Shattered

Chapter Nine

Saturday morning, I woke up with excitement coursing through my veins. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. Reaching for my phone, the time read 6:34 A.M. What the hell am I doing awake this early on a Saturday? Running my hand down the length of my face, I sat up, stretched, and rummaged through my suitcase for my leggings, a tank top, and an oversized t-shirt. I quietly made my way to the bathroom to shower.

Standing under the hot water, feeling it run down over my body, I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall. My thoughts drifted back to last night at the coffee shoppe. Had Rhett really called his wedding off for me? Everything we confessed to one another in the back of the kitchen, the way he kissed me. The way I melted into his arms. It was as if I had never left them, as if they were made for only me. I smiled as my fingers softly touched my lips. The pain that was once controlling my heart was no longer around. Although, I did have to admit it was replaced with a little bit of fear.

After my shower I decided I couldn't sit around waiting for Jess to wake. I grabbed the blue jeans of hers I had been wearing out of the dryer, a tank top, my flannel, and rushed back into my room to change. Once I was dressed, I grabbed my boots and headed towards the stables.

"Daisy." I whispered as I walked past a few stalls to get to hers. Her large head quickly popped into view at the sound of my voice. She was neighing and bobbing her head with happiness. I grabbed the blanket and saddle from the post and entered her stall where I gently strapped them on her. Guiding her out of her stall, I stuck my left foot in the stirrup and swung my right leg up and over her. Leaning forward, I grabbed her reins, patted her neck and nudged her forward. Once we were out of the stables in the open field, I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth and she took off. Shifting my weight to my heels in the stirrups, I positioned myself in a hover slightly over the saddles seat. I found our rhythm together in her trot as we made our way across the field. After a few minutes of her warming up, I nudged her with my knees and she picked up her pace. About thirty minutes later she is running wide open at her own pace as I balance myself over the saddle so the both of us are comfortable throughout the ride.

As we circled around to the front of the ranch passing by the stables Daisy slowed her gallop back down to a trot. I allowed her to just run, carefree and happy. Dropped the reins, I leaned forward and patted her neck, praising her as she continued on. An hour later we found ourselves slowly making our way up to the creek. I climbed down, grabbed her reins, and lead her to the edge of the water where she bent her neck down to drink. I climbed on top of the boulder and sat looking out across the creek at the hills, flowers, and leaves blowing in the summer wind. Once Daisy was done drinking, she walked happily over to me. Reaching towards her, I pet her and gently placed proud pats along her neck and side. Her tail twitched back and forth while she bobbed her head up and down with happiness.

I felt my heart warming, filling with a sensation I haven't felt in such a long time. Looking into Daisy's eyes as I pressed my forehead against her nose, I rubbed her cheek as she gently blew out of her nose towards me. I was happy. Content. I haven't felt this content in years.

"I sure have missed you, girl." I smiled as my hand slid down the bridge of her nose. She pushed her nose against my hand showing me her affection.

Hearing hooves trotting against the ground I looked up and over Daisy's back.

"I figured I'd find you here once I realized Daisy was gone."

Jess made her way over to me as I gathered Daisy's reins in my hand and climbed onto the saddle.

"Sorry, I probably should have left you a note."

We allowed our horses to slowly make their way up the path and along the perimeter of the land.