Beau let him trot around the round pen with the saddle on to make sure he remembered how the stirrups hit his sides with each step. Baby steps. Every pace we took him through and I watched as he meticulously worked with Zeus.
Zeus ran across the earth like a fallen God. Big, feathered feet, a black mane, and tail as black as the night sky. It was almost as if he was dancing, he moved with such grace and presence. When Beau stepped out in front of him to have him stop, Zeus stopped instantly and licked his lips. He was ready for everything.
He walked up slowly to Zeus, patting his dark head. “You ready to try this, boy?”
Zeus neighed as if he knew exactly what Beau was asking of him. Beau did several lifts up like he was going to mount him. He was testing him. Giving him a moment to get used to the feel of someone on him. Time to adjust and get a feel for riding. On the fourth time, he actually mounted Zeus. Together they looked like Gods, not simply mere mortals placed on this earth to rule the ground below them. I was awestruck. A smooch of his lips had Zeus driving forward into a trot. Zeus moved over the ground in a fluid motion—front legs flaring out in front of him, back legs raised in a prance almost.
I watched as he took him through his paces. Not one buck or kick. Only acceptance and trust flowed through the pair.
They slowed to a stop in front of me and my eyes met Beau’s chocolate brown ones. “You ready, Cass?”
My eyes widened in shock, “Wait, you were serious? You’re going to let me ride him?”
He smiled at me, “Well, he’s yours so I’d think you would want to ride him.”
Confusion flooded my face, “He’s mine… what do you mean, Beau?”
He leaned down from the saddle and kissed me, “Happy Birthday, Cassidy Mae.”
“How… how did you know?” I knew that today was my birthday but I didn’t want anyone else to know. He must have found out from Reagan. I hadn’t celebrated a birthday in years. Andrew never bothered to care if it was a day that was important to me.
“Well, I happen to remember from all those years ago. Plus, Reagan has zero filters, Cass. You should know this. She’s your best friend.”
I rolled my eyes, “Of course, she did. You’re really, honest to God giving me Zeus?”
“He’s all yours, sweetheart. Has been since the day you first laid eyes on him. Then the weeks you sat with him waiting to get comfortable with you. Don’t think I didn’t notice how you fell in love with this horse.”
Excitement filled me. “Oh my God, Beau. I can’t believe it!”
He quirked an eyebrow at me. “Well, you wanna ride or not?”
“YES!” I yelped, then cringed as Zeus flinched over my loud exclamation. “Yes…” I said quieter, reminding myself that he was still inexperienced. Beau hopped down from the saddle and Zeus stood quietly as I got up onto his back. I could see everything from up here. Zeus was so tall. I felt like I was literally on top of the world.
His movements felt slow and poetic like he truly was dancing on the surface of the earth, just as I’d suspected. A huge smile tore across my face at my overwhelming feelings. This man had rescued and given me this magnificent horse for my birthday. We flew around the round pen and I couldn’t help but hold out my arms as he ran. He was an angel, a God, a demon in horse clothing simply flying across the Earth. My breathing was heavy, my heart pounded.
I felt alive, free, in love.
Love?
I really was in love. I’d let myself believe for so long that I needed to keep my heart guarded from Beau. That he would break me, but he’s proven every step of the way that he only wants what is best for me. I rode for just a while longer enjoying every minute of the moment.
I slowed Zeus to a walk and stopped when we got to where Beau stood.
“Okay… let’s give him a break. I need to go get the poultice off Oakley’s legs and gently work her today. I just want to get her a little warmed up for tonight. I don’t plan to run her hard.”
I dismounted and fell to the ground. I hadn’t realized how far the downfall would be, which was apparently proving to be prominent in most parts of this life. But I was also realizing that it was worth it.
“I still can’t believe you’re giving him to me. I think that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done. You’re one of the good ones..”
“I’m glad you’re happy.”
“You’ve made me incredibly happy and grateful that this is where I ran home to after my life turned to shit. I think I’m falling in love with you, cowboy. You’ve done and stole my damn heart.”
“I’m just so damn glad you came home to me, Cass. I’m in love with you and I’m so damn glad.”
The rest of the afternoon passed by slowly, like sand in an hourglass. It seemed as though we were all waiting for this night to begin. Excitement hung in the air and the farm crew couldn’t stop talking about the events of the evening. They were making plans to watch the barrel racing followed by drinks and karaoke.
We’d spent the afternoon getting stuff together to transport the horses to the arena. Some of the guys were taking a couple of the younger horses so they could get used to being in crowds and different places, in addition to being trailered. Oakley was an old pro at this stuff, so we knew she’d show the young’uns how
