Page 81 of Save A Horse
“Yes, that’s true...but haven’t things changed?”
“You mean with me and Colt?”
“Well, yeah, honey. You two seemed awfully serious when I saw you. Are you not going to see that through?”
“I told him I wanted him to tell his dad. I told him that this morning. He walked off, and I don’t know if he was going to come clean about us or not. I saw so much anxiety and fear in his eyes…I just don’t know, dad. I don’t know.”
“Do you want to stay? For him?”
“I do. I’ve liked being back here, even if I wasn’t too happy when you first got me to come here.”
“I’ve enjoyed having you back here. What about your job?”
“I could always find another one here. Maybe I could give that writing and pictures a chance here.”
“Your dream always was to do that for the people here. I hated to see you give up on that.”
“Maybe I can get it back. I just have to wait and see what Colt is going to do. I can’t just up and leave there without any sort of notice, anyway.”
“I know. Things will work out, honey.”
We circled around and rode the horses back to the barn. I was grateful for my dad giving me this summer back in Garrity Valley. Without that, I wouldn’t have had this reconnection with Colt, and it developed into a relationship, and my dad and I wouldn’t have rekindled our relationship. This summer was a new beginning for me, and I had my dad to thank. We got off the horses, took off their saddles, and put them back in their stalls. I gave my dad one last hug.
“Well, it’s time for me to go.”
“Let me help you with your bags.” We walked to the house, Walt sitting in a rocking chair and Colt leaning against the wooden railing. My dad carried the bags out to his truck, putting them in the back. Walt stood up.
“It’s been nice having you here, Daisy.” Walt gave me a quick hug. “You can always come back here and see us. Don’t be a stranger.”
I looked over at Colt, who was still standing in the same spot, looking out at the fields. He didn’t look at me, and that was all I needed to know. I walked off the porch and got into my dad’s truck. I waved back at Walt as we drove off, then wiped a tear from my eyes.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Colt
Iwatched Daisy as she walked down the steps and got in John’s truck. I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t find the words. I hadn’t told my dad. I hadn’t asked her how she felt. I was letting her go, and my heart was aching with heartbreak as I watched her leave. My dad came over beside me on the porch, placing a hand on my back.
“She’s gone, son.”
“I know. She just left. She has to go back to the city.”
“Does she, though?” I rose from where I was propped against my arms and looked at my dad. What was he saying?
“I know, son.”
“What?”
“About you and her. You two must think I’m stupid for not knowing what is going on around here. I know everything that happens on this ranch.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“I’m sorry about breaking my promise.” I rubbed the backof my neck. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I thought you’d come tell me at some point. You never did, though. I only had you make that promise to protect yourself. I knew you liked her when y’all were younger, and it hurt you when she left. I didn’t want you to have to go through that again. There’s been enough heartbreak in this family, and if I could help prevent any more, that’s what I was going to do.”
“I know why you did it, Dad. I understand.”
“Do you love her?”
“Love?”
