Chapter 34 – Ainsleigh
thirty-four
AINSLEIGH
Today had dragged by. I’d spent the day with Loretta shadowing me, and I swear everything that could go wrong did.
The computer system had glitches and double booked ten guests’ reservations, so we had to spend the morning profusely apologizing and making the appropriate phone calls to everyone and the booking company to ensure this didn’t happen again.
Taking pity on me, Loretta let me leave an hour and a half early once it had all gotten sorted. I needed a ride to clear my head.
Since my return, I hadn’t taken Sparkle on a ride, and I needed the silence her company offered.
I radioed everyone on the walkie-talkie to let them know which part of the property I’d be on; a safety measure my dad ensured all of us followed.
Anything could happen while we were out on a run, especially solo, and them knowing my whereabouts ensured that if something did happen to me, they’d know where to find me.
Once I’d saddled her up and made sure everything was secure, I mounted her, and we walked toward the path that would lead me to the confession tree. The ride wasn’t far, but I needed it to ease my anxiety from the day.
When we got to the tree, I wasn’t ready to stop so I guided Sparkle to the left and kept a leisurely pace.
I was so lost in thought trying to figure out the perfect way to tell Gentry how much I loved him that I didn’t see the danger lurking ahead.
Sparkle saw the snake before I could, instantly trying to back away, stomping her feet. I grabbed the reins tight and tried to maneuver her back and turn her around, but the rattlesnake moved to strike at Sparkle, causing her to turn quicker than I anticipated.
I fell to the ground, and my head cracked against the hard surface, causing me to see stars. I tried to stand and shake off the dizziness that soon followed, but my legs were weak and my head throbbed in pain as I fell back to the ground.
With every ounce of strength I could muster, I pulled the walkie-talkie from my hip and pressed the button, hoping that someone had heard me call out for help.
As I laid on the ground praying help would arrive, I heard the ATV in the background before everything went black.