First

Chapter 1

20 years ago

*****November*****

     "Looks like winter is coming earlier than expected; the capital region is expected to get pummeled with anywhere between 10-30cm of snow in the next 24 hours. Time to dig out those snow shovels..." The weatherman continued to drone on, on the television while I sat at the island eating breakfast.

     I shook my head and looked outside; the sun was shining but I could see the snow clouds steadily rolling in. "So much for the long fall," I muttered, taking a bite of my cereal.

     "You know as well as I do Kadence, that they can't predict the weather five minutes from now let alone 24 hours," my dad replied, walking into the kitchen. He filled himself a cup of coffee before dropping a kiss onto my head.

     "Morning Daddy," I smiled.

     "Morning baby girl." He leaned back against the island beside me and took a sip from his cup. "I guess it's a good thing I've got someone coming in for an interview for that part-time position, what with all that snow coming. Those horses are going to need some extra looking after."

     "Especially Jake," I said smiling and my dad laughed. Jake was mine and he knew that he always got special treatment because of that. "But that's good about the interview. Do you know who it is?" I asked strictly out of curiosity. I always took the initiative to get to know the hands Daddy hired personally. And if I didn't like them, they were out of a job. After all, they were looking after my horses.

     "Jason is his name I think. He's only in junior high so it'll only be evenings and weekends but that works and he seems promising," my dad replied, making me laugh.

     "You haven't even interviewed him yet," I pointed out.

     "Yes that's true but I'm a good judge of character." He set his cup in the sink and slipped on his jacket. "I'm going to head out. I want to get a head start on preparing the horses in case that storm hits early. If that kid shows up just give me a call. I'll just be down at the barn."

     "Okay," I nodded, pressing a kiss to his cheek as I made my way over to rinse out my bowl. "I'll see you later."

     My dad smiled and headed out the door. I looked around the house, wondering what I was going to do with myself all day. Mom had already left for work, so not only was I stuck here because I had no way to get around, I had to sit here and wait for that interview to show up.

     "Ugh," I groaned, heading upstairs to take a shower. I plopped onto my bed and looked at the stack of homework pilling up on my desk. It was practically calling to me... yeah right. But still I sighed, knowing I needed to finish it today seeing as I'd be in a tournament and league play all day tomorrow. These were the days that I absolutely hated bowling.

     Sluggishly, I got up and made my bed before grabbing a pair of leggings and a t-shirt so I could take a shower. I took as long as humanly possible in the shower, trying to put off the inevitable homework. Eventually though, I had to step out; the water was getting cold and I wasn't that desperate.

     I emerged from the bathroom dressed and brushing my hair. I let it fall down my back, air drying it so I could get some curls. Just because I was stuck in the house didn't mean I didn't have to look good. Who knew, this interview could be cute. Dad had said he was in junior high.

     I gathered my books and headed back downstairs, setting myself down at the island. I cranked some music and got comfortable. But just as I was opening my math textbook, there was a knock at the door.