Two days later....
"Good morning, Ms. Milton," Mr. Wilby, the ranch's steward greeted warmly as he entered the stable.
"Good morning, Mr. Wilby! Is everything ready?" Patricia asked, her gaze moving over the horses she owned. The scent of hay and the soft sounds of the stable provided a sense of normalcy that she greatly needed after the recent chaos.
"Yes, Miss. Everything is ready and set. I've already had the training grounds prepared," Mr. Wilby replied with his usual efficiency.
"That's good to hear. Thank you." Patricia nodded and made her way toward Lightningbolt's stall. As if sensing her presence, the horse neighed, his ears perking up as he moved closer to the door.
"Hello, my old friend," Patricia said, her voice soft and affectionate as she gently stroked Lightningbolt's mane. "I see you've been eagerly waiting for me."
Lightningbolt neighed softly at her touch, the sound carrying a hint of relief and joy.
"I've missed you too, old champ! How about a ride today?" Patricia asked, her smile widening as she felt her connection to the horse.
Lightningbolt neighed loudly and began stomping his hooves in excitement.
Patricia chuckled. "Alright, alright! I get it. Come on, let's get you ready." She moved toward the saddle, intent on preparing him for a ride.
"Well....I am afraid you can't do that Miss," Mr. Wilby interjected hesitantly.
Patricia paused, a confused expression taking over her features. "Why not? Why can't I take Lightningbolt for a ride?"
Mr. Wilby adjusted his hat and sighed. "Because he's not in tip-top shape, milady."
Patricia frowned, turning to Lightningbolt for a closer inspection. "He looks fine to me…"
"Well… I'm afraid it's not that simple," Mr. Wilby began, his tone tinged with sadness. "Lightningbolt is strong and healthy, but it's clear he's been maltreated in the past. Ill-treated, neglected. For years, he was denied the proper care a derby horse needs, daily practice, a balanced diet, the attention he deserved. That kind of mistreatment takes its toll, Miss, making him unfit for races or long rides."
Patricia felt her heart sink. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she listened. She turned back to Lightningbolt, stroking his mane more gently now, as though trying to convey her sorrow and understanding. "Oh, Lightningbolt… I can't believe you had to endure all of that. I'm so sorry I didn't save you sooner."
Lightningbolt neighed softly, as if acknowledging her words. The sound was almost comforting, a reminder of his resilience.
"But he'll recover, won't he?" Patricia asked, her voice laced with hope.
Mr. Wilby nodded reassuringly. "Yes, Miss. Lightningbolt is a strong and healthy horse. With the proper care and attention, he'll recover in no time. However…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "He's older now, which may make it difficult for him to race the way he used to. He can race, but not like before."
Patricia nodded, wiping at her eyes before replying, "That's okay. I won't push him. Liberty is my main derby horse, after all. Lightningbolt will be for short races and joy rides around the ranch. Though I had hoped he could be one of my top derby horses alongside Liberty and Speed… I suppose that's not meant to be."
"I'm sure he'll still bring you plenty of joy, Miss," Mr. Wilby said kindly. "If you'll excuse me, I need to check on the new stable's construction. We'll be welcoming more horses soon." He tipped his hat and left Patricia alone with Lightningbolt.
Patricia sighed, her fingers trailing along Lightningbolt's mane. "Don't worry, champ. We'll take it easy. You deserve all the care and love in the world now."
Lightningbolt gave a soft neigh in response, his trust in Patricia as strong as ever.
Patricia fed Lightningbolt a handful of carrots, his soft neighs of gratitude warming her heart. She petted him for a while longer, murmuring gentle reassurances before moving to Liberty's stall.
"Hey, boy," Patricia said softly as she stroked Liberty's mane. "How are you feeling today? Ready for another ride?"
Liberty nuzzled her hand affectionately, his expressive eyes seeming to convey his quiet trust. Patricia smiled and began saddling him up, her movements practiced and steady. She led him out of the stable, the early morning light casting a golden glow over the sprawling ranch.
As she adjusted the reins, the sound of approaching hooves reached her ears. The rhythmic clip-clop grew louder, and Patricia turned instinctively. Her breath caught as her gaze landed on a magnificent brown stallion with a distinctive white marking on its chest shaped like an elegant "S."
Mounted on the stallion was a man wearing a perfectly fitted western outfit, a sleek hat perched confidently atop his head, a tailored vest accentuating his broad shoulders, and polished boots gleaming in the sunlight. His striking blue eyes sparkled like the clear sky above, and the mischievous grin tugging at his lips hinted at a personality as compelling as his appearance.
"Good morning, Miss," he said, tipping his hat in a gesture that was equal parts charming and respectful. "Mind if we join you for the ride?"
Patricia blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected scene. But she couldn't suppress the smile that formed on her lips. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
Isaac chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "No, I wouldn't say that." He maneuvered his horse to stand side by side with Liberty, the two animals instinctively acknowledging one another with gentle snorts.
"So… who are you?" Patricia asked, her tone light and teasing. "I don't think I've seen you around here before."
Isaac smiled, his hat tipping slightly with his nod. "Forgive my manners, Miss. I'm Isaac, your new horses' trainer. I'm here to ensure all your horses are in tip-top shape for the races. I was just introducing myself to my dear friend Speed here. For a newcomer, Speed seems to like me."
As if on cue, Speed neighed loudly, his hind legs jolting slightly and rocking Isaac in the saddle.
