Mystery at Brightfields

Chapter 19.

Zoe and Pin sat and talked until the next feeding. They talked about travel, horses, showing, training, family, and Pins new life as a Duke and what it could mean for him. They talked about Zoe moving to the island and what it meant for her and Raven. After moving up Laycee's bottle and watching her suck it down, and rather quickly at that, Pin and Zoe settled in for the night. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, sighing.
She had just sat in that very spot a night ago and had her head on someone else's shoulder. She didn't mean to. It just kind of fell there. But it didn't feel the same was as it did now, here with Pin. She fit there.

Zoe could feel Pin relax into her and he wrap his arm around her back. He was warm and safe, she felt comfortable here.
Zoe's mind wandered as she was driving off to sleep, she was going to have to leave soon. Head back home and pack up her things. The things she hadn't even thought about it months. She knew her suitcase was going to be smaller than the rest of her families, especially Rosie's. Pictures with friends, trinkets, furniture...it was just stuff. It wouldn't make the new house here anymore of a home. She mostly was going to grab some clothes and a few sentimental things. Two suitcases, tops...and their dog.

Two hours went by too quickly. Pin and Zoe woke up to Laycee jumping around the stall. Clearly awake and hungry. Pin picked himself up in a sleepy daze and went to mix up the bottle. He looked cute, Zoe smiled to herself. He was finally hers.

After feeding the foal she was still very much awake.

"Think Bob would be upset to be awakened take a few laps around the arena? Might get some of her energy out. Probably is rough being cooped up 23 hours a day, we can give her 30 minutes of horse time before the nurse mare comes tomorrow. Plus I don't think we will be getting any sleep with her like this." Zoe laughed.

"I'll hit the arena light if you want to grab Bob. Meet back here in 2?" Pin said.

Bob was luckily snacking in hay and totally awake when Zoe came to get him. She slid his turnout sheet over him so he wouldn't be too chilly.

Laycee trotted after Bob to the arena and Zoe let them free. Bob immediately dropped to roll in the sand and Laycee soon followed. Zoe and Pin stood at the gate watching the two horses roll around.

"So I had an idea. And you don't have to say yes, we can check with your mom. But, how would you feel if I came to LA with you? You know, see the sights, hit a few of your favorite hangouts? I know it isn't 'traveling and seeing the world together' but it's something and somewhere to start. I'd like to see the pre-Raven, Zoe." Pin asked.

Zoe turned and smiled at him.
"You really want to come? It's two really long plane rides in a short amount of time. And there's nothing to see in LA. We'd just be packing."

"Yeah, but I'd be with you. Raven will be fine. He can use a few riding days off and I'm sure Jade or Becky would lunge him for you. I just got back and I'm not ready to have you fly off this time." He replied, pulling Zoe over to his side and kissing her temple.

"Okay okay! You win. We can check with Mom tomorrow." Zoe laughed. "There are a few good things left in LA. I've found some cool places with good food at least. I would love to show you."

"And I wouldn't have to worry about you falling asleep on some strangers shoulder on the plane." Pin joked.

Zoe scoffed and turned back to the horses. Laycee was wandering around and Bob was searching for grass around the outer edge of the fence line.

Even though it was midnight, Zoe wasn't that tired she looked at Pin.

"Up for a late night ride?

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Elvis was the only was who was lightly napping but perked up in the cold air. Raven even had an excited pep in his step once they hit the arena.

Zoe watched Pin warming up Elvis and she realized that this was what she missed most. Fun riding with Pin. He was a fantastic rider and he made Elvis like putty in his hand. The horse adored him and Pin was soft yet firm when he rode. It was honestly like watching some type of art form.

Turning her focus back on Raven she realized she probably wasn't going to be able to ride him for a few days due to the trip. He deserved it. Raven had been riding with his whole heart and had been giving her everything during their training. She had pushed and he hadn't questioned.
Even though thing had worked out with Pin, Raven was still her #1 priority.

They hopped over a few jumps and ran through a few dressage movements.

Zoe ended the ride laughing. It was always Pin who reminded her that riding wasn't all about training and showing.

They walked the horses back to the stable yard, untacked them and put them back in their stalls for the night. They mixed up Laycee's next bottle and she slurped it down with sleepy eyes.

Zoe threw the blanket over the napping foal and then went back to sit beside Pin.

Finally time for some much needed sleep herself.