Summer Love

chapter 21

ONE MONTH LATER

Summer has come to an end. The barn is always nearly empty due to all the kids going to school everyday now. Sawyer has finished his first semester of class, and has a break until November.

Lindsey has also returned. She was able to convince her mom to keep her horses, and to move them back to our barn. She doesn't show anymore, but rides for fun. She is a completely different person in my eyes. She gave away all of her show clothes, and she doesn't let anyone take care of her horse when she is completely capable of doing it herself. She is also a truly nice friend now. We hang out alot and she is our teams number one fan at shows.

We stopped trying to find someone to add to our team after our second show of me riding both King and Zeus. Mostly because our team is undefeated so far. We have one last show coming up, and then we will see if we still hold the title.

Sawyer and I have never been closer, ever since we visited our 'Special place'. Life was as good as it could get. Dad was healthy and strong, and our new ranch hands were keeping up on their work.

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"Sawyer! I can't find my boots. Where are they?" I yelled through the house.

"They're right here next to our bed." I rolled my eyes. I was falling apart. The stress level was really high today. The last show of the season was today, and I am the top rider in both divisions I ride in.

I ran into the bedroom and slipped my boots on.

"Thanks Babe, you're a lifesaver."

"Anytime, now calm down. You'll do fine today, just remember that everyone will still love you even if you don't win."

"Yeah, but if I don't win, then a big chunk of our boarders will leave for the next number one barn. Now all of our business is sitting on my shoulders. And what will happen to Zeus and King? Like they are going to have to go back and I won't be able to ride them, let alone show next year. Everything is falling apart Sawyer. What do I do?" I sputtered out of my mouth. I was beyond nervous right now.

"Codie. Take a deep breath and look me in the eyes." He placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me to look at him. I took a deep breath in and slowly let it out. I looked at him and nodded signalling I was good.

"You need to calm down. Mr. Dunn will not take Zeus away from you just because you might lose. He signed a contract with you, and he wouldn't do anything like that to hurt you. He loves you, everyone here loves you. I love you, and nothing will change that, okay? I don't want you to worry about anything. Now, the horses are already there, it's our turn now. Let's go." Sawyer said giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead, then my nose, and ending on my lips in a sweet and savory kiss.

"I love you Sawyer. Thank you." I said kissing him again. I wrapped my arms around his torso as he pulled me in for a strong hug. Something I desperately needed.

We locked the house and took off in Sawyer's truck towards the show.

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"You are looking amazing today Codie. Now you just need to relax. You've got this competition in the bag." Kari told me as I finished warming up for my first class on King. I let out a shaky breath and nodded.

Sawyer walked up to me when I got the the arena gate. I was up next. He put his hand on my thigh and started rubbing it to calm me down.

"Don't forget to breathe. I have a surprise for you tonight, and I don't want you dying before that." I let out a small laugh.