Page 151 of Well Played

Finally, when the chatter has stopped, everything is quiet. I think she’s asleep until she murmurs, “I love you, cowboy. I love you so much.”

I kiss her hair and smile. “I love you too, princess. Always and forever.”

9

I lovehim for letting me be the person I need to be. -Leah

Leah

This ismy favorite time of morning. I woke up warm in bed with Matt. I crept out of his big spoon hold and dressed quietly. I managed to make a cup of coffee without waking anyone, which is a feat considering all these people get up at sunrise. Then I slowly meandered my way over to the barn to visit Stormy.

The cool chill of the coming fall makes me shiver, but I can’t help but smile. I love fall. Everything about it. The pumpkin patch, Halloween, the leaves…I can’t wait to spend my first autumn with Matt.

It’s been three weeks since we first made love and it only gets better.

“Hey, girlie. You about ready to conquer this fear and get back out there?” I close my eyes as I run my hand along her smooth coat. “I know I am.” I miss the feeling of being one with my horse and flying through the air on the back of her, thatfeeling of knowing we’re in sync and that it’s just us against the world. I guess now we have someone else on our side too.

I lean my head against her. “I think he’s the one, Storm. I love him so much.” I sigh. “I’m starting to think I should let go of the past so I can move on.” Stormy neighs in response and I shake my head.

“I know, I know. It’s hard to forgive and let go of all those memories. I know you were hurt just like I was, but we need to let it go. We need to move on. I want us to be happy, girl.”

“Y’all sure are a sight for sore eyes, sweetheart. Got worried when I woke up and you weren’t there.”

Matt’s arms encircle me from behind and I lean back into his comforting embrace. “I was just checking on Stormy. Telling her that maybe we should let go of the past and move on. Think about starting over and getting back out there again.”

His hands run along my sweater, and I close my eyes.This, this is exactly where I was meant to be.

I can feel his nod. “I think it’s time you two got a new start, too. And I have a feeling Stormy’s ready to try again. I can feel it in my bones.”

I giggle. “You always say that.”

He chuckles and rests his chin on top of my head. “I know, but this time I definitely feel it. She’s ready, just like you are.”

I pull back, turn around, and study his familiar face. I want to trace his laugh lines and the slope of his slightly crooked nose. Instead, I stand up on my tippy toes and give him a kiss. “Let’s try it. I’m ready.”

His mouth crooks up in a half smile. “You got it, my love.”

A few minutes later, we’re standing outside in the paddock. Matt has the small English style saddle in his arms. He gently puts it over Stormy’s back. She gives him a suspicious look but doesn’t move. We’ve gotten this far before. It’s always when he goes to tighten the saddle and secure it. She usually bucks andrefuses to stay still. Her large brown eyes get that scared, angry look that shakes me to my core and we always have to stop.

Today, Stormy lets Matt tighten the cinch and I gasp.

Matt turns to me with a broad smile. “Told ya,” he says and chuckles. “She’s ready, just like you.”

I roll my eyes. “Yep, she let us do that part. Now, she just has to let me ride her.”

My hands start sweating. I’ve ridden all the horses on the property in the last couple of months, so why am I suddenly so nervous? Stormy is my horse, my baby. I take a deep breath.I can do this.

A strong hand touches my shoulder as I approach Stormy.

I turn towards Matt. “You’re not alone, sweetheart. I’m right here with you, and I love you.”

I smile and reach a hand towards his face. I stroke the stubble on his chin and then give him a quick kiss. “I love you too, Matt. More than anything.” I push back my shoulders and turn to step up onto Stormy’s saddle. “I’ve got this.”

Matt taps me lightly on the butt. “You sure do.”

I swing my leg over the saddle and take a seat. Stormy shuffles her feet and I tighten my hands on the reigns.Shit, please don’t lose it now girl.

I stroke my hand along Stormy’s forehead, and she snorts. “You ready for this, girl?” I ask quietly.

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