Page 159 of Sunrise & Serenity

For so long, I’d imagined this moment. Calling my parents. Hearing the pride in their voices. Finally proving that everything I’d done was worth it.

The thought should make my heart race. Instead, all I feel is… grateful. Grateful for the version of me who wanted this and worked so hard to get here. Grateful that I no longer need it to prove anything.

My throat aches unexpectedly as I survey the acceptance form. Not because I’m unsure, but because I’m finally letting go of something I wanted for a very long time.

I type out a response.

Thank you so much for the opportunity, but…

I hit send before I can overthink it, then close the laptop and look up at the shadowed treetops. The porch creaks softly, and somewhere in the darkness, a long-eared owl lets out a cry that sounds like a cat trapped in a tree.

With a smile, I drop my head back against the chair.

Home.

CHAPTER 40

SAGE

The mid-afternoon sun hangs warm across the valley by the time Taryn and I ride through the south pasture gates.

The horses’ hooves beat a familiar rhythm as the wind bends the tall grass into slow waves around us. Ahead, near the creek, the cattle graze lazily while birds chatter from the fence posts.

When I arrived on the ranch, I’d never even sat on a horse. Now Cozy’s steady motion beneath me is soothing.

Taryn pulls her hat down lower. “You officially look like a real cowgirl.”

I laugh. “Good to know.”

“I’m serious.” She smiles at me. “The first time I saw you on Cozy, you looked like you were worried she was plotting your death.”

“Actually, there’s a good chance she was.”

“Fair.”

A smile tugs at my mouth as Cozy picks her way carefully across the uneven ground beneath us.

Taryn glances sideways at me. “You know, Holden was convinced you’d quit after your first ride.”

Hearing his name still feels like someone pressing directly on a bruise. I swallow past the tightness in my throat. “Wow. Supportive.”

“He said, and I quote, ‘She’s probably going to fall off once and be done.’”

I snort, but the ache is back.

Taryn’s expression falls. Of course she notices. I’ve started to realize this girl notices everything.

We’re silent as the horses continue along the ridge overlooking the lower valley. After a while, she adjusts her reins loosely. “I’m glad you’re staying.”

“Me too,” I say softly, shooting her a smile.

She sighs. “I always wanted a sister.” Then she gives me a sideways look. “And before you ask, yes, everybody knew.”

I roll my lips together, and Taryn snorts.

“You didn’t actually think you guys were being subtle, did you?”

Heat crawls up my neck. “We were trying.”