Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
We walk back over to the barn, where I lead him to the tack room. I show him how to choose the right saddle and bridle, and explain why it’s so important to make sure everything fits just right, not just for the horse’s comfort, but for safety too. He watches me closely, taking it all in, and I can tell he’s really absorbing every detail. It’s clear he’s doing this not just for the experience, but because it matters to him.
I show him how to carefully place the saddle blanket on Starfire’s back, followed by the saddle itself, and he follows my lead. He adjusts the straps, checking the fit as I taught him, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride at how quickly he’s picking this up.
Once Starfire is saddled up, I help him mount, giving him a quick rundown on posture and balance. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself as I lead Starfire out of the barn and into the open field. I grab the reins of another horse, jumping up into the saddle beside him, and we set off at a slow, easy pace.
The two of us ride side by side, the horses’ hooves thudding softly against the ground as we make our way across the field. The sun is climbing higher now, warming the air, and a gentle breeze rustles through the trees. It feels surreal, sharing this moment with Callum, surrounded by the beauty of the ranch.
As we reach the far edge of the pasture, I glance over at him, catching him with a look of awe on his face. “You doing okay over there?” I call out, smiling.
He laughs, nodding. “This is... fascinating. I never thought I’d be out here, doing this. It’s like I’m seeing a whole new world.”
We spend the next hour riding together, laughing and talking, the horses trotting alongside each other as if they’re as content as we are. Eventually, we make our way back to the barn, dismounting and leading the horses back to the stables. Callum brushes Starfire down, murmuring soft words to her as he does, and I can see that he’s grown attached in just a few short hours.
When we finish, we stand in the barn doorway, looking out over the fields as the day stretches on. Callum turns to me, his expression thoughtful. “Thank you for today,” he says, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “For showing me all of this.”
I smile, feeling my heart flutter at his words. “I’m glad you came out here with me. It means a lot, you know?”
He pulls me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me as I rest my head against his chest. “I think I could get used to this,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
And as we stand here together, wrapped up in each other, I know that I already have.
Chapter 26
Callum
Shep: Are you ever coming back to work, Callum?
Paxton: For Cal to miss work things must be getting intense on the farm.
It’s a ranch, jackass, and yes I’ll be coming in today.
Violet: *giggles*
Anya: Wow, I never thought I’d see the day when Callum’s missed all this work.
A water main broke. It’s not like I took a week off to go beach hopping in California.
Anya: That was one summer years ago. And totally worth it.
Willow: We need to plan a family getaway again! I loved camping!!
Hartford: And our plan worked *evil laugh*
What plan?
Violet: Plan?
Minutes tick by as I wait for somebody to answer me.
Oh what the chat goes silent? WHAT PLAN?
Anya: …
I knew you all were trying to get me and Violet together. Meet us at the waterfall. *rolls eyes*
Hartford: Yeah, but it worked. And we’ve never seen you so happy.
Callum has left the chat. Paxton has added Callum back into the chat. Callum has left the chat. Hartford has added Callum back to the chat.
Griffin: Don’t mind Callum, he loves his family.
Anya: You’re such a cinnamon roll, Griff. I love you!
Griffin: A cinnamon what?
Willow: It means you’re a softie!!
Anya: And all warm and gooey inside.
Griffin: Um, thanks. Is this a compliment?
Anya: YES!
Willow: Yes!
Millie: It definitely is!
Hartford: Paxton is a puff pastry. Delicate and full of many layers.
Paxton: You think I’m flaky?
Hartford: Nooooooo.
Brock: You’re definitely flaky. You break plans all the time to spend more time with Hartford.
Paxton: Do you really blame me? Have you seen her?
Hartford: *blushes*
Anya: It’s what we all do. Look, it’s what Cal’s doing now. He just wants to spend more time with Violet.
I shut off my phone with a sigh, deciding I don’t want to deal with my family anymore today. Anya’s latest text is still flashing on the screen, and I’ve reread it at least five times now. Standing in the bathroom, waiting for the water to heat up for my shower, my mind keeps drifting back to yesterday with Violet.