I walked the first group in. Four people in total, a family. Clive greeted them with a handshake. Each one of us agreed that we would help each person mount onto a horse and take them around the arena.
I smiled. “Welcome to Colt Trails. We’re happy to have you here.”
Clive and Bella walked each horse out, one by one.
“Hello, my name is Rosa. I’ve never been on a horse before. My hubby made me come today.” Rosa, a lady with long brown hair and a sweet face, gasped as the majestic creatures emerged. Her husband grinned.
“Look, baby, we’re going to ride them.” He pointed to Chester, who was aptly named after his coat. He was one of the new horses, and one with a whole load of personality. Colt tipped his cowboy hat at me, and Bella gave me the thumbs-up as I showed Rosa how to mount the horse and led her around the arena.
“Hey, Marcos, let’s get you on the horse, buddy.” Colt took around his participant.
Bella and Clive took the teenagers. The whole time, my heart beat in my chest as I wondered if I would be able to guide these unsuspecting people around the arena. I did, and it was the best feeling ever. My stress levels were down. I looked younger, and Colt made me feel free.
After the arena, all riders were confident enough so that we could take them out on a one-hour trail ride to experience the beauty of the Californian woodlands. The pride I felt was immeasurable. I was with a man who stretched me to new potential. One who I was proud to be standing beside. After the first class left, we had two hours between.
Colt ran over and lifted me into the air. “We did it!”
We had a celebratory iced tea in the California sun. I even wore a cowboy hat that I’d picked out. The Winters family and I were a winning team. Clive grinned from ear to ear. Bella jumped up and down, dancing around the arena. The horses swished their tails, wondering what all the fuss was about. Our first four people were so happy with that ride that they vowed to come back with more people.
Once we had the first class done, the rest of the day rolled like clockwork, and we were a hit. The local papers caught wind months later, which brought more publicity and more bookings. My department program was a hit with the younger foster groups, and I included a session after it to help them. I would never forget the day Donald, my old boss, brought the whole team for a ride.
Lucy, hot, disgruntled, and reluctant strolled in first. “What the hell did he bring me here for?” She changed her tune when she saw Colt. She looked around me and scanned Colt up and down like a piece of candy. “Oh, sweet Lord, ain’t he something to look at? Wow. Now I see why you’re working here. Plenty of incentive.”
“Colt, could you help Lucy mount her horse?” I winked at him, and he winked back. Lucy’s eyes became wide with fear as she struggled for her words. Lucy never was short on words, ever. The whole ride was hilarious. It turned out she’d become the new head of the department and was doing a great job.
Hector was working on bikes non-stop with Diego and was happy. He came to visit every now and then. He even had a nice girlfriend and an apartment. Life just kept getting better. USP Atwater listened to my advice and received the grant I told them to go for. They were fixing up the cell floors one by one.
Five months later, we had a rare off day. Colt and I were preparing for a trail ride to one of the watering holes we discovered on the last ride. This was his first time bringing Moonlight out for a ride.
“You sure you want to take Moonlight? Are you comfortable?” I asked.
We were standing in the barn, and Colt’s white cowboy hat was sloped forward in a sexy way, covering his face. He’d become even more muscular if it was possible, working around the farm and taking care of the horses. We had eight now and had expanded the stable with Clive’s help. We were working side by side, feeding the horses at the time. I was feeling a little off. Nothing would stop me riding with my man, though. As I glimpsed his straining bicep muscles, I was becoming more and more turned on. He must have felt my eyes burning into him because he turned and gave me a little grin.
“See something you like?” He laughed as he brushed Moonlight.
“I see plenty I like.” I batted my eyelashes at him as he leaned in for a hot kiss. Then it was his turn to stare.
“What is it?” I said playfully.
“I want to show you something,” he said quietly. “Hang on.”
He pulled Moonlight out of the stable and held the reins. Moonlight adversely reacted at first. Then Colt spoke to her, and she settled. She was one mighty looking horse. Her saddle was already on, and Colt reached inside the leather saddlebag. I was happy it was just another day of happiness and contentment with Colt, but he seemed to have something else on his mind.
He pulled out a small blue velvet box. I watched it as if I was in a movie. Colt moved to a bended knee. He licked his lips and took off his white cowboy hat, laying it beside him. He peered up with the sincerity of a small child and took my right hand.
“Amber Atwood. You are an angel to me. I know we didn’t meet in the best place, but for me, it was love at first sight. I wanted to be with you as soon as I saw you. I had to have you.” Colt’s impassioned speech made my eyes start to well up with tears. “We have been through a thing or two, and I love you more now than ever. I want to continue loving you for the rest of my life. I want to spend forever with you. I know Bella loves you, too. Amber, will you marry me?”
I let the tears fall in the barn. They were tears of joy. “Yes. I will. I would like nothing more than to spend my life with you. I hope that Bella is okay with another sibling because we have a baby on the way.”
“Oh, honey! I love you so much. This is amazing.” Colt jumped up and hugged me tightly, lifting me in the air. Even the horses chimed in and neighed.
“Wait, baby, what about the ring?”
Colt fumbled with the small ring box in his hand. “Yes. Oh, I messed up. You just threw me. I didn’t expect that.”
His breathing had increased, and I put my hand on him to calm him. I gave him a reassuring smile and stroked his face. “You and me both.”
“Here we go. Let me slip this on before I pass out. Wow. I’m going to be a father all over again.” With quivering hands, Colt slid a sparkler on my hand that made me hold my breath. It was a traditional white diamond with a silver band. It was classic and beautiful, and just right for me.
One thing was for sure. My cowboy was full of surprises, and we were destined for one hell of a ride!
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Moves
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