13. Stephanie

13

STEPHANIE

R eflecting on the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me over the past few days, I couldn't quite believe how quickly things had changed between Ashlyn and me. From our first meeting at the fair to the sexual encounters, to our heartfelt conversations at the ranch, each moment had left an indelible mark on me.

The date had been nothing short of magical, a perfect blend of simplicity and intimacy that had allowed us to connect on a deeper level. As we sat together on the picnic blanket, exchanging stories and sharing laughs, I'd felt a warmth radiating from Ashlyn that had enveloped me in a cocoon of comfort and affection.

And then there had been the sex. Oh, the sex. Her hands were magical in what they could do and had done to me. I just wanted her more and more of it.

But within the blissful haze of newfound love, there lingered a shadow of uncertainty, a nagging doubt that threatened to dampen the joyous spirit of our budding romance. It was the question of

my past, of the secrets I carried within me from my time in the army. The hidden knowledge weighed heavily on my mind, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Ashlyn had probed gently about my reasons for leaving the army, but I found myself struggling to find the words to explain, to articulate the pain and trauma that had driven me to seek the solace of the ranch. My memories were still raw, even years later, the wounds still tender, and the thought of reliving those painful moments filled me with a sense of dread.

"I'm not ready to talk about it yet," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper as I met Ashlyn's gaze with a mixture of sadness and apprehension.

In that moment, I saw the genuine concern and understanding reflected back at me in Ashlyn's eyes. And as she shared fragments of her own past with me, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her willingness to open up and confide in me. Her stories of defying gender stereotypes and finding solace in the company of horses resonated deeply with me. I found myself hanging on her every word, captivated by the strength and resilience she exuded.

But within the tales of her childhood and her journey to becoming the accomplished equestrian Ashlyn was today, there was a shadow of uncertainty due to the looming question of Phantom. This was a topic that had been on my mind ever since Ashlyn had arrived at the ranch. It had become like a silent presence that hovered in the background, waiting to be acknowledged.

Whenever the conversation turned to Phantom, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity mingled with apprehension. I had seen the potential within the spirited horse and felt the raw power and energy that pulsed through his veins. However, I also knew the risks involved in pushing him too far, too fast.

"Tell me about Phantom," I prompted gently, my voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and concern. "What do you see for him? What are your plans?" A renowned horse trainer, she should be able to give me a better picture now.

"We have to get him racing. He is fast- I cross checked the times we took for him on the track. It is in his blood, of course. He looks so much like his father, Obsidian Storm and he runs like him too. And then, well, let's see what he qualifies for. See how he likes it."

But beneath her confident exterior, I sensed a flicker of doubt, a hint of vulnerability that belied her stoic facade. It was clear that Phantom held a special place in Ashlyn's heart and the thought of that made me happy.

As Ashlyn spoke, I found myself drawn to the passion and determination that shone in her eyes. Her unwavering belief in Phantom's abilities mirrored my own hopes and dreams for the future. She patiently addressed each of my questions, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for her guidance and expertise. Ashlyn's calm demeanor and thoughtful responses reassured me,

easing any lingering concerns I had about Phantom's future.

"What if Phantom isn't a derby horse?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Ashlyn's response was reassuring. "Every horse is unique, Stephanie," she replied, her tone confident yet compassionate. "While I have every confidence in Phantom's abilities, it's

important to remember that not every racehorse will make the Kentucky Derby- it is the biggest race in the states. If he doesn't excel in competitive racing, we'll find another path for him—one that plays to his strengths and allows him to thrive." Her words resonated with me, offering a sense of comfort and perspective. I nodded, silently

acknowledging her wisdom.

"Look how far we have come, already. Most of the time he is calm now, easier to manage, rideable- mostly. Phantom will have a future, but whether it is amongst the stars is yet to be determined."

Next, I asked about the financial aspect of training and competing a horse at the Derby level.

"How much would it cost?" I asked, my gaze steady as I awaited Ashlyn's response.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts before replying. "Training and competing a horse to that level can be a significant investment," she explained, her voice calm, yet confident. "There are costs associated with everything—as soon as we start going to the track and race meets. And you can't forget entry fees and travel expenses. But with the right strategy and support, I believe we can manage the financial aspect effectively and ensure that Phantom has everything he needs to succeed. At least with me you are getting a bargain," she laughed.

Ashlyn's assurance was settling. I felt a renewed sense of confidence in our ability to navigate the financial challenges ahead. As we continued to speak about this, she outlined the steps we would take to begin Phantom's training journey. Ashlyn's enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself becoming increasingly excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.

