Page 152 of Well Played

She nods, pulling at the reigns and I giggle. “I guess that means yes,” I tell Matt.

That day Stormy makes it twice around the paddock before signaling with an annoyed groan that she’s ready to go in.

I know this is a long way from the Olympics. I know that we’ve just begun the long journey back to competition, but looking at Matt brushing Stormy’s coat that day, I know that we will make it back. And even if we don’t, we’ll be okay because we’ve found the love and acceptance we craved all along.

10

Her courage amazesme a little more every day. -Matt

Matt

I pull at my collar.I swear I can’t breathe. My hands are shaking.Why the fuck are my hands shaking? I’m not the one competing.

I feel a nudge to my side and turn to find its source. John Charles has a small smile on his face. “Nerve-wracking, isn’t it?” he asks wryly, “Watching someone you love compete on the biggest stage in the world?” He’s talking to me, but his eyes follow Leah’s figure on Stormy as they pace back and forth waiting for their turn.

“It’s fuckin’ horrible, is what it is. I feel like I’m competing, except I want this more for her than I would want it for myself. She’s worked so damn hard.” My gaze follows Leah in her white breeches and blue riding jacket. I never would have thought anyone could make that outfit look hot, but my girl looks smokin’. She’s always beautiful, but the smile she sendsme along with a thumbs up makes my heart beat even faster.I love her so damn much.

Watching her train for these last two years has been my greatest honor. I’ve been dying to propose for over a year. I feel for the jewelry box in my pocket. I promised myself I would wait until this was accomplished. She needed to make it here first.

I take a deep breath as she gets ready to start.

“She’s got this, Matt. I can feel it in my gut. And I think most of the reason I think that is because she has you now. She has another person in her corner that loves her no matter what.”

I glance over at John and notice the tears in his eyes.

I nod. “I hope it helps that I’m here, but she had you with her first. You did a great job, John.” And he did. I know the man still blames himself for Leah’s early years, but they have an undeniable bond. He’s come to stay at the ranch many times and I even asked his blessing for her hand. He gave it without hesitation.

He slaps me on the shoulder. “Thanks, son. I’m so glad you’re going to be a part of the family.” He takes a deep breath in. “Our girl is about to start.”

My head whips around to watch Leah begin. I hold my breath when they jump over the first obstacle and keep holding it with every jump.

“Breathe, Matt, breathe. It won’t help her if you pass out in the stands.” John chuckles and I release a long breath.

Leah is beauty and grace in motion. She flies through the air. Her and Stormy have the kind of synchronicity that’s rare and precious. This is the final round, the big moment. They are coming up to their last two jumps.

I almost fucking shatter when I think Stormy is going to hesitate at the second-to-last jump. I will her from this distance to go for it. She doesn’t stumble or break speed, she glides over the high jump with no fear.

“Yes,” I shout, “You got this!”

I think everyone in the crowd holds their breath for the final jump, but Leah doesn’t hesitate.

When Stormy and Leah jump the last obstacle with ease, the crowd erupts.My girl has done it! My girl has won the gold medal!

11

Winningthe gold medal is amazing but winning it with him by my side makes it so much better. -Leah

Leah

I feelmyself being lifted off my feet as soon as I jump off Stormy. Matt is swinging me around, laughing and yelling at the same time. I throw back my head and laugh too. This feeling is one of so much happiness that it borders on hysteria.

“Baby, you did it! You freakin’ did it!” Those are the only words I can make out as he finally sets me down and smothers me in kisses.

I giggle and nod. “I did! I really freakin’ did!”

Matt reaches out and pushes a stray blonde hair out of my face. His emotions are swinging now from happiness to pure awe. He looks at me with so much love and admiration in his eyes that I instantly melt.

This man. This man has been my side every step of the way.

---