Saving Grace

Chapter 4: Colt

I woke up earlier than normal that morning. I hadn't rode Pretty Girl in a bit with how busy the ranch and lodge were keeping me. It wasn't a surprise, summer was definitely our busier season. But I wanted to get a ride in before I started my work for the day.

When I got to the barn, it was as though that beautiful horse of mine sensed she was going for a ride. She excitedly neighed and snorted, as if saying, "About time." I led her out of the stall and began to brush her down before saddling her. Placing my gun in its' holster on the saddle, I walked her out of the barn and mounted. Giving a slight kick, we took off.

I let her lead, and we rode at a steady pace through the woods until we came to a clearing. The open field was my favorite to ride in. You could ride for what seemed like miles without running into anything. There was a creek that started about half the ride in and led to a pond.

I whipped the reins, and she took off at full speed. We ran as though we were being chased; to me, we were. I was running away from something more often than I would like to admit. I had no other choice than to not slow down. God knows the thoughts would not.

I tugged at the reins when the creek started to open up into the pond. Pretty Girl came to a halt, her breathing ragged. I patted her neck and sat relaxed as I watched the water flow into something larger than itself. There were times I envied that creek and its' path.

I dismounted and led Pretty Girl to the water. She happily leaned down to drink while I leaned against her, taking in the idyllic sounds of nature. The bubbling creek, the flowing of water in the pond, the rustling of branches, the birds melodically singing--it was all a song for me.

You would think it would be noise that drowned out my demons. But it was the noise that drew them closer; noise was a reminder that brought back everything from that night, because the sounds from that night screamed the loudest in my head.

Only with the kind of tranquility nature brought, would serenity come close to invading me. I longed for those moments; the moments in between the running, where it was safe to slow down in the comfort of nature's melody.

The ride back went quicker. It seemed Pretty Girl was in a rush to get back for breakfast. I took her saddle off and brushed her sweat-stained coat down once more before leading her back into the stall and feeding her along with the rest of the horses. I had just finished with the feedings when my dad came into the barn.

"There you are. Good morning son."

"Morning pops. I'm just about to head to the pasture."

He shook his head. "That's what I'm out here for. Your mom called. She said she needs you to cover the desk this morning. Alice called in and she's shorthanded."

"She can't get someone else for that? We got a lot of work out here to do."

"I'll manage. I got a full staff of ranch hands today. We are going to get the haying started. You can help more tomorrow." He patted me on the shoulder before moving past me to grab a few tools.

I sighed knowing it was a losing battle, and I wasn't in the mood for an argument anyway. Work was work. I headed toward my black pickup truck and made the twenty-minute drive to the lodge.

As soon as I stepped inside, my mom rushed toward me looking entirely frazzled.

"Thank the good Lord you are here Colt. We have been busier than usual this morning. I need you to man the phones and check in or out any guest please."

"Where is Alice?" I stepped behind the counter and gave Mrs. Bookerman a wink as I handed her a daily cocktail voucher. She stayed at the lodge regularly and was notorious for being quite bibulous.