Page 95 of Saddle and Bound

Val hands me a rolling pin. "Come on, help us with the shortcrust pastry. It'll do you good to get distracted a bit."

Just as I start rolling out the dough, the kitchen door swings open with a theatrical bang.

Ethan makes his triumphant entrance, wearing a shocking pink apron with the words "Sexy Cook" (complete with a spice level meter).

"Sorry I'm late, ladies!" he exclaims with an exaggerated bow.

Aunt Tina claps her hands enthusiastically. "Ethan, darling! Have you heard about my encounter with the owl?"

Ethan laughs while listening to the story. "Aunt, I think you're watching too many horror movies."

"No, no, dear!" Aunt Tina responds, laughing. "There's no such thing as too many. Shall we watch one together tonight?"

"Only if we stuff ourselves with popcorn!"

"Oh, Ethan," says Aunt Tina, her eyes heart-shaped, "you certainly know how to have fun!"

As the two continue their absurd conversation, I find myself smiling genuinely for the first time in hours. The absurdity of this pair, combined with the affection and warmth of these people, is slowly melting the tension I've been carrying inside.

Maria comes closer and puts an arm around my shoulders. "See?" she whispers with a conspiratorial smile. "Sometimes all we need is a bit of madness to forget our problems."

I nod, grateful for this moment of lightness. Perhaps, I tell myself, not everything is as complicated as it seems. And maybe, with the help of this crazy but loving family, I'll find the clarity I need and shake off this feeling of impending catastrophe.

Chapter 61

Rosie

It's sunset when I leave the main house with a lighter heart and a strong desire to see Alex and clear things up once and for all. The day spent with Aunt Tina and the others has done me an incredible amount of good, temporarily pushing away the dark thoughts that had been plaguing me.

Suddenly, I realize I haven't checked my phone for hours. I pull it out of my pocket, and my heart races when I see a series of messages from Alex.

The first ones are casual, attempts at light conversation:

Alex??: Tempest is being particularly stubborn today... reminds me of you

Alex??: Hope you're enjoying your day.

But as I scroll down, I notice a change in tone.

Alex??: I miss you, hope we can talk soon.

Alex??: I'm really sorry about how things turned out.

Alex??: I'm afraid I've ruined everything between us, please tell me we can fix things.

A wave of conflicting emotions overwhelms me. Guilt mingles with tenderness as I realize how much my reaction has shaken Alex. I'm sorry for overreacting. His concern is palpable through those messages, and I know all too well his kind and caring heart.

I bite my lip, thinking about how he's always been there for me, how hard he's tried to help and protect me. Yes, perhaps his approach wasn't the best, but his intentions were pure. I can't leave him in uncertainty for another minute.

I start walking toward the cabin, sure to find him there after his day of work and training. But as I advance, something catches my attention: a horse, outside the fence, trotting away. I don't know if it's the only one, and I can't recognize which horse it is from this distance.

"What's going on?" I mutter to myself, changing direction. How did it escape? I approach quickly, but the horse is already too far to reach on foot. I know many horses are in athletic preparation for upcoming competitions. Alex recently told me about all the extra work he's been doing. And I also know that at this hour, all horses should be in their enclosure.

I don't know what's happening, but something's wrong.

Without thinking twice, I run to the nearest stable. Remembering my riding lessons, I quickly saddle a horse and mount, trying to put everything I've learned into practice.

While spurring the horse in pursuit, I pull out my phone and dial Alex's number with trembling fingers. "Come on, answer," I whisper, keeping my eyes fixed on the runaway ahead of me.

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