Page 54 of Your Love is Enough

Don brushed off Adler’s shoulder. “Let’s get that chip off your shoulder, son.”

Adler jerked away from his dad’s hand.

Don continued. “One day, you’ll see that the reason Tristan doesn’t get picked on is because…”

“He’s the responsible one and can always be relied on. Yada, Yada, yada. Yeah, I know. I’ve heard it a million times.” He grabbed Desiree’s hand and pulled her toward the grills. “We’re going to get some lunch, then head to the stables. People are starting to show up.”

“Bye, Don. See you later.” Desiree said over her shoulder as Adler pulled her away.

Don turned to Tristan and Stacey. “I like her. She actually looks like a normal, well-adjusted girl, and she’s actually wearing clothes and can talk in a complete sentence.”

They both laughed. And Stacey spoke up for her friend. “Yeah, Desiree is a great person. She’s a friend of mine. She doesn’t take crap from anyone. I think she’ll be good for his ego.”

Don feigned looking hurt, placing his large hand over his heart. “What, are you saying my son has a big ego?”

Tristan grabbed Stacey’s hand to end the conversation. “Oh, Uncle Don, just a little bit.”

Don patted Tristan’s shoulders. “Oh, Trist. You two have a good day. It was wonderful meeting you, Stacey. I’ll see you later tonight at the dance.”

Stacey smiled and realized quickly that her nerves were gone. “It was good meeting you, Don. See you later.”

Tristan led her to the grills. She liked Don. He was a jovial man and seemed like a large teddy bear. “I like your uncle. He’s funny and seems much gentler than my first impression.”

“Yeah, he is really a good guy. A gentle giant. It’s my aunt who’s the handful at times. But they balance each other well. I’m lucky to have them.”

A look of respect, and something else that Stacey couldn’t quite figure out, appeared on Tristan’s face. Her heart went out to him. He was brought in by his aunt and uncle because of an awful circumstance, and they stepped up, accepting him like a son, and he appreciated everything they did for him and gave him. She held on tighter to his hand. He had every reason to be a jerk and mad at the word, but he wasn’t. He was a great guy, and Stacey was glad he was hers.

The afternoon wore on. And thankfully, the typical chaotic October weather held off, and it was a perfect day for being at the stables. The temperature was comfortable, the sun was bright, and there was a gentle breeze.

The stables were bustling with activity as kids and teens were brought out to ride or returned to the main house every thirty minutes by a tractor pulling a flatbed loaded with hay.

Jonathan and Carla were leading younger riders on ponies. The ponies appeared absolutely bored as they followed behind, and the youngsters on their backs, either squealed with joy or looked scared to death.

Tristan was leading a black spotted Appaloosa, and his passenger was a spunky girl around eleven years old. Her friend was with Adler. One more time around, and they were going to be able to ride a bit on their own. Tristan needed some space, and he knew Adler really did.

Stacey and Desiree were leaning on the fence off to the side, enjoying the entertainment and getting lots of laughs as they watched the men interacting with the kids.

“Okay, do you understand how to control her? I think you’ll do fine. Just walk with her around the pasture and back to me.” Tristan instructed.

“Yes, sir, I’ll be sure to come back to you, don’t you worry.”

Her friend added. “Yeah. We won’t be gone long. I hope you won’t miss us.” She winked at Adler as she walked her horse away.

The guys headed back to the fence. Both rolled their eyes.

“God, I hope they’re done soon.” Adler sighed.

“No kidding.” Tristan leaned against the fence, letting out a long sigh.

Stacey laughed as she leaned over the fence to kiss his cheek. “Has someone had a hard twenty minutes?”

“Those two are going to be a handful when guys wake up and notice them. The things they’re saying. I didn’t know kids that young knew that stuff.” Tristan pulled Stacey’s arms. She crawled between the rails to get to him.

“It’s the internet. It’s ruining them.” Adler leaned his back on the rail and his boot on the bottom.

Desiree climbed through. “Damn, you two sound like two old men. You are just thirty, right?” Adler wrapped his arm over her shoulder.

They all stood in silence. Watching the pasture, the horses, and the riders.

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