"Well… almost," Isaac added with a chuckle, steadying himself with practiced ease.
Patricia laughed, the sound carrying across the open field. "Okay, Mr. Isaac. Let's see what you've got. How about a race to the edge of the field?"
Isaac raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "A race? That does sound fun. But every race needs a prize to make it more interesting."
Patricia tilted her head, pretending to ponder the idea. "Hmm… I don't know. I can't think of anything right now. What do you suggest, Mr. Isaac?"
Isaac mirrored her thoughtful expression, placing a gloved hand under his chin for added effect. "Let's see… If you win, you can make me do whatever you want, as long as it's doable, of course. I'll even gladly be your footstool if you so wish. But if I win… you'll have to grant me a wish of mine."
Patricia's curiosity piqued, her smile turning coy. "What kind of wish?" she asked, her voice playful.
"Oh, don't worry, Miss," Isaac said, his voice dropping to a smooth and teasing tone. "You'll find out in due time. All I can promise is that... I'll be a perfect gentleman and make sure to treat you very, very well."
Isaac leaned closer as he whispered the last words, his grin teasing yet sincere. Patricia felt her cheeks warm slightly, the morning air suddenly feeling hotter.
Patricia felt her heart racing as Isaac leaned closer, his presence so near she could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin. Her gaze flickered to his pink, plump lips, and for a fleeting moment, she felt the urge to capture them with her own. But she quickly pushed the thought aside, shifting her focus to his captivating blue eyes that gleamed like the morning sky. They held her for a while, drawing her in, until she smiled and cleared her throat.
She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper against his nose. "Unfortunately, I guess I won't get to grant you that wish… because you're going to lose! Hyaah!" Patricia shouted, nudging Liberty forward into a gallop, her laughter ringing out as she raced away.
"Oy! That's cheating!" Isaac yelled, his grin widening as he urged Speed to chase after her.
The chase was exhilarating. Patricia's laughter filled the air as she glanced back at Isaac, who was steadily catching up. "Hurry up, Mr. Isaac! For a man who trains derby horses, you're quite the slowpoke!" she teased, her voice carrying over the wind.
The morning sunlight kissed her face, highlighting her radiant features as her hair flew flawlessly behind her, glistening in the golden light. Isaac couldn't help but smile at the sight, his determination to catch up fueled by her infectious energy.
He nudged Speed to increase his pace, and soon they were riding side by side through a breathtaking landscape. The field was alive with vibrant flowers, lush green trees, and underbrush that seemed to dance in the breeze. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of hooves pounding the earth, creating a symphony of joy and freedom.
The race ended at the edge of the field, where a crystal-clear brook flowed gently, its waters sparkling under the sun. Patricia and Isaac dismounted, standing side by side as they took in the serene beauty of the landscape.
Breathing heavily, they glanced at each other, their smiles widening as they burst into laughter once more.
"I guess there's no winner in this round," Patricia said, her voice light and cheerful.
"And you thought I was going to lose!" Isaac replied, his grin teasing.
Patricia's laughter faded as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Isaac's shoulders. Her voice softened, turning sweet and low. "I guess I stand corrected, my handsome derby horse trainer." She smiled, her gaze locking with his.
Isaac gulped, his heart pounding as he took in her radiant beauty. His eyes traced the curve of her lips, the glossy sheen of her face, the pink flush of her cheeks, and the long lashes framing her dark eyes. Patricia had never looked more stunning, and he felt his heart swell with pride and joy. She was here, with him, in this moment, a moment he had dreamed of and thought he had lost forever but now she was here, with him, in his arms and the moment never felt more precious.
"So… what's your wish?" Patricia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Since you proved me wrong today, I guess I should relent first."
Isaac smiled, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I'll tell you later. But for now…" He snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "Right now, this moment, this...is all I want. And I want to treasure it for the rest of my life."
Patricia felt her heart swell with emotions she couldn't quite name. It was overwhelming, beautiful, and unlike anything she had ever felt before. Tears stung her eyes, tears of joy that mirrored the ones glistening in Isaac's.
"Oh, Isaac…" she began, but her words were cut off as Isaac leaned in and captured her lips with his. Their kiss was deep and tender, filled with the unspoken promise of forever. Patricia tasted something salty and opened her eyes slightly, realizing they were both crying, not out of pain, but out of the pure joy of finding the person who completed them.
They strolled around the field for a while, their hands intertwined, before deciding to return to the ranch and bring Liberty and Speed back to the stable.
"I guess you're going to be stuck here for a while, huh?" Patricia said as they walked down the path.
"Yeah… did you want me to leave?" Isaac asked, his tone playful as he held her hand.
"No," Patricia replied with a mischievous smile. "I think it'll be fun having you around. I can get away with all the mischievous things I want to do without any questions asked."
Isaac chuckled. "Mmm… and what might those be?"
Patricia stopped and turned to face him, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Oh, you'll see. You'll see. And I hope you won't break your promise to be whatever I want you to be…" She smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Isaac raised an eyebrow, feigning concern. "What… did I get myself into?"
Patricia laughed, leaning in to place a quick, playful kiss on his lips. "Big trouble, Mr. Isaac. Big trouble."
But just as she was about to kiss him again, a voice rang out.
"Patricia!"
They turned to see Jonathan standing a few feet away, wide-eyed and holding a bouquet of flowers.