16. Robert

Chapter sixteen

Robert

"There we go, boy. Come on out."

I grab the reins, gently leading my white stallion, Orchid, out of the truck. She looks around before I head in the direction of the barn.

Sara did say to just come right in, so that's what I'm doing. I walk past the entryway and then over to the main barn and there's Sara walking out with Clover's reins in her hands.

Clover's mottled coat shines brightly in the sunlight.

"Good day to ride," Sara grins.

"Indeed. Glad I had a day free."

I jumped through hoops to get today free. As soon as I heard that Orchid had recovered, I asked the vet when I could take him riding. She said within three days.

Needless to say, I made sure that my Thursday afternoon and evening are free this week.

Sara's eyes turn to Orchid, taking in the sight. "Your horse is beautiful."

"Thank you. This is Orchid. Orchid, this is Sara, and that's Clover."

Sara leaves Clover's reins in her left hand as she reaches out to touch Orchid's mane. The horse snorts and then leans his head forward.

"Sorry, he's not as friendly as Clover is with new people."

"On the contrary, I think he's quite friendly," Sara says, approvingly touching the back of Orchid's head. She touches his belly coat and then moves her hand up his neck. "Definitely got some amazing coloring."

"Thanks. He's a show horse, so we take pride in making sure his colors are good, and he can run races."

"Yep. And he's got quite the muscles."

"Indeed," I reply, and Orchid raises his right leg. "He's a kicker too, but don't tell him that."

Sara laughs as she mounts Clover. "Oh, I won't. The horses seem compatible, so ready to go?"

I nod. I adjust the saddle on Orchid's belly and tighten the reins a little bit. After I'm safely in the saddle I guide Orchid to turn around. He complies, just as I expect him to. Good boy.

"You good?"

"Yep. It's just been a while since I've done this." I admit. The last time I rode Orchid was about six months ago. With how busy my work has been and the current market, getting out to the farm where he lives has been a challenge. But he falls right into the rhythm, and we follow Sara down the path.

Instead of going in the direction of the entrance, she moves to the right through a cluster of trees. I enter the thicket, and soon, trees as far as the eye can see sit before my eyes.

"Wow. This is cool," I say.

"Isn't it? I love riding out here, and there are a lot of other cool places just like this," she explains.

She trots down the path, and I follow, heading to the right and then up a winding hill. I follow her until a house appears before us. "What's that?" I ask.

"Oh, this is actually where May stays," Sara points out.

"All the way out here?" I exclaim.

"Well, during the summer months. It's a cabin that she likes to use. She's offered me a chance to stay out here plenty of times, but I haven't."

"I see. It's quite a pretty setting."

"It is. I'm not sure if it's open, but it's cool to see."

I raise my hand and shake my head. "Don't worry about it. I just wondered about it."

We turn and then head down the hilly path. However, instead of going back the way that we came, she heads to the right. I follow her, and soon our horses are neck and neck, and our bodies are next to each other.

"Clover's pretty strong."

"Isn't she? I'm amazed that she's managed to handle riding for this long."

"Indeed. How old is she?"

"Ten, but she's had some health problems. Kidney stones, bladder issues, and even had a mild heart attack."

"Geez," I reply, stopping Orchid a little bit to settle her down. "Worst Orchid's had is that nasal drainage for a while. I'm grateful."

"Yeah, it stinks, but I've taken care of Clover for the last couple of years. I learned a lot, and she's still kicking, so I can't complain."

"For sure."

We continue down toward a large pond, where we get off and let the horses drink. Sara stares out into the distance. I join her, looking at what she sees.

"What are the cliffs, there?"

"Not sure. I have yet to explore this whole place. There's just so much, and I don't want to overwhelm the horse. It's also another goal that I have to see it all."

"Well, maybe we could go out there together sometime," I offer. She flushes a little bit, and I reach out and touch her head. "I mean in an exploring way. Unless you want to go out on a date and roam around cliffs."

"Hey, I would like that. It sure beats boring dates, you know?"

"You've got a point," I admit, laughing.

She walks toward Clover at the water. The horse continues to drink as her velvet-gloved hand touches the mare's head. "Good job, girl. Once we're back, you can have some food and then go to bed."

I look up at the sky. It is getting close to sunset. I know that if we stay out too late, the horses might have trouble getting back.

"We should probably head back," we say in unison and then laugh.

As we ride my leg brushes against Sara's, and she turns to me, winking. I move back, holding Orchid's reins a little tighter as I let her pass.

Seeing Sara's care and tact with Clover is admirable. She cares so much, and I see the dedication as clear as day on her face. I follow her until we head through the large thicket again. The sky's a series of oranges and reds at this point. We approach the barn, and Sara gets off.

"I'm going to put Clover away. Do you want to house Orchid in here?"

"No, I'll take her back out to the trailer."

"Okay, I'll break down Clover and feed her. Then if you want, we can meet over on the porch when I'm done. May's probably got some tea and whatever else she's cooking. Feel free to have some."

"Sounds good." I walk with Orchid back to the trailer. I plan to take her down to the farm after this, but I can stick around for another hour or so at least.

Sara's already on the porch when I get back and she hands me a glass of lemonade.

"Thanks."

"No problem. It's nice spending time like this. I've never shown anyone else this place."

She gestures to the sanctuary. I nod, taking in the large expanse of land.

"It's wonderful here, and I'm honored that you showed it to me, Sara, really honored."

"I love it. Every day I come I get to bring happiness to another animal. It's the perfect job." Her smile disappears as she looks down. "Sadly, I don't know if I'll ever get to fulfill my dream completely."

"What do you mean?" I ask, curious about this. What else could Sara possibly want?

She bites her lip and looks up. "It's just, I've always wanted to build my own sanctuary. I love this place, and May is a wonderful owner. I want to build my own, though. I want to change a place, transforming it into a haven for animals. It's been my dream ever since I was young."

"I get that."

She turns to me, the smile appearing once again. "I want to go to school to be a veterinarian, but money made it so I only got my Bachelor's. I want to go back and follow my dreams if only to give these and lots of other animals a new lease on life."

Her words tug at my heart. I listen to her, enjoying this.

"I'm glad you have dreams. Not everyone does."

She blinks, surprised by my utterance. "You think so?"

"Yes. People need goals to have drive, and you are definitely driven. Listening to you is inspiring."

It's different listening to the dreams of others. I built a company, sure, but it doesn't feel like I've fully accomplished my dreams. Hearing her gush about hers refreshes me. It makes me want to reevaluate my life and figure out what I want to do from now forward.

Sara flushes, but the smile remains. "Thanks, Robert. I'm always nervous, talking about this and—"

"Don't be."

I take her hand and squeeze it, wishing all of her doubts would disappear with this touch. She's so sweet, and whenever I talk to Sara, it's like any iciness in my heart melts.

"I like listening to you, Sara. You've got an idea of what to do. Not everyone your age has a dream like that."

"Yeah, well, it's as I told you the other day; it's something I've always wanted ever since I was a kid."

I nod, indulging in her words. Her optimism is almost contagious, and I can't help but smile.

"I'd like to help."

"What do you mean?"

I turn to her, and a smile falls on my face. I clutch her hand tighter and hold it closer to me.

"I want to help you follow your dreams, no matter what it takes."

My words evoke conviction. I've never felt so sure of something in my life. The radiance in her eyes is enough to let me know that she wants this, too.

I mean it when I say it, and I know that I'll be by her side no matter what.