Ellie's POV:
It was really sweet of Ryder to think of me that way. I just didn't know what to do. It oughta be best if we keep it professional. Dad wouldn't want me dating a man who just showed up out of no where. But I think dad would approve.
The next day, I walked out to the barn and brushed the horses as usual. I went to the chicken coop and collected eggs. We had a small garden in the backyard that dad and I built just before he passed. I grew beets, onions, carrots, wheat, potatoes, and sometimes even squash when it was in season!
We also had an apple tree that dad and I would pick apples from and eat under the tree after a long day of hunting.
I guess I just miss him.
But I'm trying to cope. I'm really trying.
I guess Ryder could tell I was a little out of it today. "You aren't looking so good Ellie. You feel okay?" He asked. I nodded and smiled. "I'm just tired, that's all." I partially lied.
I was tired.
Tired of trying.
I miss dad and I wish he didn't have to go so soon. Sometimes I just needed a break to let it all out.
"Can you brush West? I need to do something." I asked and Ryder nodded happily.
I went to my dads grave. I kneeled and started talking to my dad.
"Ryder is a big help. He really knows what he's doing. He's great with the horses, they all love him. Except for Vincenzo but you know, he's a pretty angry horse. He's complex and stubborn." I told my dad about everything that was going on. "....I miss you dad. I'm really trying though. I know you'd want me to try. I go to our apple tree sometimes." I explained and tears streamed down my face.
After I finished, I wiped my tears and walked back to the barn. Ryder was trying to feed Vincenzo a carrot, but he wouldn't take it. I giggled and took the carrot. I fed it to Vincenzo easily and Ryder sighed then laughed.
"Do you want to go riding? We don't have to take the trail, we can just go side by side and talk in the fields." I offered. He nodded. I saddled up Cassette and he saddled up West.
Cassette was an old show horse, but I loved taking her through the fields and so did she.
"You feeling better? You look a lot happier." Ryder smiled. I nodded. I was better . "Thanks for worrying about me." I messed with him and we talked for a while longer. We eventually lost track of time and it was getting dark and the horses were exhausted.
We put them back in the barn and washed them. We went back into the house and parted ways.
YOU ARE READING
Born with Boots
Teen FictionEllie had loved horses from the start. Her dad took her to a rodeo when she was 3. Her and her dad were best friends. They hunted every few days together. They rode horses and did all the chores. One day, an unexpected change happens, and Ellie has...
