Page 32 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

With a pathetic smirk, I joke, “You should see the other guy.” Delilah frowns at me. I’ve gotten into fights before, but I’ve always been up front with her. Tonight, I have nothing to say.

After saying goodnight, I wait for Delilah to disappear into her trailer. Once alone, I stumble into the bushes and throw up until bile burns my sinuses.

I’ve ruined everything.

18

“Izzy, this is breathtaking!” I spin in a slow circle taking in the renovated barn at Lucky Spurs Ranch. Izzy and Reid converted it into an event space as they transition the property from defunct cattle ranch to an equine lover’s haven.

Fairy lights twinkle from the rafters creating a mesmerizing night sky effect. Tables made from reclaimed wood are scattered across the space, set with a charming array of mismatched antique chairs. Mason jar lanterns flicker with flameless candles amidst small arrangements of wildflowers.

Country music plays softly from a concealed sound system and the barn is perfectly warm on this crisp spring Saturday. My sister’s arms wrap me in a hug from behind, and she rests her cheek on my shoulder blade.

“Thank you!” She gives me a tight squeeze and lets me go to face her. “It all came together perfectly! Mr. Andersen jokes I’m the brain and Reid’s the brawn, and together we’re the perfect reno-team.”

“He’s right, this is unbelievable. You’ll get so much use out of this space—hosting weddings, anniversary parties, birthdays, and graduations. So many memories will be made here because of your hard work.”

I’m so proud of my big sister. She was lost and unhappy for such a long time; my heart’s full watching her blossom.

“Everything alright, sugar?” Reid’s voice booms in the empty barn. Their faces mirror each other’s blatant adoration, and jealousy tugs my heart. I’m happy for her, deeply. But standing on the outside of the life she and Reid are building together makes it painfully obvious what I don’t have.

I don’t have a life partner who gazes at me like they need me more than oxygen.

I don’t have a partner in crime to make plans for the future with.

I don’t have lips I can kiss any time I want.

I share an apartment with my eternal bachelor best friend who’s never given me a second glance. Am I hurting myself by holding on so tightly to Connor? I’ll never find love if I’m hung up on a man I’ll never have.

“Delilah loves it!” Izzy gushes as Reid wraps his fiancée in a bear hug and kisses her.

“We’re glad you’re our first honored guest, Delilah. The whole family is so damn proud of you. You’ll do great in your internship,” Reid says as he rubs Izzy’s back.

“Y’all didn’t have to do this for me. It’s not like I’ve even been placed. Your family is too kind.” I’m so thankful for the party, but I’m deeply uncomfortable with the attention.

“Darlin’, you became an honorary Andersen the moment I fell in love with your sister. Mom adores you, and you spend more time here than my brother does—and he lives here.” He chuckles. “You give any more thought to what we talked about the other day?”

Izzy’s brows drop and she looks between us for an explanation. I didn’t intentionally keep it from her; I figured Reid would tell her.

“Reid offered to give me basic equestrian lessons this summer, so I’d be comfortable before my internship starts in the fall. To familiarize myself with the horses, proper care, and eventually riding lessons when I’m ready.”

“Twinie! I love that idea! Reid’s been easing me in with the horses and I’m already a hundred times more comfortable than I was two months ago. Let’s do it together!” Izzy suggests.

“Woooooah. I can’t handle double trouble. You two will talk my ears off,” Reid jokes.

Izzy backhands him in the chest, but he catches her by the wrist and kisses her palm. I turn away, bitter with envy, pretending to look around for someone, but we’re the only ones here.

Noticing where my attention strayed, Isabelle offers, “Livy will be here any minute. She can take you to see Maisey while we finish setting up for the party.”

I agree and wander off to explore the ranch while they get back to work.

Izzy and I grew up with few friends and even fewer family. Reid isn’t wrong, I’ve been accepted into the Andersen family without question.

I spent Easter at the ranch, and it was the largest, most joyous holiday I’ve ever been a part of. Mr. and Mrs. Andersen hosted an Easter egg hunt, all ages welcome. The only kids who attended were Olivia’s niece, Harper, and some family friends.

Quincy stayed home to help her mom care for her dad. His Alzheimer’s is progressing rapidly. Watching his dad disappear day by day is tearing Connor apart.

He wanted to stay home and help Quincy, but she insisted he come to the Easter celebration and get his mind off their reality.