Among the stars, YOU MY MOON

My cowgirl

I wake up and check the clock to see its only 7. The sun hasn't yet made its appearance, but I can feel its warmth creeping in. As I stumble out of bed, my bare feet meet the cool wooden floor. The old planks creak under my weight, and I tiptoe toward the kitchen.

 It's breakfast time at the Beach Farm Ranch, and I can practically taste the freshly brewed coffee.

Inside the cozy kitchen, the aroma of sizzling bacon and scrambled eggs fills the room. 

I find Mia, dressed like a cowgirl straight out of a spaghetti western, saunters into the kitchen. Her boots click against the floor, announcing her presence. Her wild hair frames her face, and her mischievous grin tells me she's up to something. She wears a faded denim shirt, sleeves rolled up, and a pair of worn-in jeans that hug her curves just right. She waves me over, her wild bob bouncing with excitement.

"Morning, cowboy,"  she tips her hat in my direction. "You ready for some ranch-style goodness and even  for a wild ride?"

I can't tear my eyes away from her. Mia is crazy—crazy beautiful, crazy fun, and crazy unpredictable. She has a knack for turning ordinary moments into adventures. Whether it's riding bareback through the fields or skinny-dipping in the moonlit ocean, Mia lives life on her terms.

I chuckle, taking the coffee mug from her. "Always ready," I reply. "But what kind of ride are we talking about?"

She winks. "The kind that leaves you breathless and grinning," she says. "Saddle up, partner. We've got a whole day ahead of us."

I nod, my stomach growling in agreement. Mia's culinary skills are legendary—she can turn a simple pancake into a work of art. As she flips a pancake onto a plate, she regales me with stories about the people we'll meet today. The Beach Farm Ranch attracts all sorts: city slickers seeking an escape, families with wide-eyed kids, and the occasional lost soul looking for solace.

"Remember Peter?" Mia asks, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "He's back after five long years. You won't believe how much he's changed."

Peter our  old friend who liked Ava since forever.I just hope that changed.

The morning sun warms our faces as we step outside, the crunch of gravel beneath our boots echoing our excitement. Mia leads the way, her laughter contagious. The ranch sprawls before us—a patchwork of green fields, wooden fences, and distant hills.

We pass the old oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching toward the sky. Mia gestures toward it. "Remember when we used to climb that tree?" she says. "You'd dare me to go higher, and I'd pretend to be fearless."

I chuckle. "Yeah, and then you'd chicken out halfway up."

Mia sticks her tongue out playfully. "I was preserving my dignity, Ethen."

As we approach the stables, the familiar scent of hay and leather envelops us. Mia's horse, Storm, pokes his head out, ears perked. His chestnut coat gleams in the sunlight, and his eyes—deep, soulful pools—lock onto Mia.

"Hey, handsome," Mia coos, reaching for Storm's velvety nose. He nudges her palm, and she laughs. "Missed me, didn't you?"

Storm's affection for Mia is undeniable. They've been through it all—the wild rides, the quiet moments, the storms that raged outside and within. He's her confidant, her silent listener, and her steadfast companion.

I watch as Mia leans in, pressing her lips to Storm's forehead. It's a gentle kiss, filled with unspoken gratitude. She whispers something to him, and I imagine it's a promise—a vow to always come back, no matter how far she roams.

And then, unexpectedly, Storm turns his head toward me. His dark eyes seem to hold a question. Maybe he wonders why I'm still standing here, rooted to the spot. Or perhaps he senses the turmoil in my heart—the longing for Emma, the fear of rejection.

Mia glances at me, her expression knowing. "Ethen," she says softly, "sometimes you just have to take the leap. Life's just too short"

I swallow hard. She's right.Maybe I should before Mr Peter decides to steal my girl.

As Mia leads Storm out for a morning ride, I linger by the stable door. The sun casts long shadows.I hold my breath when Mr Peter appears .

I watch him as his eyes fixed on Ava as she meticulously grooms Storm. His presence is like a storm brewing on the horizon—unsettling, unpredictable. I've known Peter since childhood, but something about him has changed. His once easygoing demeanor now carries an edge, a hint of mischief that sets my nerves on edge.

Ava hums softly, her fingers working through Storm's mane. She's in her element—the ranch, the horses—it's where she belongs. And Peter? He's an outsider, a dark cloud threatening to disrupt our peaceful morning routine.

I step closer, my boots crunching on the gravel. "Peter," I say, my voice steady, "Long time,how you doing?"

"Hey,Ethen! Good to see ya!: he says slapping my back"

"what brings you back here after all these years?"

"Ava wanted to spend her last summer year before we go of to collage.I said why not"

"Nice,she's beautiful aint' she?" he says leaning in close

My jaw tightens. Ava glances up, her eyes meeting mine. 

"Peter," Ava says, her voice gentle, "Hey,its been a long time"

He nods, but his eyes remain fixed on her. "Of course. I missed you." He walks over to her and they awkwardly hug.Ava gives me the look I know too well

I clench my fists. 

As Ava continues grooming Storm, Peter leans in, his breath brushing her ear. "You still ride, Ava?" he murmurs. "I remember those wild rides we used to take."

Ava bites her lip "I do," she says. "But things have changed."

Peter's hand grazes her shoulder, possessive. "Maybe we could ride together again," he suggests. "Just like old times."

I've had enough. My fingers itch to pull him away, to remind him that Ava isn't some prize to be won. But I hold back, my anger simmering beneath the surface.

"What about now?"

Ava glances at me, her eyes pleading. "Ethen," she says softly, "Ethen and I have stuff planned.I mean we here the whole summer so don't worry we will some time "His actually going to get the car"

"Yeah" I say nodding.

"Then why you grooming-"

"I haven't seen him in a while, have I? If you don't mind, could you take over?"

Peter nods annoyed."Sure"

"Where are we going?" I ask once we jump into the old red ford.

She looks at me with that side eye and raises an eyebrow. "Anywhere but here with Mr Peter"

"Nice" I say grinning as I start the engine.