Page 5 of The Vineyard Crush

I step outside, Avery still securely strapped to my chest, and sure enough, there’s Lily, chasing after our old hound dog Scooby. She spots me immediately, her face lighting up in a bright grin.

“Daddy!” she cries, abandoning her game and rushing over to wrap her tiny arms around my leg.

“Morning, Lil,” I murmur, reaching down to gently pat her back. My voice sounds low and exhausted, even to my own ears. “You’re up early.”

“Scooby woke me up,” she explains, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

I can’t help but chuckle. “Oh, my poor little Lily,” I coo, smoothing a hand over her wild mane of curls. “Want me to tuck you back to sleep?”

She shakes her head vehemently. “No, I wanna help feed the horses!”

I nod, hitching Avery a little higher on my hip. “Alright then, let’s get to it.”

As I carry Lily out to the barn, I can’t help but marvel at her boundless energy. It’s a stark contrast to the exhaustion that weighs me down, a reminder of the resilience and optimism that still burns bright within my children.

I set Avery down in her little carrier, making sure she’s comfortable, then turn my attention to Lily. “Alright, Lil, what’s the plan?” I ask, mustering up as much enthusiasm as I can.

“Can I feed Buttercup today, Daddy? Please, please, please?” she begs, looking up at me with those big, pleading eyes.

I chuckle, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Of course, sweetheart. You know Buttercup is your special girl.”

Lily beams, immediately setting to work, carefully scooping out the oats and carrying them over to the bay mare’s stall. I trail behind her, keeping a watchful eye as she goes about her task. Even at just eight years old, Lily is a natural with the horses. She has a way of connecting with them, of understanding their moods and needs in a way that constantly amazes me.

Some days, I feel like I’m drowning, barely treading water. But then I see the pride and excitement on Lily’s face as she cares for her beloved Buttercup, and I find the strength to push on.

“Alright, Lil, that’s enough for now,” I call out, striding over to her. “Why don’t you go check on your brother while I finish up in here?”

“Okay, Daddy!” she chirps, skipping off towards the house. I watch her go, marvelling at her boundless energy. God knows I could use some of that right about now.

Three

Ridge

The morning started off like most others these days - rushing to get Cody and Lily ready for school while trying to ensure they had a decent breakfast. By the time I had prepared some eggs and bacon, the kids were already dressed and eager to start their day.

Lily plopped down at the kitchen island, eyeing the plate in front of her warily. I could see the beginnings of a pout forming on her face and braced myself. She’s been so finicky about food lately - one day scarfing down her favorites, the next pushing it away in disgust. “I don’t want to eat this, Daddy,” she said, pushing the plate away.

Cody, dragged his plate closer and dug in. “It’s tasty!” he said between bites, earning a grateful smile from me.

“Lil, sweetie, please eat up. We need to get going to school soon,” I pleaded, but she stubbornly shook her head.

“I can’t,” she said, bottom lip jutting out.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “Come on, honey, this is what you’ve been asking for. Please, just eat a little bit?”

“No,” she said firmly.

“Alright, well what do you want to eat then?” I asked, trying to keep the exasperation out of my voice.

She shrugged noncommittally. “I don’t know.”

Before I could try another approach, there was a soft knock at the door. Cody immediately perked up. “I’ll get it!” he chirped, hopping off his stool and heading to the front.

“Do you want leftover soup from yesterday?” I asked Lily hopefully, but she just sighed.

I heard Cody’s voice carry from the entryway. “Who are you?”

My head snapped up, ready to scold him for being rude to a guest, but the words died on my lips as a honey-smooth voice replied. “Hey, sweetie. I’m Emery, but you can call me Emma- I live in the vineyard over there. Who are you?”

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