Tacoma Falls: Wild Horses

Freedom

Amber

I sat on the grass, leaning back in my palms with my eyes closed while the sun warmed my face. There's something said about freedom when you're free from your abuser. Satan made me realize I had no freedom with him when he controlled every aspect of my life.

The grass rustled near me. I opened one eye and noticed Grayson standing beside me. I closed it as he took a seat beside me on the ground.

"I figured I would find you out here."

"I was enjoying the sun's warmth on my skin since I don't need to look over my shoulder."

"Never again, Wild Filly."

I opened my eyes, sat up straight, and smiled at Grayson. His hair flopped messily on his forehead as he ran his hands through his hair countless times. He wore a tight-fitting white tee shirt with relaxed-fitted jeans. But his cowboy boots had a worn look to them after spending myriad days breaking them in. Grayson was a magnificent sight to behold.

"You okay there, Wild Filly?"

"I was admiring the view beside me." My lips curled into a smile.

"Well, admire all you want." Grayson's lips curled into a cheeky grin.

"I have never seen you smile until recently. I didn't think you knew how."

Grayson released a hearty chuckle. "Neither did my family."

"So, why didn't you ever smile?" I curled my legs inward, picked a clover, and twirled it in my fingers.

"Had no reason to smile." Grayson shrugged.

"And now?"

"Now, I have every reason to smile." Grayson gave me a crooked smile.

I couldn't help but return it.

"Come here, Wild Filly." Grayson pulled me into his arms and wrapped them around me like a ribbon.

I snuggled into him and sighed in contentment. He pressed his lips to the top of my head while he held me snugly to his body. Grayson was home to me.

****
Grayson

I stood on the porch, leaning against a pole with my arms crossed, and watched Amber bask in the sun. It was a sight to behold from the past few weeks, seeing her broken.

Out of Mary's friends, Amber had a fierce spirit. She wasn't like Morgan, who was more reserved. And she definitely wasn't like Mary. Ah, hell. No one was like my sister.

No. Amber was much more. She was that wild horse who needed to run free. She needed the freedom to be herself. Why anyone would want to change that was beyond me.

I stepped off the porch and moseyed toward Amber before sitting beside her. I listened to her words as we spoke. The tension in her voice wasn't there like it had been. Her body was more relaxed. She wasn't glancing over her shoulder every two seconds.

Nope. Amber was finally free from the rat.

I couldn't resist pulling her into my arms and holding her. My body craved hers like nothing else. I wanted to feel the warmth from her. She was the only one that settled my heart.

"Is it bad that I don't want to leave here?" She asked against my chest.

"Nope. But we can't stay here forever. Your folks and family are missing you something fierce."

Amber heaved a sigh. "I know. But I enjoy time alone with you."

"And I enjoy time with you. But that won't end when we return."