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EPILOGUE I
Thalia
Six months later...
The sun shines down on me as I canter a lap of the arena on Roman. I smile.
I’m exactly where I want to be. Where I’m meant to be.
Back in Wellington with the man I love.
We arrived back in Florida three weeks ago after a busy season on the international showjumping circuit. The place Theo purchased last year is beautiful and perfect for us to start our life together.
After being taken, things changed with Theo and me. Our relationship went from zero to one hundred as soon as he had me back in his arms. I’m not complaining.
The two of us?
We were inevitable.
No matter what was thrown at us or who tried to come between us, nothing and no one could break us.
I fully believe with everything in me that we are the other half of each other’s soul. Soulmates. He’s the puzzle piece that fits me completely. We’re meant to be. We’ve proved that.
There is a saying, “What’s meant to be will always find its way.” I know we are living proof of that quote. We found our way back to each other when the cards were stacked against us and defeated every obstacle. Even when it felt hopeless to dream of being with Theo, I knew deep down we would come back to one another.
You can’t fight fate. Andweare fate.
“Jump the oxer, piccola.”
Theo’s deep voice drags me from my reverie. I glance over, my breath hitching at the sight. The man is gorgeous. And all mine.
After Italy, I decided to leave Laney’s farm and Theo and I travelled Europe competing. We both made and competed on the five-star US Nations cups teams in Poland, before we moved on to the Maxwell’s Global Tour. We travelled to the middle east, most of Europe, and ended up in New York. It was the best time of my life and made even better when I received the top prize for highest ranking and money winning rider of the whole tour. And I did it on my own merit. Yes, my parents invested in top class horses for me, but you cannot compete at that level if you can’t ride a horse. And I proved myself.
Although my father wasn’t completely sold on the idea of Theo and me, having seen how much we love each other, he’s accepting it more each day. I love him for it, and I love him for supporting me no matter what. The same cannot be said about my brother, he tolerates Theo at best. I don’t think they will ever be friends or if Evan will ever accept Theo as my boyfriend. As long as they’re civil—let’s just say I’m happy with that.
After Mel released that article about us, things were crazy for a couple weeks. We were hounded by the press to the point that security was upped at the show centers we visited, and no one could get on site unless they had clearance. It caused some uproar amongst other competitors and made us the talk of the showjumping world but we both held our heads high and carried on. We had nothing to hide or be ashamed of.
Following Michael Rhodes’ advice, we released our own statement. We talked about our remorse in how our relationship started but how we couldn’t bring ourselves to regret it because we’re so in love. How sometimes things are just meant to be and are out of your control, no matter how hard you try to fight them. It was a contradictory proclamation, but it was our truth.
We also discussed the hell Melody had put us through and how at the time we thought some of her actions were justified but others weren’t. I spoke out about her drugging and killing my horse, Zeus, and how she was responsible for my accident. Theo still had the evidence and because of that Melody was banned for life by the FEI from all competitions in all countries, so that was a win for us. I pushed for Theo to talk about what he went through, but he decided he didn’t want to open that can of worms because of Mel’s child. Theo didn’t want it to be out there for her son to find when he was old enough to see what kind of person his mom is. I respected his decision even if I didn’t agree with it. She should be exposed for all her sins. She had no problem doing it to us.
Releasing the statement did as Michael thought; people sympathized with us, and Melody became public enemy number one. She thought writing that article would expose us and begin a witch hunt, but it backfired. She didn’t win.
I don’t condone what I did to her. I took her man, and I am sorry for the way in which it happened. But you can’t help who you fall in love with. And Mel isn’t a saint. As far as we are both aware, Mel is back in England after breaking up with Dean and I hope she stays there. I don’t wish her any bad will. I just hope I never see her again.
“Baby, are you listening? I asked you to come to the oxer and you did another lap,” Theo says in exasperation. Although I will never find a better equestrian to train with, I don’t recommend having your boyfriend coach you. We do butt heads on many things.
I flash him a look before circling around to the oxer. I sit up, keeping my hands soft and my legs on. Roman jumps it with ease, giving a little buck after we clear it. After a two week break for all our horses, we’re now getting ready for the Winter tour at Royal Palm which starts in January. Christmas is a week away and for the first time ever, I won’t be going back to New York. Both of our families are coming here to Rhodes & Maxwell Farms to celebrate the holidays. Both Jess and Tessa are both going back home for a couple of days over the holidays, and we have no one else to take care of the animals. It’s going to be perfect, and I can’t wait for everyone to be together again.
I frown as I think of my sister and all she has been through. I told her everything that happened when I was taken. How Xander/Bishop showed up, and what he said. She was and still is devasted but is trying her best to move forward. She never heard from him again after he disappeared and my heart hurts for her and her situation. She really loves him. The things he’s going to miss kills me for the both of them. Aria is trying her best though and with the help of her family, she will be okay.
I hope.
Greg, bless his heart, was released from the hospital the day after I was returned. I found out shortly after that he was dating Laney but only because I walked in on her nursing him—in her underwear. It’s not something I wanted to see, but they are together, happy, and she is a regular visitor to our farm where Greg lives and still looks after me.
Pulling Roman to a walk, I make my way to my other half. His eyes narrow as he watches me, and he smirks. Coming to a stop in front of him, I lean down on Roman’s neck. Theo knows what I want and steps towards me with a grin. He presses his lips to mine, brushing softly.
“Hmm, my favorite flavor. My piccola,” he hums.
“I love you,” I whisper.
He pulls back and smiles, his thumb reaching up and tracing my cheek. “I love you, piccola. Always.”
