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Tension left Charlotte’s shoulders as she wove up the highway toward Hope Lake. The mountains had a sprinkling of snow on them from the last storm, which only increased their beauty. The more she drove here, the more like home it felt like, and a part of her longed to make a claim on it…but so much hung in the air.
She thought about the text from Austin the day before. It had been so long since he had texted something so…well, sweet and thoughtful. He’d been busy, she knew that, but it played on her emotions, and she wondered even if something worked out, would she always come last…almost as an afterthought?
Does it matter?
The question haunted her, and she realized maybe it didn’t, but that’s what she said now. Would she feel that way five years from now? Ten? Maybe by then, he’d retire.
She bit her lip, realizing she was getting lost in all the possible futures again. That was a sure recipe for disaster…at least for her emotions. It was better to stay in the moment, enjoy what was right in front of her, and leave the rest to God. He knew what the future held, she didn’t.
Relief had filled her when Austin shared that Pops was doing better. Only two more treatments. It let her breathe easier. Thinking of the strong man reduced to what Austin had described broke her heart. She could only imagine how hard it had been for Austin. Maybe with Pops getting better, Austin would have more time to think about other things… She bit her lip, feeling selfish that she wanted to steal him away from his family…at least now and then.
As her truck climbed up the single-lane road to Camp Hope, pulling Apollo in the trailer, she pushed Austin from her mind and focused on the day ahead. She would arrive just in time to unload Apollo and get ready for the first group of kids.
Josie met her as she led Apollo to the arena with a larger-than-normal smile. “Good morning!”
“Good morning.” Charlotte cocked her head as she tried to read her friend, for a friend is definitely what Josie had become. “What’s got you all cheery this morning?”
“Oh, it’s just another beautiful day,” Josie said, leaning against the fence. “So, you’ve got four groups before lunch and two after. Sound good?”
“Sure does,” Charlotte said. “You really aren’t going to tell me?”
“Tell you what?” Josie pushed off the fence, her smile too large. “Oh, Chasity is gonna come have lunch with us again today. Hope that’s okay?”
“Of course,” Charlotte said, warming with the idea. Chasity was the super sweet wife of the local sheriff, and she always brought her little son and sometimes her older daughter who loved Apollo. “She’s very nice.”
“She’s probably the kindest person I know…but then again, there is you and Angelica and Megan, of course.” Josie rubbed her chin. “I guess I’m just blessed.”
“Well, I definitely feel blessed,” Charlotte said, brushing down Apollo in prep to get his gear on.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Josie said, waving as she left the arena.
~~~
The morning left Charlotte happy and warm, both inside and out. At first, she had thought they would have to stop vaulting lessons in the winter since it was so cold up in the mountains, but it’s amazing how much heat the workout gave not only her but the kids. Their breath and bodies steamed until the arena was filled with the mist of it.
She laughed as she settled Apollo in his stall to rest before she joined the others in the meeting hall. She spent most of the lunchtime holding Chasity’s little boy, Marshall, so his mama could eat.
“Thank you again, Char. It’s so nice to eat without a little hand grabbing at every forkful.” Chasity laughed, taking the wiggly toddler from Charlotte.
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I need my baby fixes.” Charlotte tickled Marshal, making him laugh, before working on her own lunch.
“Is the clock ticking?” Josie asked.
“Yes and no,” Charlotte said, her cheeks burning.
“Have you heard from your cowboy lately?” Chasity asked. “He sure is a serious cutie, but man, when I saw the way he looked at you, I knew right then and there, he was yours.”
Charlotte lifted her brow. “Really?”
“Oh, yeah,” Chasity said. “With some guys, you just know. Take Cody, for example.” Chasity smiled at Josie.
“Yeah, well, I’m the one who had to watch your poor old Derrick lament for years until you returned.” Josie laughed.
“Oh, he didn’t lament,” Chasity said.
Josie gave her a look that made Chasity blush. “She’s right, though. I know Austin’s been busy and distant, but he only has eyes for you.”
“Well, me and the rodeo…which comes first…” Charlotte said, losing her appetite.
