Page 27
Kylie
The heavy plastic bag digs into my fingers as I walk through Grayson’s front door. The silence makes me falter, but I head toward the kitchen anyway. I texted Gray that I’d bring dinner home, so it’s a little disconcerting that they aren’t here.
“Gray? Luddy?” When no answer comes, I go through the back door to see if they’re outside.
The large red barn looms on the edge of what I’d consider Grayson’s backyard. He’s got about ten more acres surrounding his house where his menagerie of animals roam. Grayson’s soft heart has led him to owning two rescue horses, three fainting goats that no one else wanted, and a donkey who is the epitome of an asshole to everyone but Gray and Luddy.
Lights shine out of the open barn door, beckoning me to find out what they’re up to.
“You’re so brave for wanting to try, sweetheart.” Grayson’s soft voice floats through the air. He’s squatting down in front of Luddy. Next to them is Ransom, a gorgeous grey Percheron. He’s standing perfectly still, barely even flicking his ears when I come into view.
A while ago, London got bucked off a horse and has been nervous about riding alone ever since. It seems she’s trying to get over her fear now.
“I’m scared, Daddy. But I don’t wanna be scared anymore. I want to ride by myself again.”
“I know you do. How do we overcome our fear?” Grayson asks, full of patience and warmth.
“With small steps and courage.”
“That’s right. What should today’s step be? You were already courageous enough to come out here tonight.”
“I wanna sit in the saddle.” London stares at Ransom with trepidation in her big blue eyes.
“How about we sit in the saddle and count to five? Then if you want to get down, you can.”
With a deep breath, London straightens her shoulders and nods. “I’m ready.”
Grayson lifts Luddy into the air, maneuvering her into the saddle. Her fingers are clawed against Gray’s forearms, but like the brave girl she is, she slowly releases her dad until he’s able to let her go.
“One…two…three…” Grayson counts, with London echoing him.
By the time they reach five, London has clearly relaxed in the saddle. She’s grinning from ear to ear when she finally spots me. “Kylie! Look! I’m in the saddle all by myself!”
“Yes, you are! You’re being so brave up there.” I glance over at Grayson, and my breath catches in my chest. The pride radiating from him is overwhelming. I’ve always thought fatherhood suited him better than any regular job, but getting to experience the way he is with London in real time only proves my thoughts barely scratched the surface.
Chris would never have been patient enough to work through Peanut’s fears, let alone be proud when they overcame them.
I let the thought go. There’s no use in dwelling on all the red flags I should have seen a long time ago. I have to move on with my life knowing Peanut will be surrounded by men just like Grayson, who will be the best role models.
Gray greets me, looking stupidly gorgeous in his cowboy hat and leather chaps. His dirty T-shirt and blue jeans indicate they recently got back from one of the farms he works for. “Hey, Ladybug. How was your first day at work?”
“Exhaustingly perfect.” It took me a couple of days to decide if working for Holt’s law firm really would be a good fit for me. Given the experience I had with Chris and his lawyer buddies, I was worried I’d bring that mistrust into the job. As soon as I had that thought, I dismissed it. Holt isn’t anything like Chris, and he never will be, so I accepted the job offer.
Gia suggested I give it a try for a week to see if I’d even like doing the work. She assured me there wouldn’t be any hard feelings if I decided it wasn’t for me.
It only took me a few hours to know I’d enjoy it. It’ll be a challenge, but that’s exactly what I want.
“That’s good, right?” he asks as London reaches out for him to help her down.
“It’s very good.”
London runs over to hug me. “Did you see me? I was sitting on Ransom!”
“Heck yeah, I saw you. How did it feel?”
“A little scary, but so good.”
“Now, the next time you’re feeling courageous, it’ll be even easier to get on.”
