Page 22 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

Austin chose that moment to return. “Is it safe to come back? Our guests will be arriving soon.”

Griffin slapped him on the shoulder. “What can I do to help?”

The three of them made quick work of finishing touches and before she knew it, Payton was surrounded by people eager to hear about equine therapy. Austin shared his own personal experiences and how it helped him overcome struggles.

Payton led Mabel through a demonstration, explaining how horses are uniquely sensitive to human’s stress and can assist in identifying feelings and learning to cope. By the end of the open house, she had her first appointments scheduled and had given information to several community agencies who would serve as referral sources for the program.

For the first time, Payton felt like she was part of something larger than herself. Her family business helped others, as they planned local trips. This went far beyond assisting with someone’s leisure time. Payton would be able to help people deal with difficulties, much like the grief she and her family experienced.

Before Griffin left, he pulled her aside to offer a hug. “I’m proud of you, Pay. This program will do a lot of good in our community.”

“Thanks, Griffin. I’m sorry I won’t be as available to our business, but I’ll still pick up trips on weekends.”

“When you can. Sarah helped me accept the fact that I need to hire someone. Our business is strong and we can afford to bring on a staff member.”

“It’s hard to imagine a stranger working for us.” Payton knew she was making the right decision, but this change felt monumental in ways she didn’t want to fully process.

“Everything will be just fine. It’s time you focus on your dreams.”

Change was hard and Payton had no idea when she’d made the bold move to leave home that it would lead her to a completely new life. But she was more than ready to take the first step towards her dreams.

EPILOGUE

Payton’s hands cupped her coffee mug as she soaked in the warmth of the fresh brew. The November morning was chilly, yet she couldn’t wait to finish breakfast and head to the barn, to meet her first equine therapy client.

“Nervous?” Austin asked as he slid a plate of eggs and bacon across the table to her.

“Not so much nervous as excited.”

Austin had gotten up early enough to cook breakfast for her and make the coffee. Payton was her luckiest woman to have such a thoughtful boyfriend. Their relationship had jumped straight to living together since Payton rented the apartment attached to the main house. She and Austin had decided to continue their separate sleeping arrangements while they got to know each other and had only moved her belongings into the main house a couple weeks ago.

Austin’s relationship with her brother was improving, though they still had their rocky moments. They’d had a few more conversations after their first one and were slowly smoothing over years of painful memories. Griffin had initiated a weekly dinner night for the siblings and their partners. Payton knew it was only a matter of time until her brothers started families of their own. They were growing up and moving past grief into hope for the future.

Payton had no doubt that she and Austin were moving in that direction, also. Payton could picture herself on the Rolling R ranch with Austin, and someday with children.

She and Austin made small talk as they ate breakfast and Payton filled a travel mug with a second cup of coffee before she walked the now familiar path between the house and the barn. Mabel snickered a welcome to her as she entered and she took her time preparing her and her horse for the session.

Promptly at nine a.m., her client arrived and Payton spent the next hour working through the first session activities. Before she knew it, the session was done and she was sipping coffee alone with her thoughts, and Mabel.

Austin appeared in the doorway, looking handsome in his work jeans and faded flannel shirt. His beard was extra scruffy today as he’d forgone shaving for making breakfast. Payton’s heart squeezed at the sight. This man was hers, forever and ever.

He crossed to her and she easily fit into his embrace. Austin ducked his head to kiss her and Payton gave herself up to the kisses that felt like coming home. If every day was just like this one, she’d be perfectly happy. Her heart was full of love for Austin and the life they were creating together.

“How was your first session?”

Payton beamed. “It was amazing. Mabel was such a patient horse and our client was immediately at ease. We’re going to be able to do good work together.”

Austin kissed her cheek. “We will. And I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be on this journey with.”

“Who would have thought six weeks ago that we’d be dating, living together, and starting a business?”

“Not me, that’s for sure. But now I know that our future is bright.”

Payton knew in her heart that he was right. They’d both taken risks on their own to become the best version of themselves. Together, they were even stronger and their growth endless.

Neither of them had been looking for love, but it comes along when you least expect it. For Payton, love was a brand new adventure and for Austin, it was his second chance at love. This time, a deeper, mature love that comes from moving through pain and finding the hope that is on the other side of grief.

And Payton was blessed to be his partner in business and life as they grew their future together.

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