the heat pooling low in her belly.

"Quite a few," Meadow answered, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "It's always a joy to introduce someone to the world of horses."

Marigold found herself wondering if he was married, then immediately chastised herself for the thought. She was here to heal, not to pry into a stranger's life or entertain any romantic notions.

"I'm looking forward to it," she managed, hoping her voice didn't betray the confusing mix of emotions swirling within her. "Though I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous."

Meadow's reassuring presence seemed to ground her, even as her Omega instincts thrilled at his proximity. It was an odd dichotomy — feeling both unsettled and comforted at the same time.

"That's perfectly natural," Meadow said, gesturing towards the stables. "Why don't we start by introducing you to some of our gentler horses? No pressure to ride today if you're not feeling up to it."

Marigold nodded gratefully, falling into step beside him.

As they walked, she couldn't help but marvel at the easy, confident way he moved. It was so different from the calculated swagger of city Alphas, yet infinitely more appealing.

"Get a grip," she silently admonished herself. "You're here to ride horses, not ogle the instructor." But even as she tried to focus on the task at hand, Marigold couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had just shifted in her world.

As they approached the stables, a symphony of soft whinnies and the earthy aroma of hay enveloped Marigold.

The warm, musky scent of the barn washed over her, instantly soothing her frayed nerves. She inhaled deeply, feeling a sense of peace settle into her bones — a stark contrast to the chaos that had defined her life in recent months.

"This is Daisy," Meadow said, his voice low and steady as he gestured to a dappled gray mare. "She's one of our gentlest horses, perfect for beginners."

Marigold's eyes widened as she took in the beautiful creature before her.

Without thinking, she let out a quiet squeal of delight, then immediately blushed, embarrassed by her childlike enthusiasm.

"She's gorgeous," Marigold breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never been this close to a horse before."

Meadow's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"Would you like to approach her?"

Marigold nodded eagerly, then hesitated.

"I... I should probably admit that this is my first time doing anything like this. But I really want to try."

"That's perfectly alright," Meadow assured her, his calm demeanor washing over her like a soothing balm. "We'll take it slow. First, let's talk about how to approach Daisy safely."

As Meadow explained the proper technique, his voice remained steady and deliberate, each word carefully chosen. Marigold found herself hanging on every syllable, not just for the information but for the comforting cadence of his speech.

"Remember," he continued, "horses can sense your emotions. If you're calm, she'll be calm too."

Marigold took a deep breath, trying to channel Meadow's tranquility.

As she faced Daisy, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope ignite within her. Here, in this peaceful barn, surrounded by the gentle sounds of horses and Meadow's reassuring presence, she felt further from her painful past than she had in months.

"You're doing great," Meadow encouraged softly. "Now, would you like to give her a pat?"

Marigold nodded, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

She extended her hand, fingers trembling slightly as they neared Daisy's neck. The mare's coat was softer than she'd imagined, warm and alive beneath her touch.

A small gasp escaped her lips at the connection.

"She's so warm," Marigold murmured, stroking gently. The simple act of touching the horse seemed to melt away some of the tension she'd been carrying for so long. "It's... soothing, somehow."

Meadow's voice was low and encouraging.

"Horses have a way of grounding us. They live in the present moment, and being around them can help us do the same."

As Marigold continued to pet Daisy, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and betrayal that had defined her recent past.

Here, in this barn with this gentle creature, she felt a glimmer of peace.

"Now," Meadow said, stepping closer, "I'll show you how to mount. Watch closely."

Marigold's eyes followed Meadow as he approached Daisy's left side.

His movements were fluid and practiced, exuding a quiet confidence that captivated her. In one smooth motion, he placed his left foot in the stirrup, gripped the saddle, and swung himself up onto the horse's back.

The ease with which he moved stirred something in Marigold.

She found herself admiring not just his skill, but the self-assured way he carried himself. It was so different from the showy, aggressive Alphas she'd known in the city. Meadow's strength was quiet, steady, and undeniably attractive.

"You make it look so easy," Marigold said, a note of admiration in her voice.

Meadow dismounted with the same grace.

"Years of practice," he replied with a modest smile. "But I have no doubt you'll pick it up quickly. Your background in ballet will give you an advantage in balance and body awareness."

Marigold felt a flush of pleasure at his words, surprised by how much the simple compliment meant to her.

"I hope so," she said softly, her fingers still absently stroking Daisy's neck. "I want to learn. To be as comfortable here as you are."

Meadow stepped back, gesturing for Marigold to approach.

"Your turn," he said softly. "Remember, left foot in the stirrup, grip the saddle, and push up with your right leg."