Whispers In Heartland

B U T T E R CU P

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow across the rolling fields of our farm. The morning air was crisp, carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers as I made my way to the stables. Our Friesian horse, with its dark, long mane, stood proud in the stables, while the Thoroughbred grazed peacefully nearby. In the distance, our Bernese Mountain Dog bounded through the sun kissed grass, his joyful barks echoing in the air.As I walked through the garden, I couldn't help but think of you. I knew you’d be waiting on the porch, wrapped in a blanket with that soft smile you always have in the mornings. I bent down to gather your favourite flowers, their soft petals still damp from the early mist. With a handful of roses; red and white in my arms, I made my way back to the house, the familiar sound of the horses' gentle neighs and the dog’s playful barks a reminder of the life we have built here.When I reached you, you looked up from your cup of tea, your eyes sparkling in the light of sun, and the wind stroking against your curly hair “Good morning, Angel,” I said, handing you the flowers. Your laugh was soft, the way it always is when I call youby one of your favourite nicknames (Angel, Princess, Buttercup). You took the flowers from me, and for a moment, we just stood there, the world around us quiet and still, as if it knew how special these moments were.Later that day, we saddled the horses for a ride. The Friesian, strong and majestic, carried you through the trails with an elegance that always made me smile. I rode alongside on the Thoroughbred, the rhythmic sound of hooves against the earth calming my thoughts. Our dog ran alongside us, barking excitedly as we wound our way through the woods, the wind whispering through the trees.By evening, we returned to the farmhouse, the sky a mix of pink and gold. We watched the sunset from the porch, your hand resting in mine, the soft neighing of the horses in the distance. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, I looked at you and thought how perfect our life here is. I kissed your forehead, calling you Buttercup one last time for the night, then rest your head on my comfortable shoulders as the peaceful sound of the farm shifted us into a quiet, contented silence.After the sun dips below the horizon, the farm begins to settle into the calm of night. The horses, now back in their stables, rustle softly, content after a day of running free. Our Bernese Mountain Dog, always alert but growing drowsy, curls up by the porch, keeping watch over the house as darkness falls.Inside, the farmhouse glows with a warm light. We head inside, the scent of a simple dinner simmering on the stove filling the air something salty, like a stew made from vegetables we harvested earlier in the week. We sit together at the old wooden table, the flicker of candlelight casting shadows on the walls. Hugo (placing a bowl of stew in front of Robyn): "Here you go, Angel. Hope it’s good, I might’ve thrown in a little too much thyme, but I’m sure you'll let me know." (grins)Robyn (smiling as she takes a spoonful): "Mmm, you always worry, but it’s perfect, as usual." (teasing) "Though I might have to start cooking more, or you'll steal my title as the master chef."Hugo (laughing): "Master chef, huh? Well, I’d be more than happy to hand the title back. Just let me know when you're ready to take over full-time." (winks) "Though, I have to admit, cooking for you has its perks. You’re the easiest critic."Robyn (raising an eyebrow): "Easiest critic? I just have good taste. And anyway, your cooking comes with flowers and sweet nicknames, so it’s hard to be too tough on you."(reaches for the flowers on the table)Hugo (smiling): "That’s the secret keep you happy with flowers and nicknames like Buttercup, and suddenly I’m a five-star chef."Robyn (playfully): "Well, you’ve certainly charmed me. But you know, you don’t have to keep spoiling me like this. Just having you here is enough."Hugo (leaning closer): "Spoiling you is my favorite thing to do. Besides, you deserve it all the work you do around here. You're the heart of this farm, Princess."Robyn (blushing slightly): "And you're the one who keeps it all going. I don't know what I’d do without you."Hugo (taking her hand): "We make a pretty good dream team, don’t we? I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else."Robyn (smiling softly): "Neither can I." (pausing thoughtfully) "You know, I’ve been thinking... Maybe we could start planting more vegetables next season? Expand the garden a little."Hugo (nodding): "I love that idea. More veggies, maybe some herbs too. We could even try setting up a little farm stand. Sell fresh produce to the neighbors."Robyn (excited): "Yes! I’ve been dreaming about that. And maybe we could get a couple more chickens, too. Fresh eggs for breakfast."Hugo (grinning): "You and your chickens. Alright, Buttercup, more chickens it is. Anything to keep you smiling."Robyn (laughing): "You make it sound like I’m demanding a whole barn full of them!"Hugo (teasing): "Give it time. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s your next request."
