Page 122 of Time To Learn

“I don’t know. We’re not joined at the hip, Trish. He can come and go as he pleases.”

“Okay, I’ll come by after work. Say, around six-ish?”

“Perfect,” I smile. “See you later.”

“Seeyou.”

I sigh as I end the call and look at Sally snoring away in her crate. I know that I have a million things to do, but for once, I try to let go of my miles-long to-do list and focus on the here and now instead.

Everything is happening so quickly with Kristian, and I’m afraid I can’t keep up. I’m afraid I’ll lose myself, getting so caught up in him and my growing feelings towards him that I’ll lose sight of the woman I have become. In my heart, I know that Kristian is nothing like James, but…I was wrong abouthim.

Will I be wrong about Kristian, too?

“Come on, Sally,” I whisper softly to her as I get up from the rocking chair. “Let’s go for awalk.”

I send a quick text to Kristian, disguising my need to escape from him by saying that I need to check on the horses. Once Sally and I are outside, I feel better.

The phone vibrates in my hand, and when I notice the photo Kristian has sent me, my heart does somersaults in my chest.

He’s taken a selfie with Ailith tucked next to his side, both of them making funny faces at me. I swipe the screen to read the text he’s sent along.

Kristian: Hurry back. We miss you. xx

“Bloodyhell.”

I look down at Sally sitting besideme.

“I’m in too deep already, aren’tI?”

She lets out a low whoof as she shakes herhead.

“That’s what I thought.”

Then I sit down on my haunches and scratch her ears, while I take in the beauty of my home. I don’t understand how I could ever feel trapped here, but my twenty-five-year-old self did. As much as I hate what I allowed myself to become, I know I wouldn’t have Ailith if I hadn’t met my husband. I wouldn’t have found my purpose. I wouldn’t have come backhere.

And…I wouldn’t have all my plans for the farm that I donow.

If there’s one thing my country and its folklore has taught me, it’s that everything comes full circle, and I feel as if I’m finally there. I’m where I belong. The future doesn’t look as bleak as it did a mere monthago.

Instead, it is filled with hope. With dreams. Maybe even withlove.

As my eyes fall on Thunder leaning against his paddock, watching me, a sense of peace I haven’t felt in almost a decade settles in mysoul.

“Tomorrow,” I call to him, watching his ears flick, “we ride, Thunder.”

He neighs softly, and when I stretch my back, I can’t help but laugh as he nods his big head atme.

“Looks like we’re finally on the samepage.”

* * *

I can’t stop watchingAilith sleeping. She passed out just around noon, but I haven’t the heart to wake her up. After last night, she needs her sleep. We’re still flanking her on either side, but as my stomach starts to rumble, I chuckle lightly and look up at Kristian.

“Lunch?” I whisper.

He gives me a crooked smile as he turns off theTV.

“Yes, please,” he whispers back and slides his arm from underneath Ailith’shead.