Chapter 5
5
Sofia
A week passed since we repaired the fence together, and our growing attraction was becoming more evident each day. Today, we were working side by side in the stables, grooming the horses and preparing them for a ride. I playfully swatted at a piece of hay that clung to Brett's hair.
“Looks like you've got some competition there, Whiskey,” I teased, nodding toward the chestnut mare he was brushing down. “Seems like Brett is trying to steal your signature look.”
He chuckled, shaking his head to dislodge the stubborn hay. “I don't think I could ever compete with this beauty,” he replied, patting the horse affectionately on her neck. He glanced over at me, who was tending to my own horse, and added, “Although, I must say, she does have some stiff competition herself.”
I looked up from my task, cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment. “Oh, you flatterer,” I said, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress the smile that tugged at my lips.
As we continued to groom our respective horses, our hands occasionally brushed against one another's. With each accidental touch, the tension grew, leaving me silently wondering how much longer I could ignore the undeniable chemistry that pulsed.
Just as I was about to voice my thoughts, the stable door creaked open, and Max stepped inside, curiosity lighting up his dark eyes. “Hey, Mom, whatcha doing?”
“Hey, little man,” Brett responded, setting down his brush and walking over to Max. “We're just getting the horses ready for a ride. Want to help out?”
“Really? I've never done that before.”
“Then it's about time you learned, don't you think?” Brett smiled, ruffling Max's brown hair. “Why don't you come over here and give me a hand with Whiskey?”
As I watched the two of them bond over their shared love of horses, my heart swelled. For Max, who was finding joy in our new life on the ranch, and for Brett, who had so easily stepped into the role of mentor and friend.
“Alright, Max,” Brett said, handing him a brush. “You want to start by brushing down her coat like this.” He demonstrated the proper technique, his muscular arm moving in smooth, even strokes. Max followed suit, mimicking Brett's actions as best he could.
“Good job, buddy,” Brett praised, watching Max's progress with a proud smile. “Before long, you'll be a pro just like your mom.”
“Thanks!” Max beamed, his enthusiasm contagious.
I caught Brett's eye from across the stable, gaze lingering on his face as I silently thanked him for his kindness and patience with Max.
“Do you think I could learn to ride someday?”
“Of course,” Brett answered, pausing to wipe the sweat from his brow. “With the right practice and dedication, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll be an excellent rider.”
Max's face lit up at the praise, his chest puffing out with pride. “Really? You think so?”
“Absolutely.” Brett grinned, walking over to ruffle Max's hair affectionately. “You've already got a natural talent for it. Just keep working hard, and you'll get there.”
“I want to be just like you when I grow up. Work on the ranch and take care of the horses. Mommy would like that.”
I couldn't help but smile at their interaction. Watching him bond with Brett stirred up emotions, ones I wasn't sure I was ready to face again.
“Mom, did you hear that?” Max exclaimed, turning towards me with excitement in his eyes. “Brett thinks I can be a great rider!”
“I heard, sweetie. That's wonderful news.”
“Can you teach me more stuff? Like how to take care of the horses and everything else on the ranch? Mommy needs help… and I’m old enough.”
“Sure thing, buddy,” Brett agreed, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment. “We'll make a real rancher out of you yet.”
My heart skipped a beat as our gazes locked. I should be grateful for the connection Max found in Brett, but the thought of opening myself up to the man who once held my heart terrified me.
“Great!” Max hopped off the fence, ready to follow Brett around like an eager puppy. As we walked away, I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to quell the mixture of hope and fear that threatened to overwhelm me.
What if history repeated itself? What if I allowed myself to fall for Brett again, only to have him leave when things got tough? I couldn't bear the thought of putting my heart on the line, not when it could cost not only my happiness but also my son's.
As Max and Brett disappeared into the stable for a moment, laughter echoing through the warm air, I took a deep breath and tried to steady my racing thoughts. For now, I would focus on the happiness Max found in his new mentor. And as for my own feelings, well, I would just have to keep them locked away, at least until I was sure I could trust Brett with my heart again.
I leaned against the wooden fence looking out over the property. So many acres. The ranch was going to take up so much of my time. I was already having trouble spending time with Max. Starting something up with Brett would take even more time away from my son.
“Hey.” Brett's voice pulled me as he approached, concern etched on his handsome features. “You've been quiet. Are you alright?”
I looked up into his blue eyes, momentarily lost in their depths, before shaking my head and forcing a smile. “Yeah, I'm fine. Just...thinking.”
“About what?” Brett leaned against the fence, his body mere inches from mine, radiating warmth and safety.
“About...us,” I admitted, unable to meet his gaze. “I want to trust you, Brett. But I can't forget how it felt when you left all those years ago. I was so broken.”
Brett's hand reached for mine, fingers brushing gently before intertwining with a comforting pressure. “I know I hurt you, and I'll always regret that. But I'm not the same man who walked away from you back then. I just need you to give me a chance to prove it.”
As I listened to his words, memories of the past flooded my mind; late-night conversations under the stars, stolen kisses behind the school gym, and whispered promises of forever. I remembered the crushing pain when he'd left, chasing his dreams of baseball glory, leaving me to pick up the shattered pieces of my heart.
“Can I tell you something?” I asked, finally looking up to meet his gaze. “When you left, it wasn't just losing you that hurt. It was the feeling of...abandonment. My grandmother just passed away, and then you were gone too. So, now, letting you in again...it scares me.”
Brett's eyes softened as he pulled my hand closer to his chest. “I’m so sorry. But I'm here now, and I won't leave again. I promise.”
“Can you really make that promise? What if something changes? What if you decide you want something else?”
“Life is unpredictable. But I can promise you this: I will do everything in my power to make sure you never feel abandoned again. I care about you, Sofia, and Max is a great kid. I want to be here for both of you.”
My breath hitched at his words, heart drumming a wild beat. I wanted to believe him, desperately. But the shadows of doubt still lingered, whispering fears of history repeating itself.
“Let me show you,” Brett urged, his voice soft and pleading. “Give me a chance to prove that I'm worth your trust.”
I hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod. It would be a risk, but perhaps it was one worth taking. For myself, for Max, and for the possibility of a future with the man who'd once held my heart so completely.
“I’ll think about it.”