However, I had another concern. "Could this type of training set him back?" I asked, my voice laced with apprehension. Ashlyn's response was thoughtful and empathetic. "There's always the possibility of setbacks in any endeavor, Stephanie," she replied gently. "But with careful planning and attentive care, we can minimize the risks and ensure that Phantom's progress remains steady and consistent. It's all about finding the right balance and listening to what Phantom needs along the way."

Her words resonated with me, offering a sense of reassurance and confidence in our ability to overcome any obstacles that might arise. However, I did notice that Ashlyn's positive words contradicted her somewhat closed body language. Perhaps something was wrong. "What about you?" I asked softly, looking her right in the eyes as I did.

Ashlyn's expression softened, her gaze meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.

"What about me?" she echoed, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I hesitated for a moment, the weight of my question hanging in the air between us. "You've shared so much with me about Phantom and your plans for him," I began, my tone gentle, yet probing. "But what about your own dreams and aspirations? What do you hope to achieve through all of this?"

There was a flicker of hesitation in Ashlyn's eyes, a brief moment of uncertainty before she composed herself. "I suppose . . . I hope to see Phantom reach his full potential," she replied, her words carefully chosen. "To prove to everyone who has doubted him that he's capable of greatness."

Her response was measured and guarded, lacking the depth and sincerity I had come to expect from her. But I chose not to press the issue, sensing that there were layers to Ashlyn's story that she wasn't ready to share.

Instead, I offered her a supportive smile, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. "I believe in you, Ashlyn," I said softly. "And I know that together, we can make Phantom's racing dreams a reality."

She returned my smile, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ashlyn's story than she was letting on.

I found Melody in the barn, her hands busy with the daily care of one of our older horses. I couldn't contain my excitement as I approached her, eager to share the news that had been swirling around in my mind all day. "Hey, Mel," I called out, my voice tinged with anticipation.

Melody turned, a warm smile lighting up her face as she greeted me. "Hey there, Steph. What's got you all fired up?"

I couldn't help but grin as I launched into an animated explanation. "You won't believe it, but Ashlyn has come up with a plan for Phantom. She wants to enter him in the local derby here in Texas to

see how he copes with race life."

Melody's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of excitement and curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Wow, that's amazing news! Do you think he's ready for something like that?"

I nodded eagerly, my enthusiasm bubbling over. "I think so. Ashlyn has been working with him tirelessly, and he's been responding really well to her training. It's a big step, but I have faith in both of them."

Melody's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I'm so happy for you, Stephanie. It sounds like things are really coming together for you and Phantom."

I nodded, pride swelling in my chest. "Yeah, it feels like we're on the right track. And who knows? Maybe this will be the beginning of something truly incredible."

"But what about Ashlyn?" she asked, her brow furrowing with concern. "Do you trust her completely?"

I paused, a flicker of doubt creeping into my mind as I considered Melody's question. I hesitated, my mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. "I want to," I admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "But there's something . . . off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel like Ashlyn is hiding something from me."

Melody's expression softened with understanding, her eyes filling with sympathy. "Trust your instincts, Steph," she advised gently. "If something feels wrong, it probably is. But don't jump to conclusions just yet. Maybe there's a good reason she's keeping things from you."

I nodded, grateful for Melody's wisdom and support. "You're right," I conceded, a sense of relief washing over me. "I'll keep an eye on things, but I won't let my worries cloud my judgment. Right now, I need to focus on Phantom, on making sure he's ready for the derby."

Melody nodded in agreement, her smile encouraging. "That's the spirit, Steph. We'll figure this out together, just like we always do."

"All right! Let's get down to business," Melody said, a determined glint in her eye. "The derby's a week away, so we need to make sure everything's in order."

I nodded, feeling a surge of adrenaline at the thought of the upcoming race. "Agreed. First things first. We need to get Phantom registered," I replied, mentally running through the list of tasks

ahead. "Then we'll need to practice loading him into the horsebox. He's been a bit hesitant lately, and we can't afford any hiccups on race day."

Melody nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "And we'll need to schedule a vet check to make sure he's in top form," she added, ticking off items on an imaginary checklist.

I sighed, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. "There's just so much to do," I murmured, feeling a knot of anxiety forming in my stomach. "And that's not even counting the financial aspect. The entry fees, the registration costs, the vet bills, the travel expenses . . . . It's all adding up, Melody."

Melody's brow furrowed with concern as she reached out to squeeze my hand. "I know, Steph. But we'll figure it out together," she reassured me, her voice steady and reassuring. "We've faced tough times before and we've always come out stronger on the other side. We'll find a way to make it work."

Her words were a balm to my frazzled nerves, and I felt gratitude for Melody's friendship wash over me. I knew that we could overcome any obstacle that stood in our way. And as we continued to strategize and plan for the upcoming race, I felt a renewed sense of determination to see it through to the end, no matter what challenges lay ahead.