Cowgirl Boots: a Cinderella Story

Epilogue

Iris's POV:

After the trial, we made arrangements to stay under the care of the Adam's until we turned eighteen, when we would legally be adults.  We went back to school and went through a three hour therapy session with the school's therapist.  Jacob came up to me the first day we were back and gave me my burette that I hadn't even known I'd lost.  He immediately became friends with Benjamin when I introduced them and now he comes to visit the Adam's place about three times a week.  To be honest, I kind of like him.  We've all become close friends and Grace's and mine friendship is stronger now.  

Three weeks after Selena, Georgie and I were settled in at the Adams' Jacob asked me out.  Of course, I said yes, but only if he talked to Mr. Adam first.  He did, so I let the girls get me ready.  I wore jeans and a white button-up shirt.  I had Thunder saddled up and ready when Jacob finally rode up the driveway on his chestnut-coloured horse.  He smiled and dismounted before walking toward me as he led his horse.  My heart began to pound with anticipation. 

"Hey." He greeted me.  

"Hey."  I answered, "what's your horse's name?"  

"Nutmeg.  You ready to go?"  

"Yeah."  I sighed, mounting Thunder and starting him toward the path through the fields.  

"Race you to the end of the trail!"  Jacob called, nudging his horse into a lope.  

I smiled, leaning into Thunder's mane.  

"Let's run, boy."  I whispered, giving hi the command.  

Jacob didn't stand a chance against Thunder and I.  A cold breeze raced through my hair as we surpassed Jacob.  I let out my anticipation in a joyful laugh.  

I slowed Thunder to a trot as we reached the gate at the end of the trial, dismounting and turning around to watch Jacob ride his horse up beside us.  

"Why did I even try?"  He complained, sliding off his horse.  

"How should I know?"  I chuckled, tying Thunder's reins to a fence post. 

Jacob did the same thing on beside me, then turned to me, leaning his elbow on the top rail of the fence.  

"I like you."  Jacob stated, flushing a little, "obviously, because I asked you out, and I hope you like me back, and f you do, I was hoping we could try for the long run."  

I couldn't help my sheepish grin as I leaned against the fence with my arms folded.  

"Jacob, do you think I would have said yes if I didn't like you?"  I answered, unsure what else to say.  

"No, but I didn't want to just assume."  Jacob glanced at the ground sheepishly.  

"Me too."  I continued.  

"Really?"  He looked up again, meeting my eyes.

"Yeah."  I sighed, "I don't want to date around."  

"Me either."  Jacob nodded.  

I cracked a smile and tilted my head. 

"So, you've mentioned taking over your family's farm when your parents retire."  

"I can't imagine doing anything else, but I mean I still have a couple years before I graduate and have to worry about all that."  He smiled, "It was more of a thought, but if God wants me to do something else, I'll do it.  I just don't really know what that might be."  

A thoughtful expression crossed his face for amount, before he turned to his saddle bag.  I furrowed my eyebrows for second before he turned around with something white in his hand.  

"This fell out of your hair the night of the dance."  He told me, giving me my barrette.  

I studied it for a moment.  I had forgotten about this, I thought, did he have it during the trial and everything?  

"A lot happened that night."  I remarked, turning the barrette over in my hands.  

"Do you want to talk about it?"  Jacob asked, concern filling his voice.  

I glanced up, seeing genuine care in his eyes.  I smiled softly as I shook my head slightly.  

"No, I'm alright, but thanks."  I replied, clipping the barrette in my hair. 

"Ok."  He leaned against the fence again.  

Thunder nudged my shoulder gently so I turned to scratch his nose.  

"Are you planning on entering any barrel racing competitions next year?"  Jacob asked.  

"I don't know.  I'll keep working with Thunder, but it'll really depend on what next year looks like."  I answered after giving it a moment of thought.  

I could feel Jacob's gaze on the back on my head and I hoped my barrette wasn't crocked.  

"So do you want to ride?"  Jacob asked, smiling.  

"Sure."  I agreed, shrugging as I glanced at him before untying Thunder.  

I grabbed the horn of the saddle and put my foot in the stir-up as I swung myself onto thunder's back.  

"Where do you want to go?"  I asked, sweeping my gaze across the harvested fields on the Adams' property.  

"Well we could go left onto this field, or right, onto that one."  Jacob suggested, overly-dramaticly showing me the fields with his hand.  

"Oh, you don't say!"  I replied sarcastically, laughing again.  

Jacob laughed with me before taking the lead by opening the gate to the field on the left, while still sitting in his saddle.  

"After you."  He told me, sincerely. 

I smiled and gave Thunder the command to walk through.  

We rode through the empty field, making small talk and showing off tricks with our horses.  When the temperature began to drop, along with the setting sun, we walked our horses out of the field and back to the yard.  

"Do you want to stay for supper?"  I invited.  

"I wish I could, but I have chores that need to be done, so I need to hurry home."  Jacob shook his head sadly, "but I'll call you tomorrow."  

"Not if I call you first."  I grinned, dismounting.  

"We'll see about that."  Jacob replied, waving, "good night, Iris."  

"Good night, Jacob."  I answered, rubbing Thunder's shoulder.  

Jacob flashed me a smile, which I returned, before turning Nutmeg around and galloping down the driveway and along the highway.  Thunder nuzzled me, causing me to stop watching Jacob.  

"Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten about you, mister.  Let's get you unsaddled."  I told him, leading him into the barn.  

THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WILL CONTINUE THIS STORY, EXCEPT, OBVIOUSLY, AT CHRISTMAS TIME, SO IT'LL SKIP ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF, AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN CHAPTER 20 AND THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!:)  I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS EPILOGUE, IF YOU DID, PLEASE MAKE THE LITTLE STAR ORANGE AND CONSIDER COMMENTING!:)