Page 37 of Save A Horse
“These are going to do the trick!” She held up a small container full of colorful worms.
I leaned against a rock, watching my line in the water, occasionally stealing glances at Daisy’s way. She was beautiful. She was stunning. I knew there wasn’t any such thing as perfect, but Daisy sure was the closest thing to it.
“It’s so nice out here. I love fishing with you, cowboy.”
“Yeah, you aren’t too bad of company out here. But fishing is one of the best ways to spend a summer day.”
We waited patiently for a while longer, and I was starting to lose all hope that we would catch anything for supper. I felt kind of bad because I knew how badly Daisy wanted to catch something.After coming backempty-handed last time, she looked upset. She was trying to hide it, but I could see right through it.
“I think I got one!” I jumped. Daisy had so much excitement in her voice.
“Come on. Reel it in.” Daisy had both hands on her pole, reeling it in. She was so close. “You can do it. Yeah. Just like that.” Daisy had the most determined look on her face, pulling with all her might.
“Look! Colt, look!” She held up the end of her line, a fish hanging off. “I did it! I finally caught one!”
“You sure did. Looks like it might be a little bigger than the one I caught last time.” She was so proud, but there was no way she was as proud as I was of her.
Daisy deserved this.
Daisy deserved the sun, the moon, and the stars.
? ? ?
“Come on, Colt. Let’s see who can catch the bigger fish this time. You remember I did last time.”
“How could I possibly forget?”
She smiled at me, and I knew she was up for a challenge. I grinned, accepting it. We both cast our lines into the water. For a while, there was silence. The only sounds were of Mother Nature. As the afternoon was coming to an end, we were starting to think we wouldn’t catch any.
“Colt!” I looked over at Daisy, reeling in her line.
“You’ve almost got it!”
Once she had it, she took the fish and held it up, letting me know she caught the first one. She stuck her tongue out at me, and I knew I needed to catch one quickly or else I wouldn’t be hearing the end of this. She put it in the bucket, then threw her line back out. It was only a few minutes later when I caught one.
“Look here, Daisy. Two can play at this game.” We smiled at each other.
“Just wait. I might have a secret weapon up my sleeve.” This felt so natural, so right, being here with her. It felt just like old times.
“I’m really glad you’re here this summer. I know you coming here wasn’t what you had originally wanted, but you must admit that you’re enjoying being here now.”
“I am. I have missed this place, Colt. I have missed you.” I could see the sincerity in her eyes.
“I’ve been thinking?”
“You? Thinking? Don’t hurt yourself.” I laughed.
“I’ve been thinking about us.”
“And?”
“What are we going to do once summer ends?”
“Let’s not worry about that. I don’t want to talk about it.” I nodded. “Let’s just enjoy the summer. Remember, you promised me the most unforgettable one.”
I nodded again, giving her a slight smile. I looked out at the water. A worried feeling came over me, and I could feel a little pressure in my chest afterward. What would happen between us when summer ends? Our time together will be up, and reality will set in. Daisy will be leaving to go back to her place in the city soon and resume her life there, and I will be here.
I will be at my family’s ranch.
