Chapter 18 #2
Maybe I was being selfish, desperate for her light to take me out of the darkness.
But I didn't give two fucks—I should have, but I didn't. For the first time in months, and honestly maybe even years, I felt happier, lighter, hopeful.
And I knew it had everything to do with having the woman currently staring back at me back in my life.
After a solid ten minutes of begging, pleading, and a borderline tantrum from the most adorable two-year-old, Farrah finally agreed to bring Hadley to my place to see my horses and donkeys.
Hadley's tears magically vanished the second Farrah relented, and I was both impressed and a little frightened at the pure manipulation I’d just witnessed at the hands of such a tiny human.
It was almost four o'clock, and they would be here any minute.
Farrah had to finish up a couple of things at work and had already planned to head out of the office a little earlier since she had Hadley.
I pulled both of my horses out and put them in the crossties so Hadley could help brush them. Theo walked down the aisle, stopping when he noticed both horses were out of their stalls. Before he could ask, I spoke. "Farrah’s bringing her daughter, Hadley, over to see the horses and donkeys."
He smiled. "That's nice. So you and Farrah are finally on speaking terms?
" Theo crossed his arms over his chest, an amused look on his face. He knew the King family, and knew enough about my past to understand what the situation had been the last nine years with Farrah. I’d never divulged too many details, but he knew Farrah coming over was kind of a big deal.
I nodded. "Yup, we're good. I want to give this whole new friendship thing a shot.
" I picked up a brush and began running it down Ranger's copper coat.
The sound of tires on gravel grabbed Theo's attention before he could respond.
"That should be them," I said, throwing the brush back into the tray between the two crossties.
Theo nodded. "Y'all have fun. Holler if you need anything, there are some low branches out in Tex and Ranger's pasture that I need to trim.
" As Theo faded off into the direction of the pastures, Farrah and Hadley made their way up the aisle towards me. Excitement poured off Hadley; she was practically vibrating. I’d seen Farrah four hours ago, yet the sight of her still managed to seize my lungs.
She had her long hair pulled up in a ponytail and had changed into a loose-fitting tee.
She wore her old cowboy boots and ripped jean shorts that revealed miles of long, toned legs.
Making my mouth fucking water.
I'd always loved every version of Farrah, but casual, dressed-down Farrah was my favorite.
Hadley raced right up to me. "Horseys!" Her green eyes bounced between Tex and Ranger. Both of my horses lowered their heads, curious about the small human.
My gaze met Farrah's before I glanced back down to Hadley. "Do you want to help me brush them?" Hadley bounced up and down on her toes, nodding excitedly.
"Hady girl, remember you need to be calm and quiet around horses." Farrah glanced up at me with a smile that seeped through my skin and warmed my entire body.
"Has Hadley been around horses before?" I asked.
Farrah nodded. "Yeah, she's actually taken a few lessons now with Lacey at your sister's place. She loves it."
"Awesome. Well, I thought she could help me brush the horses, and then I could give her a little ride on Tex, if she's up for it?"
"She'll love that. I have her helmet in the car, I can go grab it real quick." Farrah pointed her thumb over her shoulder before turning and heading back out of the barn, leaving Hadley and me alone with the boys.
I grabbed a brush and handed it to Hadley. "All right, Hadley. You're in charge of brushing Tex. He's pretty dirty, and he's pretty big. Do you think you’re up for the challenge?"
"Yes!" Hadley exclaimed. As excited as she was, she listened to Farrah's earlier instruction and slowly approached Tex.
She held her little hand up underneath his nose for him to smell.
Tex lowered his head, looking for treats, making Hadley giggle when he licked her hand.
I sat back a moment and watched this sweet little girl interact with my gentle giant.
Tex loved her—constantly turning his head to look for her and to touch her.
Hadley remained focused on the task at hand.
She brushed Tex meticulously—well, all the areas she could reach.
I grabbed a stool to help her reach up higher before showing her how to clean his feet out with a hoof pick.
I grabbed a comb for Hadley to brush out his tail, then lifted her up so she could brush out his mane.
She asked me questions about my horses and told me about her favorite horse, Pancake, at my sister's barn.
By the time we were done with Tex, I had completely forgotten Farrah was standing there watching us.
Hadley and I were lost in our own little world.
Farrah had a look in her eyes I couldn't quite place, but when I spoke, the look quickly vanished. "Hey, do you want to groom Ranger while I tack up Tex?"
She smiled and nodded. "Sure." She grabbed a brush and got to work, but I had a nagging feeling that something had shifted.
Farrah seemed to be in her head, distracted, and I wanted more than anything to peer into that gorgeous brain of hers and know what was bothering her—but that wasn't my place anymore, hadn't been for a long time.
So, instead, I shoved that feeling aside and grabbed Hadley's hand, leading her to my tack room to get the saddle and bridle for Tex.