We shattered together.
Her head buried in my neck, our bodies trembling, slick with sweat, hearts thundering as we clung to each other like the world had fallen away.
Still inside her, she slowed her hips, dragging the last waves of pleasure out with steady, languid rolls.
“I love you,” she whispered again, for the second time tonight.
I let out a breath, still dazed. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over hearing that.”
My hands never left her, still wrapped around her body, still needing to hold her close.
Because if I let go?—
Even for a second?—
I was afraid this would all feel like a goddamn dream.
Except now, she was my reality, and I’d be a fool to ever allow time to steal anything away from us ever again.
“You’re it for me,” I said as we both leveled out.
“When I picture what’s next for me, you’re a part of it,” she confessed. “I’m sorry it took me this long to see it.”
I brushed a strand of hair away from her face and shook my head.
“Don’t apologize for something you weren’t looking for,” I said. “I’m glad the wait was worth it.”
She smiled and kissed me again.
“I have a request,” she added.
“And that is?”
“You spend the night with me, and clothes are banished.”
46
ELLIE
“Come on, Dottie,” I coaxed, my voice sweet as I held my palm out toward the mare. The evening sun dipped behind the trees, casting long, golden shadows across the paddock. I’d been working with her for hours, and for the first time in days, I felt like we were finally moving in the right direction.
She let out a soft whinny and gave a shake of her mane, stomping one hoof in protest, or maybe anticipation.
Still, she walked toward me with purpose, her eyes locked on the sugar cube nestled in my hand. I’d figured out sugar cubes were her weakness. The moment she saw one, her stubborn streak softened, and just like that, we were best friends.
I kept my hand flat, palm open, and grinned as her velvety lips brushed against it, tickling. A giggle escaped before I could stop it, and I reached up to stroke her nose. “Good girl,” I murmured, warmth curling in my chest.
We were building something. A fragile bond, but a bond nonetheless. Dottie was curious now, watching me with wide, intelligent eyes, trying to figure me out. And the best part? She was starting to listen. To trust.
We weren’t quite there yet. Riding her was still a ways off. First, I had to get her used to the saddle, the bridle, the rhythm of a rider’s weight. Breaking a horse wasn’t just about control, it was about connection. Understanding. Finding the temperament first and building everything else from there.
“Look at her improve,” my mom’s voice called from behind me, floating in over the fence.
I turned and smiled as she walked toward us from the house. Her dress billowed in the soft breeze, apron tied tight around her waist.
“She is! We’re finally getting used to each other. She was more stubborn than I’d expected, but something shifted.”
I wasn’t just talking about the horse. I felt the change in my bones.