As we rode back, I wondered if I needed to be the one to speak up and talk. It was my fault, after all. But, knowing Daisy, she needed time. Wouldn’t she come to me when she was ready? I could wait.
The familiar image of the house came into view. I was anxious and worried, but I was trying to keep calm. If I freaked out, that’s when everything would go south. My heart sank as her perfect silhouette came into view, making her way outside the house, my dad following behind. He was obviously keeping her busy, and I wasn’t about to approach her at this time.
I made my way out of the barn after putting Shadow back in his stall and heard my dad’s voice.
“Colt!” I turned toward the house, then started walking to get closer to him. “How are the cows?”
“All counted for.”
“Great. No issues?”
“Nope. All looks good.”
Daisy had moved past us and was now walking toward the barn.
“Daisy and I are headed to feed the horses. You go on inside and get you a bite to eat, then I need you back out here.” I nodded.
As I moved inside the house, I lingered for a moment on the porch, peering over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of Daisy and her untamed curls. My dad was walking over to Daisy, and italmost looked like he was smiling.
I wish she were ready to talk, or that I could muster up enough courage to just tell my dad what happened last night and then this morning. Maybe he would understand? He was a hard ball, but he had to remember what it felt like to have feelings for someone.
Chapter Eighteen
Daisy
“Alright. Let’s clean this up and get on with it. We need to go feed the horses and do a stall check.”
“Yes, sir.” We walked out the door, and I spotted Colt riding into the barn on Shadow. He looked so majestic riding. It had always suited him so well.
“Colt!” I jumped a little. I didn’t want Colt over here.
As he made his way closer to the house where Walt and I were, I could feel his eyes on me. I made my way past them and headed toward the barn to get started on the next task at hand. I had fed the horses by the time Walt came into view.
“Need any help?’
“Just need to check the stalls. Looks like Titan’s stall needs some shoveling.”
“Well, make sure you get it all. Double-check the others again, too. I think we got most of the work done yesterday after the long day, so once you’re finished here, take theafternoon off.”
“You sure?” Walt nodded.
“You just be inside for dinner.” I nodded back at him. What would I do with a whole afternoon off?
I killed some time in the barn, brushing the horses not only to make them feel good, but also to make me feel better. I decided to go for a walk through the fields to a secluded place where we had come a couple of times as kids. My boots crunched against the grass as I made my way through the grass and thicket. I finally reached my destination- the secluded spot- the same as when I had last seen it. There was a clearing with a small pond surrounded by trees. It was beautiful, and it was a great place to come and think. I hoped it would give meanswers and bring me some peace.
The sun began to dip below the horizon, the warm orange hue filling the sky. I sat in a tree that had bent over, the same as when we were kids, and watched as the water shimmered in the fading light. I took a deep breath, trying to relieve some of the pressure I felt in my chest. This spot was the perfect place to be to get away from the noise, expectations, responsibilities, and mostimportantly, Colt. The only sounds I could hear were from the animals in nature, frogs croaking, crickets chirping, and leaves rustling. My mind started to calm down, the jumbled thoughts subsiding.
I closed my eyes, letting the peace come over me as I felt the cool breeze against my skin. I remembered who I was. I remembered my strength and what I have been through. I remembered how I never let fear take over and was never scared of anything. I remembered how I always wanted to be around the people I cared about.
This spot was my refuge, a place to come and recharge whenever I needed. It hadn’t changed, and in that, I felt comfortable.
I knew I couldn’t avoid Colt and Walt any longer. It was almost time for dinner and Walt told me to be there. I wasn’tgoing to be late. As I walked into the kitchen, I could smell the delicious food. Walt was at the stove stirring a pot, while Colt leaned against the counter, arms crossed. My chest felt tighter, but I tried to subdue it. It was only dinner, and I could handle a meal.
“Hope you’re hungry.”
“It smells good.” I kept my tone neutral, not going to give Colt the satisfaction of knowing how distraught I’ve been. I watched as he grabbed a bowl and sat at the table.
“Here’s you a bowl, Daisy.”
