“I had been negotiating to buy him when Fumo threw you off. Once we returned home, I kept at it. I couldn’t bring myself to sell him, so Cliff has kept him and taken care of him for me.
“I used to come to talk to him about you. We’ve become long-time friends. He’s been waiting for you to come home too. He has a few children here if you want to meet them,” I say.
“You bought me a horse?”
“I bought you your horse.”
“I… I don’t know what to say. He’s more beautiful than I remember.”
“He’s still in great condition. Would you be willing to give him a ride? I’ll go out with you.”
Her lips are trembling as her eyes fill with tears. I watch her closely. If she truly doesn’t want to do this, I’ll drop it. No matter how bad I want to fix this.
She bites her lip and nods her head. “If you can hold out hope that I’d return for all this time, I’ll ride the horse you bought me.”
“It’s like you said”—I reach for her hand and bring it to my chest—“I could feel you in here. I knew you would come back to me.
“Come on, our date awaits.”
Lynn
I can’t believe he bought me this horse. Like with Trev, it’s like no time has passed. Cuore Selvaggio and I have a bond that started from the first time we locked eyes.
Riding him has felt like coming home. Trev is riding one of his sons. He’s just as beautiful as his father. To say I’m overwhelmed with emotions is an understatement.
“We’re right up here,” Trev says as our horses trot beside each other.
We come out to a little clearing by a stream. The sun is shining down on the spot, giving it a peaceful glow. There’s a large tree near the stream that would be great for shade.
Trev hops down from his horse and ties him to a tree near where we just emerged from the trail. I climb down from Cuore Selvaggio and move to press my forehead to his. I can feel that he’s a much tamer horse, but his spirit was never broken in the process.
“We’re one and the same, aren’t we? I’m so glad I’ve found you again. I’ve missed this,” I whisper to him.
He releases a whine and snorts. I stroke his nuzzle, then give his neck a pat. In this moment, I have more peace than I’ve ever had.
“Here.”
I look up to find Trev holding out an apple for me to give to Cuore Selvaggio. I take it and give it to my horse. I turn and watch as Trevor lays out a blanket and starts to set up our date.
He has placed the blanket right under the tree by the stream. While taking food out from the basket he brought along, he pauses and takes off his Stetson to brush his forearm across his forehead.
I noticed he got another haircut the other day. There’s just something about it that’s so attractive on him. I knit my brows in thought.
This man is so loving, protective, kind, and caring. To buy me a horse I met twenty years ago and keep him for me all that time is something I’m still wrapping my head around. The house was one thing.
Even going as far as to build me a basement, which is rare in Texas. However, nothing about that home is ordinary. He put thought into every detail.
“Hey, you coming over here?” he calls breaking into my thoughts.
I blink back my thoughts and focus on him. Reality sets in. This was done to us.
Our love never died. It never wanted to end. It’s not right and someone should pay.
CHAPTER 36
Fear vs Fight
Trevor
These sessions are no longer mandatory, but I still come seeing as they’ve helped me to find myself again. Knowing all the things I’ve lost because of my temper has made me determined to lock it away.
It’s not just getting to talk. It’s been the ability to listen and glean from these men what’s been causing a change. My problems seem so small compared to others.
“I’m broken. She deserves better. I’m pushing as hard as I can, but how long will she wait?” Tommy says as he punches his legs.
“First, Tommy. I want you to take a deep breath. I’m happy you’re expressing how you feel, but you also have to put into perspective all that’s happening in your situation,” Dr. Winsor says.
“She’ll wait as long as you need her to,” I murmur.
“What?” Tommy nearly sobs as he turns to look at me.
“She’ll wait as long as you need her to. You’ve told us yourself how strong the love between the two of you is. Love like that doesn’t understand or bend to time.
“It doesn’t quit because of an hour or a year. Love like that holds you frozen in time. Waiting, wishing, breathing for your other half to return.