Our Love

Wade

I spent the morning cleaning up the horse stalls and tending to other things around the farm. I purposely left my phone at home, not wanting to talk to Grant before my date, and I certainly didn't want to deal with anything relating to Ben and Denise. At least for today, most importantly, during the date, Ben, Denise, and Grant were not going to be topics we would concern ourselves with. I wanted this to be just Quinn and me.

I made sure to saddle up and prep the two horses I'd planned to take out with Quinn later. I was hoping she'd ride around the property with me, then I would make us a nice dinner, and we could sit out on the deck. A part of me wanted to recreate the moment when she asked me for a kiss goodnight so that I could actually do it this time. Selfish, I know.

"Anything else for me, boss?" Hank asked as we locked up the storage shed.

"I think we're good. I just wanted to get those two ready for a ride. I appreciate all your help today. If you're available, could you come take care of things in the morning? I've got a few projects in the garage that need my attention."

"No problem, I'll be here."

I headed out after the brief conversation with Hank, going back to the house to shower and get to the store to gather all the items for the dinner tonight. Afterward, I'd prep what I could and hopefully shake off some of the nerves before swinging by Carrie's to pick up Quinn. She offered to meet up with me, but I didn't like the sound of that. I wanted to pick her up and bring her to the farm myself and see her first reaction. I hoped she would enjoy what I had planned.

*

I wasn't a particularly nervous guy. I managed to keep my cool in most situations most of the time. Driving to pick up Quinn, though, I could feel the sweat pricking at my skin while I tapped at the steering wheel non-stop. I finally turned my phone on shortly before leaving, letting Quinn know to dress comfortably for outside. I had a few texts from Grant, just checking in and telling me to have a good time tonight. I was glad he didn't mention anything about their date; I'd find out anything about it after my own. There was nothing from Ben or Denise; I was hoping to avoid that disaster until at least Monday. Tonight was all about Quinn, and despite the nerves, I couldn't wait.

When I knocked on the door, I could hear shuffling on the other side. I chuckled, wondering if Quinn was as nervous as I was. All those nerves seemed to evaporate, though, when the door opened, and Quinn stood before me with a sweet smile. Her hair was pulled back, and she wore an old band t-shirt with jeans. Everything fit her perfectly, hugging her in all of the right places.

"Hey." I managed to get out. "You look lovely."

"Hey to you too." She cocked her head to the side as she stepped out, closing the door behind her. "You don't look too bad yourself."

I walked her to the truck, opened the door for her, and helped her up and into her seat. I rushed around to get in and get us going, the nerves replaced with excitement.

"Ready?" I couldn't hold back the giant smile on my face to finally have Quinn with me on a date. I glanced over at her as we rode along and admired how stunningly beautiful she was as she smiled over at me.

"What are we getting up to?"

"I thought we could gallop around the farm, I'd like to cook a nice dinner, and we can relax around the deck. Is that alright?"

"That sounds lovely. Gallop? Oh my gosh... Do you mean? Horses?" Her body was turned toward me, bouncing with excitement. I couldn't help but chuckle. I loved that she was so excited to do this, to do this with me.

"So, this black beauty is my mare; her name is Belinda. She's named after my Mom." I laughed as I patted my horse, introducing Quinn. "My Mother actually purchased her a few years ago and named her after herself. Humble as she is."

"She's gorgeous! Where is your Mom now?"

"She's a little bit of everywhere. Constantly traveling. Once she left my father some years ago, she decided to be young again." I held Quinn by her waist, helping her climb up and onto Belinda. Despite being her first time, she was a natural with the horses.

Once I had her saddled up, I hopped up onto my mare and prepared to lead her around the paddock. We practiced for a while, getting her accustomed to controlling the horse and riding around. Her laughter and squeals of joy during this were everything to me. I was so glad that I had decided to do this. She took to it well, and it didn't take long before I felt comfortable starting along the trail. We immediately fell into a steady stride, side by side, and the conversation flowed. We discussed the horses, the farm, and my family, and before I realized it, we had ridden down to the creek further than I had intended.

"Let's stop here and let the horses get a drink and take a rest." I suppose Quinn had been overconfident in her ability with the horse because once I had dismounted my horse, she was attempting to do the same and fell. I hurried to help her, but I was too late, and she fell bottom-first into the mud near the creek bed.

"Ooof."

"Oh no! Are you alright?" I rushed to her side and tripped around the horse, falling right into her. Her laughter was shaking my body as I tried to move. When I pulled back and saw her covered in mud but laughing hysterically, I burst into laughter myself. "I'm so sorry; I should've warned you to wait a minute." I huffed out, gathering myself to my feet and reaching a hand down to her.

"It's fine. I'm okay." Quinn continued to giggle, taking my hand and standing before me. Mud has splattered all over her and myself, though she was covered much worse than I. I reached up to wipe a spot of mud off her cheek, staring into her eyes as she leaned into my touch. Her laughs settled, and she released a soft sigh. It was such an intimate moment that I couldn't resist bending down and taking the kiss I had so badly wanted.