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I go back to eating my food and the table falls silent for a few as everyone devours their own food. Matteo clears his throat after a moment, catching Trevor’s attention.
Matteo then fires off something I can’t follow. Trevor seems to understand him quite well. He responds immediately, with a twinkle in his eyes.
Again, I look to him to translate for me. However, he shakes his head and goes back to eating. My curiosity is officially piqued.
I caught the words brother and ranch. I’m not sure what any of the rest was. Shaking it off, I shrug to myself and finish my breakfast.
“Ah, Trevor,il mio giovane amico,” a man who resembles Matteo croons as he walks in.
“Leonardo, it’s good to see you,” Trevor says and stands to greet the man.
“I was surprised but happy to receive your father’s call. It is always good to hear from him,” Leonardo says as he pulls Trevor into a tight hug. “I hope my brother and his family have treated you well.”
“Yes, they have been very hospitable. This is my girlfriend, Lynn. Lynn, I want you to meet Leonardo.”
I stand and hold my hand out. Leonardo waves me off and tugs me into a hug. I’m taken by surprise at first but return the friendly hug. It’s like being pulled in by an uncle you haven’t seen in a long time, but the embrace is still warm and welcoming.
“Are you guys ready to go?”
I look to Trev with my brows knit. I have no idea what Leonardo is talking about. I thought we were going to explore again. All Trevor said last night before I went to my room was to dress in jeans and comfortable shoes today.
Trev gives a huge smile. “We’re ready.”
“Where are we going?”
“Trust me,” is all he says as he plants his palm on the small of my back.
Because I do trust him, I silently follow him and Leonardo out to a pickup truck and climb in with them both. As we head out of the vineyard, I’m able to take it in better than I did last night.
I stare out of the passenger side window with a smile on my face. Trevor takes my hand and laces his fingers with mine as he sits next to me on the large bench seat. I look to him and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.
My heart begins to race with excitement. I don’t know what he’s up to, but something in me knows it’s going to blow me away. My heart swells with love for this man.
“I always want to see you happy,” he murmurs against my temple.
My heart squeezes. “I know and I love you for it.”
Wrapping his arm around me, he tugs me in close to his side. I sigh and snuggle in closer. Taking my hand in his, he plays with my fingers as we ride along the country road.
There’s music playing low. I can’t understand the words, but it still speaks to me. I begin to hum as I close my eyes and feel the sun coming in through the windows.
When we come to a stop sometime later, Trevor runs his hand up and down my back. I open my eyes and sit up. I hadn’t noticed I fell asleep for a bit.
It takes a second for my eyes to focus and the fog to fall away. When I catch my bearings, I gasp and turn to look at Trevor with wide eyes. We’re on a ranch, not just any ranch, but a ranch with horses.
“Are those Murgese horses?” I ask.
“That they are. I have one of the few ranches that breed and raise them. We’re committed to increasing their numbers once again. Beautiful breed. Highly intelligent horses,” Leonardo says proudly.
“What are we doing here?” I say to Trevor.
“My father mentioned wanting to come out to Leonardo’s new ranch a few months before break. I thought of you and wanted to bring you out to see if maybe your horse is here. So we’re here for you to meet a few friends and maybe ride a couple while we’re at it.”
“Oh, Trev, I haven’t been on a horse since…”
“I know. You don’t have to, but I think Pook would be proud of you if you did. You love horses. Besides, I have a good feeling about this.”
I allow his words to sink in. I was able to get the music back. Maybe I can find my will to ride again as well. He’s right. I do feel like my horse might be here or at least some connection to the horse meant to be mine.
