Wrapped around your finger - Post Malone

62

Mr. Post is leading the convoy with Old man Cally. Old man Cally is the first to pull his truck into the yard. He opens his door and hops out, looking at Austin as he puts his Stetson on his head. The rest of the convoy all stop too and stay silent as old man Cally and Mr. Post walk slowly up to Austin. They stop in front of him and old man Cally tips his head. "Cottonwood, ma'am, miss Evelyn," he greets. Austin gives him a tight nod in greeting back.

"The town folk and I heard about Lightning. He was a magnificent animal, a beast of a mustang...more honorable than any horse I know. I don't ever think I have seen a bond between a man and his horse like the one I saw between the two of you."

"Lightning is not his horse, he is his friend," Evelyn says then looks up at her father. He smiles back at her with approval for her words. "I apologize miss Evelyn. You are right and for that...your father is a great man and has earned the respect of every rancher for miles around," he says to her then looks up at Austin. Mr. Post steps forward and takes his Stetson off, holding it to his chest. "For an animal like that to give a man his trust...his life, and for a man to honor and respect it is the very reason our hearts are buried in these fields we work. You are the cornerstone to everything we stand for."

Jack appears from behind a truck leading a huge caramel-colored horse. He is almost as big as lightning, his mane and tail jet black. Hazel watches as his enormous muscles flex and pull tight with every step he takes. Austin walks down the kitchen steps and meets the horse in the middle of the yard. He places his hand on the horse's shoulder and then slowly walks around the horse dragging his hand over its coat, inspecting it quietly while everyone looks on - just as quiet. When he reaches the horse's head he strokes its forehead and speaks to it quietly, just whisperings between a man and a new friend.

"He ain't no Lightning," old man Cally starts, "but he is a good horse, comes from good stock. He is from Zips bloodline. Was a prize racehorse down at the Salt Lake race track. Won every race he ran," he says. Austin smiles. "Is that so?" he mumbles. The horse lets out a puff of air and stamps his right foot. "The town folk and I figured a rancher without a horse just ain't right. He is yours...if you want him," old man Cally says. "Would you like to stay here? Tend my cattle and fields by my side?" Austin asks the horse. The horse puffs air out of his nose and stamps his foot again. "That's that then...thank you, Cally, it's much appreciated," Austin says. Old man Cally nods. Mr. Post then turns to Hazel. "Ma'am, you ride by your rancher's side with no horse and that ain't right either," he says. Then Tina appears, leading a sleek elegant looking snow-white horse. It is much smaller than Austin's horse, almost dwarfed by it when it stands next to him. Hazel finds herself walking off the kitchen steps, straight to the horse. She doesn't know much about horses, but she will learn, so she copies what Austin does but falters when she gets to the horse's head. She looks over at Austin who smiles at her then taps his chest where his heart is. Hazel takes a deep breath and then turns back to the horse.

"Hi. My name is Hazel and this is my home. I have a rancher, he is grumpy, and I have a daughter, she's lovely, and I love my life... it's just starting and I would very much like to start my life with you by my side. I promise to be good to you and sneak apples to you every day," she whispers. The horse nuzzles its nose into her chest and gives her a little whine and somehow Hazel knows, she just knows, that the beautiful white horse has agreed and will be hers for many years to come.

"She has just been broken in. Has no name yet and now, clearly, has a friend," Mr. Post says. Hazel is not as reserved with her feeling as Austin is so she spins around and throws her arms around Mr. Post and then old man Cally. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" she cries. Old man Cally is caught off guard but hugs her back anyway. "You are welcome, ma'am, but...could you please step back, your rancher looks like he is about to murder me," he whispers. Hazel giggles and steps out of his arms, Austin relaxing somewhat. "Well then," Mr. Post says, "I think we have all had enough emotions for one day...let's celebrate!" he shouts. Everyone cheers and then with loud laughs and happy chatter they bring out coolers of beer and food. They make a campfire and Hazel finds herself slap bang in the middle of a country musical again as they sit around the yard, Evelyn tucked into her side as she leans on Austin.

They convince Austin to sing after much begging. Hazel listens to his words and feels every emotion. She understands why they sing now - she has ridden the lands he sings of, touched the icy waters, and felt the cool breeze. It's of heart and home, of family and unbroken bonds. Even if the sun chose not to rise tomorrow and all the rivers dried up, the fields would still be worked, the men would still protect and the women would still love. Tina slips in next to her as Evelyn curls up on her lap. "I am happy you are home," she whispers. "Me too," Hazel whispers back. "I said to you once that you remind me of his mother, and while that remains true, miss Hazel...you are very much your own woman. You will make a difference here. Austin is my brother, he has earned that title...but you are my sister now...you have earned that title too," Tina whispers. "I have never had a sister before, not really. We are sisters...I like that very much," Hazel whispers, leaning into her as Tina hugs her.

"You two make me worry when you whisper, it's trouble," Austin says.