Beneath the Surface

chapter 63: moments in ranch

at Lucas ranch... 

One weekend, Lucas invited Sarah and Stan to his farmhouse on the ranch, and the excitement was palpable as they arrived. The fresh country air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and the sound of distant horses whinnying.

The whole morning was spent riding horses through the sprawling fields. Stan was a natural, laughing as he rode alongside Lucas, who expertly guided him. Sarah watched with a warm smile, her heart swelling at the sight of her son enjoying the day.

Stan: (laughing while riding) "Dada, I didn’t know this was so much fun! Why didn’t we do this earlier?"

Lucas: (grinning as he expertly guides his horse) "Well, Stan, it’s about time you found out. You’ve got a knack for it! Keep your posture straight, just like that."

Sarah: (smiling warmly from the side) "Look at you, Stan! You’re a natural. I’ve never seen you laugh this much!"

Stan: (turning to Sarah with excitement) "Mom, you should try it too! You won’t believe how freeing it feels."

Sarah: (chuckling softly) "Maybe later, sweetheart. Right now, I’m just happy watching you two enjoy yourselves."

Stan: (nudging his horse gently) "Come on, Lucas, let’s see how fast we can go!"

Lucas: (raising an eyebrow) "Oh, you want a race, huh? Alright, but don’t blame me if you get left behind!"

Stan: (grinning) "You’re on!"

Lucas: (giving his horse a light tap) "Let’s go, Thunder!"

Stan: (laughing) "Come on, Rusty, don’t let me down!"

Both horses take off, with Lucas pulling ahead slightly, his experience showing in how he controls his horse’s speed. Stan, determined not to lose, leans in, urging Rusty to pick up the pace.

Sarah: (watching from a distance, shaking her head with a smile) "Boys will be boys…"

The wind rushes past Stan’s face as the thrill of the race takes over. His laughter rings through the air, pure and unrestrained, something Sarah hadn’t seen in a long time. Lucas glances back and slows down, allowing Stan to catch up, grinning at the look of triumph on his younger brother’s face.

Lucas: (playfully) "I’m letting you win this time, little bro."

Stan: (panting, but grinning wide) "No way, I’m just that good!"

The horses slow as they near the end of the field, both boys still laughing, the moment filled with joy and carefree energy.

Sarah: (calling out) "Alright, you two, that’s enough racing for now. Come back before you wear yourselves and the horses out!"

Stan: (still catching his breath) "Okay, Mom! That was amazing!"

Lucas: (smiling as they trot back) "Told you. There's nothing quite like it."

Stan: (beaming) "We should do this every weekend!"

Sarah: (laughing softly) "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Stan, but I’m glad you had fun."

After their ride, they settled under the shade of a mango tree for lunch. The fruit hung above them, ripe and inviting. 

They feasted on homemade viands, steamed rice, juice, and fresh fruit, enjoying the delightful spread Lucas had prepared. The flavors danced on their tongues as they shared stories and laughter, the warmth of the sun creating a perfect backdrop for their meal.

Stan, brimming with energy, darted around the picnic area, chasing after dragonflies and butterflies. His joyful giggles filled the air, mixing with the sounds of nature. "Look, Mom! I almost caught one!" he shouted, his face lighting up with excitement.

"That's amazing, buddy! Just be gentle!" Sarah called back, a smile on her face as she watched him play.

After they finished eating, they leaned back against the soft grass, content and relaxed.

Lucas turned to Sarah, a playful grin on his face. "You know, this is just the beginning of our weekend. We have so much more planned!"

"Oh, really? What do you have in mind?" Sarah asked, curiosity piqued.

"Let's just say, there might be some fun surprises in store," he replied, winking at her.

Stan returned, breathless and full of enthusiasm. "Can we go on another adventure? Please?" he pleaded, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"Of course! After a little break, we can explore the nearby trails or even go fishing!" Lucas suggested, excitement evident in his voice.

"Look, Mom! I caught one!" Stan shouted, holding his tiny hands out as a dragonfly buzzed past him.

"That's amazing, buddy! Just remember to let it go gently," Sarah called back, her heart light.

Lucas pulling Sarah to the hammock.

"I'm telling you, this hammock is designed for two adults and a kid!" Lucas insisted, his voice full of mischief as he leaned back, causing the hammock to sway

"I don't know about that," Sarah replied, laughing nervously. "What if it breaks? You weigh like a hundred pounds!"

"Ha! Please! I'm a lean, mean ranching machine," Lucas joked, puffing out his chest dramatically. "Trust me, we're safe."

"Famous last words," she teased, gripping the sides of the hammock as it swung precariously.

Lucas and Sarah took turns swinging in a large hammock tied between two sturdy trees, while Stan giggled and darted around them, pretending to be a dragonfly himself

. Eventually, they settled into the hammock, swaying gently as they closed their eyes. Stan climbed up next to them, his small body fitting snugly between them.

"Mom, can we stay here forever?" Stan mumbled, sleep creeping into his voice.

As they drifted off to a peaceful nap, the warmth of the sun wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, and Sarah knew that this day would become one of their cherished memories—a day filled with love, joy, and the simple beauty of being together.

In the afternoon, they moved to a bamboo raft floating on the lake. The water glistened under the sun, and they spread out a blanket for afternoon snacks.

They both laughed, the sound mingling with the gentle lapping of the water against the raft

.

Finally, as the stars began to twinkle above them, Sarah and Lucas shared a knowing glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They both felt it—the deep-rooted love that had weathered storms and remained steadfast, thriving beneath the surface of their lives.

"It's like we're starting fresh, but with all the richness of our history," Sarah said softly, her voice filled with hope. "I believe we can nurture this love into something beautiful."

Lucas nodded, his expression serious yet full of warmth. "I feel the same way. It won't always be easy, but I know we can face whatever challenges come our way. Our connection is strong enough to handle it."

Sarah smiled, her heart swelling at his words. "Together, we can build a future that honors both our pasts and our dreams. I want to explore every layer of this love."

"Me too," Lucas replied, reaching for her hand and intertwining their fingers. "No matter what happens, I'll be right here, supporting you and loving you through it all."

In that moment, under the vast sky filled with stars, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. Their love was no longer just a memory; it was a living, breathing force, ready to grow and thrive.

With hearts open and spirits intertwined, Sarah and Lucas embraced the adventure ahead, knowing that whatever challenges lay in their path, their love would flourish, grounding them through every twist and turn beneath the surface.