Page 18 of Save A Horse (Texas Rose Ranch #1)

Daisy

“A lright. Let’s clean this up and get on with it. We need to go feed the horses and do a stall check.”

“Yes, sir.” We walked out the door, and I spotted Colt riding into the barn on Shadow. He looked so majestic riding. It had always suited him so well.

“Colt!” I jumped a little. I didn’t want Colt over here.

As he made his way closer to the house where Walt and I were, I could feel his eyes on me. I made my way past them and headed toward the barn to get started on the next task at hand. I had fed the horses by the time Walt came into view.

“Need any help?’

“Just need to check the stalls. Looks like Titan’s stall needs some shoveling.”

“Well, make sure you get it all. Double-check the others again, too. I think we got most of the work done yesterday after the long day, so once you’re finished here, take the afternoon off.”

“You sure?” Walt nodded.

“You just be inside for dinner.” I nodded back at him. What would I do with a whole afternoon off?

I killed some time in the barn, brushing the horses not only to make them feel good, but also to make me feel better.

I decided to go for a walk through the fields to a secluded place where we had come a couple of times as kids.

My boots crunched against the grass as I made my way through the grass and thicket.

I finally reached my destination- the secluded spot- the same as when I had last seen it.

There was a clearing with a small pond surrounded by trees.

It was beautiful, and it was a great place to come and think.

I hoped it would give meanswers and bring me some peace.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, the warm orange hue filling the sky.

I sat in a tree that had bent over, the same as when we were kids, and watched as the water shimmered in the fading light.

I took a deep breath, trying to relieve some of the pressure I felt in my chest. This spot was the perfect place to be to get away from the noise, expectations, responsibilities, and mostimportantly, Colt.

The only sounds I could hear were from the animals in nature, frogs croaking, crickets chirping, and leaves rustling.

My mind started to calm down, the jumbled thoughts subsiding.

I closed my eyes, letting the peace come over me as I felt the cool breeze against my skin.

I remembered who I was. I remembered my strength and what I have been through.

I remembered how I never let fear take over and was never scared of anything.

I remembered how I always wanted to be around the people I cared about.

This spot was my refuge, a place to come and recharge whenever I needed. It hadn’t changed, and in that, I felt comfortable.

I knew I couldn’t avoid Colt and Walt any longer.

It was almost time for dinner and Walt told me to be there.

I wasn’t going to be late. As I walked into the kitchen, I could smell the delicious food.

Walt was at the stove stirring a pot, while Colt leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

My chest felt tighter, but I tried to subdue it.

It was only dinner, and I could handle a meal.

“Hope you’re hungry.”

“It smells good.” I kept my tone neutral, not going to give Colt the satisfaction of knowing how distraught I’ve been. I watched as he grabbed a bowl and sat at the table.

“Here’s you a bowl, Daisy.”

“Thanks.” I took the bowl from Walt, taking a seat at the table. Walt finally joined us and it felt like the tension could be cut with a knife.

“So, what’d you do with your afternoon?”

“Nothing. Brushed the horses and went for a walk.”

“There’s plenty of walking you can do here.” I nodded, faking a smile.

"Sure is."

"Well, I hope you enjoyed some time to yourself."

"Yes, I did. It was nice."

I picked at the food in my bowl, stealing a glance at Colt. He hadn’t looked up once since I sat down. I could feel the tension. It was so strong and I was afraid Walt would pick up on it. We were almost finished with our food, and none of us had spoken since Walt’s last comment.

“Everything okay?” I looked up from my bowl at Walt.

“With me?”

“With either of you. You ain’t speaking. Cat got y'alls tongue?”

“No, sir. Everything’s fine. ”

“It’s all good, Dad.”

“Well, I’m off to bed. Y’all be sure to get some sleep and be ready to go in the morning. Don't stay up too late now.”

I took a deep breath, realizing that Colt and I were now alone. This is the one thing I didn’t want to happen. Not tonight.

“Daisy, I know you need some space.” I didn’t answer him. “I am sorry.”

“No worries. You want me to do the dishes, or do you have it?”

“No, I can do it.”

“Alright. Well, I’m going to bed.”

I wanted Colt to make the first move, but not just by apologizing again. He owed me an explanation. I deserved that much. If I had to wait, I would.