Page 22 of Broken Boundaries

After three laps around, Beck stops us. “Ready to mount?”

“Uh, sure.” He gives me a look. “No, yes, I’m ready. Definitely.”

“That’s better.”

He brings over a little step stool and puts it down next to Sparkles. “Alright, up you go.”

He shows me where to put my hand and how to hoist myself up into the saddle. It’s a little rocky getting up there, but I manage.

Beck leads me around the circle, letting me get used to how it feels to be on a horse, and honestly, it’s not too bad. I relax into the saddle quicker than I thought I would. After a few circles, he hands me the reins and lets me trot on my own.

I’m feeling pretty good when I suddenly hear clapping and look up to realize Brooks is leaning against the fence. He smiles as he watches me.

“Look at you!” he calls out. “Looks like you’ve been ridin’ for years.”

I laugh. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

Beck tells me how to get Sparkles to stop. I slide off her and hand the reins back to Beck.

“Havin’ fun?” Brooks asks.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans as I walk toward him. “Yeah, actually. I was a little nervous, but it was easier than I thought it would be.”

He nods. “You’re gonna be out on the trails in no time.”

“Schedule another time with me,” Beck instructs. “And we’ll work on going a little faster than a trot. Then Brooks here can take you out on the trails.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks, Beck.” Although I’m not sure that Brooks would want to spend his free time on a trail ride with his assistant slash son’s girlfriend. He’s too nice to say no right now, though.

“I just came out here to see how you were gettin’ on, but if you’re done, we can walk back to the lodge together.”

I look over at Beck to confirm if we’re done. “Yep, all done here. I gotta go grab Jade from her mama’s house real quick.”

I nod and thank him again for the lesson before I start the walk back to the lodge with Brooks.

Brooks nudges me with his shoulder. “So be honest, what’d you think?”

“Honestly, I loved it. I see the appeal. I mean, Sparkles was definitely in control, but I felt powerful.”

I look over to see him smiling at me. “That’s what it’s all about. I swear, being on a horse and out in the fields is one of my favorite things. Especially at sunrise or sunset. It’s a feelin’ you can’t describe.”

“That sounds pretty awesome, actually,” I say, trying to picture it. The ranch is very picturesque. When Zach first told me he was from north Georgia, I didn’t picture a place with mountains and lakes and trees for miles. This is one of those places you just have to see to believe.

“It is. The boots and the belt look good, by the way.”

“Oh. Thanks.” I’m not sure why heat creeps up my neck from his compliment. “Yeah, I guess Jazz was right. It does feel good to look the part.”

He chuckles. “Don’t tell her that, she’ll get an even bigger head.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” I say, smiling. “She’s awesome, though. I really like her. I didn’t have many friends back in Atlanta, so it’s nice to have someone besides Zach to hang out with since he’s been so busy.”

“I’m glad she’s making you comfortable. We’re all here for you if you ever need anything. We’re a family at the ranch.”

I nod. “Yeah, I’m starting to see that. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

And I mean it. Coming to work every day doesn’t even feel like work. I don’t dread it. Granted, I know I’m still new, but this place is different. It truly does feel like a family. Maybe I’m naive to feel that way, but it is what it is. I’m going to enjoy my time here.

“Thanks again for letting me take the lesson,” I tell him as we stop by the door of the lodge.