Robyn (laughing): "Well, maybe not a whole barn... but a few more wouldn’t hurt."Hugo (raising his glass): "To more chickens, more veggies, and more of this life we’ve built together."Robyn (clinking her glass with his): "To us."After dinner, we wash up side by side, laughing as you splash water on me, and I pretend to be shocked. With the dishes done, we move to the living room, sinking into the worn leather couch, the soft crackle of the fireplace filling the silence. Our dog hops up beside us, his head resting on your lap as you stroke his fur continuously. As the fire dies down, we head upstairs, the creak of the old wooden steps familiar beneath our feet. The night is quietexcept for the gentle sounds of the farm outside a horse’s soft neigh, the distant sound of leaves in the breeze. You curl up next to me, and I pull you close, whispering, "Goodnight, my Buttercup," before sleep takes us both, wrapped in the peace of our farm and the love we’ve nurtured.By morning, the cycle begins again sunrise over the fields, the horses waiting for their morning feed, the dog eager for another day of adventure. But for now, in the stillness of the night, everything is perfect. Hugo (walking in with a handful of flowers): "Good morning, Angel." (leans down and kisses Robyn on the forehead, offering her the flowers) "Picked these just for you."Robyn (wrapped in a blanket, sipping her coffee on the porch): "Mmm, good morning, my love." (takes the flowers with a smile) "You always know how to brighten my day." (inhales their scent) "They smell amazing."Hugo (sitting beside her): "Not as amazing as you look in the morning light." (grins) "What’s on your mind, Buttercup?"Robyn (leaning into him): "Just taking in the quiet. The horses look so peaceful out there." (nodding toward the pasture) "The way the sun hits the Friesian’s coat it’s like it’s glowing."Hugo (looking out at the horses): "Yeah, they’re stunning, aren’t they? I was thinking maybe we could take them out for a ride after breakfast. What do you think?"Robyn (smiling): "That sounds perfect. The trails should be beautiful with the morning mist still lingering." (pausing thoughtfully) "I love mornings like this. It makes me feel like the whole world is ours."Hugo (playfully nudging her): "That’s because it is, Princess. Our farm, our animals, and our little farmRobyn (laughing softly): "You always know just what to say."(glancing at the dog curled up by her feet) "Even he’s content. I swear, sometimes I think he enjoys these mornings as much as we do."Hugo (chuckling): "He’s got it all figured out. Just like usenjoying the simple things." (rubbing the dog’s head) "Alright, how about I get breakfast started? We’ll need the energy for that ride."Robyn (teasing): "Cooking again? I’m getting spoiled, you know."Hugo (smiling): "I like spoiling you, Buttercup. Besides, it gives me a reason to keep calling you all those sweet names."Robyn (laughing): "Well, I’m not complaining. Pancakes?"Hugo (standing up): "Pancakes it is. And maybe a little surprise on the side."Robyn (grinning): "You and your surprises. I can’t wait."Hugo (leaning down for another quick kiss): "Just you wait, Princess. This day’s going to be flawless."The sun continues to rise over the farm, casting long shadows across the dewy grass. Hugo moves into the kitchen, the familiar sound of pans and the gentle hum of the stovetop filling the farmhouse. The aroma of pancakes soon drifts through the air, mixing with the fresh scent of the flowers still resting on the porch beside Robyn.She watches from the porch, wrapped in the warmth of her blanket, her heart full. There is a deep sense of contentment in the stillness around her, a feeling of being completely at home. The mist lingers over the far edges of the field, slowly evaporating as the sun climbs higher, painting the sky in soft hues of blue and gold. Soon, Hugo steps back outside, a plate of pancakes in hand, the soft clink of silverware hinting at the thoughtful surprise he’s prepared. The morning routine is effortless, an act they’ve perfected over time. With the horses grazing, the dog patrolling the farm, and the two of them sharing a peaceful breakfast, there’s no rush, no need for anything more than the quiet beauty of the day.