Page 35 of Untamed Hearts

“Too late for you to be worried about the race,” I replied playfully, brushing my fingers along her arm. “We’ve done everything we can. Tomorrow, we just need to trust ourselves and Phantom.”

“Right,” she said, her voice still thick with sleep. “I just can’t help but feel a little anxious.”

I nodded, understanding her perfectly. I felt it too—the tight knot of nerves in my stomach and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. But as I held her close, I realized that this moment was ours. No matter the outcome, we would still have each other. “Whatever happens tomorrow, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve poured your heart into Phantom and he’s lucky to have you.”

A soft blush crept across her cheeks and I felt a flutter of joy at the sight. “You really think so?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know so,” I replied earnestly. “You’ve been incredible. I believe in you, Ashlyn.”

She shifted slightly, propping herself up on one elbow to meet my gaze. “You always know how to make me feel better,” she said, her tone turning serious. “But it’s more than that. You’ve been my rock through all of this.”

I smiled, brushing my fingers along her jawline, reveling in the closeness. “We’re a team, remember? I’m here for you, just like you’re here for me.” A moment of silence passed between us, charged with unspoken feelings. I could see the way her expression shifted, a mixture of vulnerability and something deeper simmering just beneath the surface. And then, without thinking, I leaned in closer, capturing her lips with mine in a soft kiss that spoke volumes about the connection we shared.

As we pulled apart, I felt the need to express everything that had been building inside me. “Ashlyn,” I began, my heart pounding in my chest. “I love you.”

Her eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and delight flooding her features. “You love me?” she echoed, as if savoring the words.

“Yeah,” I said, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions. “I do. I’ve loved you for a while now. It’s just—everything feels so uncertain right now, but I know that my feelings for you are real.

You’ve brought so much joy into my life.”

The corners of her mouth turned up into a radiant smile and I felt my heart soar. “I love you too, Stephanie,” she said, her voice warm and genuine. “I’ve been scared to say it, but I feel it in every moment we spend together.”

We fell into another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate, igniting a fire between us that chased away the shadows of uncertainty. As we held each other close, I knew that no matter what

tomorrow brought, we would face it together. The love we shared was a force that could weather any storm, and that thought filled me with an unwavering strength.

As we lay together, our bodies entwined under the soft sheets, I allowed myself to drift into a peaceful sleep, comforted by the knowledge that we had each other, no matter what the future

held. The race, the challenges, and all the doubts would come and go, but this bond we had created was something I cherished above all else. And for now, that was enough.

20

ASHLYN

Icould only describe my morning, my thoughts, and my mind as a series of snapshots. The alarm blared, pulling me from a dream filled with galloping horses and the smell of fresh hay. I blinked against the morning light streaming through the window, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Today was the day. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my feet hitting the cool floor, and took a moment to gather my thoughts. Phantom’s big moment was finally here.

In the kitchen, I poured a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air and giving me a much-needed boost. I could hear the faint sounds of Stephanie and Melody moving around in the background,

their laughter and chatter a comforting reminder of the support around me. I took a deep breath, trying to ground myself, visualizing Phantom and me crossing the finish line strong and victorious.

As the sun began to rise higher in the sky, I slipped into my riding boots and grabbed Phantom’s gear. The barn was alive with activity, the sound of hooves on the ground echoing in the air. I approached Phantom in his stall and he nickered softly at me, his big brown eyes sparkling with energy. “Ready for today, big guy?” I murmured, giving him a gentle pat on the neck. We were a team, and I could feel the connection between us. I led him out and began loading him into the horse trailer, my heart racing as I secured him for the ride.

The drive to the venue was a blur of landscapes flashing past—fields of wildflowers, clusters of trees, and the occasional glimpse of fellow competitors on the road. My heart raced with each mile we covered, anticipation building within me. “Just stay calm,” I whispered to Phantom, who shifted nervously in the trailer. I could feel the adrenaline surging through my veins. The excitement mingling with the inevitable nerves that accompanied any big race.

As we pulled into the venue, the atmosphere hit me like a wave. The place was bustling with activity, a hive of energy and noise. Horses whinnied in the distance and the air was filled with the scent of hay, leather, and a hint of sweat. My stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I stepped out of the truck. I took a moment to absorb it all—the tents, the crowd, and the other riders preparing their horses. This was it.

With quick movements, I unloaded Phantom and led him to the warm-up area. People were everywhere—trainers shouting instructions, spectators milling about, and the buzz of conversations

creating an atmosphere of excitement. I felt the weight of the crowd’s expectations but I pushed it aside, focusing on Phantom. I brushed him down, the rhythmic motion calming both him and me. “Let’s

show them what we can do,” I said softly, looking into his eyes. He responded with a gentle nicker.

Once Phantom was saddled and ready, I took a moment to adjust my gear, feeling the familiar light weight of the saddle beneath my hands. I had made sure to lose a few pounds to make sure I was lean enough to race and I felt ready. My heart raced in my chest, each beat echoing the pulse of the crowd outside. I tightened the straps, ensuring everything was secure, and stepped back to admire my horse. He was magnificent, a picture of power and grace. “You’re going to shine today,” I promised him, giving him a gentle pat before slipping on my helmet covered in Stephanie’s sky blue silks.

As we made our way to the starting line, energy surged through me like electricity. The cheers from the crowd filled the air and I could see other competitors lining up, their horses pawing at the ground. Mirroring my own anticipation. Adrenaline pumped through my veins, sharpening my focus. The world around me faded as I concentrated on the task ahead. It was Phantom and me against the rest.

We took our place at the starting gates. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, each beat syncing with the rhythm of the moment. I adjusted my grip on the reins, feeling the horse’s power beneath me, and glanced sideways at the other riders. Their eyes were fixed forward, but I was solely focused on Phantom. “Let’s do this, buddy,” I whispered, leaning forward in the saddle as the countdown began.

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