“Hold on firmly to Sunshine’s reins, Cecily,” he said.
Cecily thought he sounded concerned, as though he was afraid for her. It warmed her heart that he seemed to care so much, and it made her determined to show him that she could handle the ride. She did as she was instructed, still smiling as Val led her and the mare out of the stables.
Her heart continued to race as she could feel the breeze hit her once more. She knew they were then standing outside of the stables, and it was all she could do to contain her joy. Once more, Val reached for her, putting his hands over hers and making her shiver with pure delight.
“You must let me know if you start feeling uncomfortable,” he said. “I am right here, and I will not leave your side. I will have you down in an instant if you get frightened or begin to slip.”
Cecily smiled tenderly down at her husband. She felt overwhelmed with affection and attraction for him. But she suppressed it, giving in instead to the pleasure she felt at being in a saddle again.
“I will,” she said. “I promise.”
Val reluctantly stepped away and, a minute later, she felt Sunshine begin to move once more. The animal seemed very intuitive, as she began at a very slow pace. It was as though she sensed her master’s worry and that there was a reason to be gentle with her new mistress. Cecily liked her immediately, even before they had traveled from the stables.
“Good girl,” Cecily murmured, stroking the mare’s mane.
She could hear Val chuckle softly. She was happy that she could tell when he did that that he was smiling.
“She likes you,” he said.
Cecily nodded.
“I like her, too,” she said, voicing her earlier thoughts.
Cecily tried to not get impatient with the slow pace of the animal. The mare must have sensed that, too, as she tried to tug ahead a little faster. From beside her, she heard Val gasp softly, so she quickly reassured him.
“It is fine,” she said. “If she needs to stretch her legs a little, I am ready.”
Val paused and Cecily could feel her husband considering it.
“Only a little faster,” he conceded reluctantly. “But the rule remains the same. Speak up if it gets to be too much, please?”
Cecily smiled fondly down at him.
“Of course, I will,” she said.
An instant later, the horse began a gentle but pleasant stride. Cecily’s heart soared and she giggled.
“This is delightful,” she breathed.
Val patted her arm gently.
“I am glad,” he said. “Would you like me to describe the countryside to you?”
Cecily’s joy overflowed and she laughed gleefully.
“I would love that, Val,” she said.
Val did precisely that. He told her about the rolling green hills of the backside of the property and the surrounding paddock that was filled with yellow, white and red wildflowers. He carefully described the thicket of woods that lined the entirety of the property’s rear, including the blue and redbirds that were flitting from branch to branch.
“And right now,” Val said, suddenly laughing, “there is a yellow butterfly right on my nose.”
Cecily laughed again. She wished she could see that sight. But the happiness in Val’s voice was contentment enough.
“You should make that your new family portrait,” she said, still giggling.
Val laughed again heartily.
“I just might have to consider that,” he said.
