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As we ride, Josh points out different spots on the ranch that he loves. I soak it all in, feeling grateful to have this moment with him.
We break through some trees, and in front of us is a large open field.
"Dolly, let's see what you can do," I say, kicking my heels to her side.
She takes off running through the field. The wind whips through my hair, and the thrill of freedom runs through my veins.
Dolly is loving having her freedom to run. She doesn't miss a beat when we come to a tree that has fallen in her path. She jumps it like she has been doing it all her life and my face hurts from smiling so hard.
Josh gallops after me, and we come to a stop at the tree line.
"That was amazing," he says, a wide grin spreading over his face.
"I don't remember the last time I felt so free." I turn Dolly toward the creek. "They can drink from the creek, right?" I check, not knowing the property.
"Yep, that's the same creek I get the water for the house from," Josh says.
"You never told me she was an event horse," I say as the horses drink some water and cool off.
"I didn't know, but with a name like hers, I should have guessed. I got her from a widow a few towns over. Her husband had died, and she was passing the land to her kids who didn't want all the horses. She didn't know much about them."
"I'd look her up. I bet she has participated in some events."
"The way you two rode together is like you have been doing it for years. I think she was meant to be your horse," he says.
He walks over to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Suddenly, he pulls me close to him, his arms wrapping around my waist.
"Are you serious?" I ask, trying not to get my hopes up.
"Of course. You two ride together so well. Plus, it means you will be over here more, so I think it's a win."
I feel a shiver run down my spine when Josh's lips brush against my neck. My heart is pounding in my chest as I wrap my arms around his neck.
"Thank you," I whisper, nuzzling my face into the crook of his neck.
"Anytime, darlin'," he replies with a devilish grin.
I laugh and untangle myself from him, taking a step back. "I guess that means I'll be over here more. Gotta keep Dolly in shape and all that."
Josh smiles and takes my hand, leading me back to the horses. He helps me mount Dolly again and takes the reins of his horse. We start off slowly, walking side by side, our hands intertwined.
We spend the rest of the afternoon riding around the ranch, talking, laughing, and admiring the beautiful scenery. The sun is starting to set by the time we make it back to the barn, and I'm sad that our day together has come to an end. I turn to Josh and give him a smile. "Thank you for today. It was amazing."
Josh returns the smile and kisses me softly on the forehead. "It's not over yet," he says before lifting me off Dolly and into his arms. He holds me for a moment, our eyes locked before setting me down.
After we brush the horses down, get them food and water, and back in their stalls, Josh takes my hand and leads me to the house. When we reach the house, Josh opens the door for me, gesturing for me to go in first.
"I know you like BLT's, and I made extra bacon for breakfast. How does that sound for dinner?" he asks as we enter the kitchen.
"It sounds perfect. But you know what I'm thinking we should do tomorrow?"
"What's that?" he asks as he taking out the stuff for dinner.
"We should have our first date. Not out in public, just something here on the ranch. But is has to be an actual date."
Josh smiles and comes over to me, taking my hand in his. "I like the sound of that." Then he pulls me in for a hug.
Things are moving forward, and he seems much more relaxed here in our bubble. The problem is the bubble pops at the end of the weekend.
