3. Stephanie

3

STEPHANIE

A s Melody and I made our way through yet another state fair, surrounded by bustling crowds and the vibrant atmosphere, I couldn't shake a lingering sense of disappointment. It had been months since we had first attended the fair in search of a trainer for Phantom. But despite our best efforts, I still hadn't found anyone who met my standards.

Melody walked beside me, her expression a mixture of frustration and exhaustion as she glanced at the various booths and exhibits that lined the fairgrounds. She had been my steadfast companion throughout this journey, supporting me every step of the way. Still, I could sense the weariness creeping into her bones—a silent testament to the toll of our fruitless search on both of us.

"Steph, maybe we should take a break," Melody suggested, her voice tinged with concern. "We've been to almost every fair in Texas, and still . . . nothing."

I sighed, the weight of indecision like a leaden weight. "I know," I replied, my voice heavy with resignation. "But I can't shake the feeling that there's someone out there, someone who's perfect for Phantom. I just . . . I haven't found them yet."

Melody nodded, her expression sympathetic, yet a bit impatient. "I understand, Steph. But maybe it's time to lower our expectations a bit. Not every trainer is going to meet your standards, and Phantom deserves a chance to find his potential." I knew she was right, of course. Phantom deserved the best, someone who could help him unlock his true potential and bring out the best in him. But the thought of settling for anything less filled me with a sense of unease. My nagging doubts whispered of compromise and defeat.

But as we wandered through the fairgrounds, the sights and sounds of the bustling crowds washed over us like a tidal wave of energy. I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps Melody was on to something. Maybe it was time to broaden my search—to cast a wider net in the hope of finding someone who could help Phantom become the horse he was meant to be. With a heavy heart, I made a silent vow to myself—to keep searching. To keep fighting for Phantom's future.

As Melody and I wove through the lively atmosphere of the small-town fair, I couldn't help but hear the excited whispers and hushed conversations that seemed to follow us wherever we went.

The air crackled with anticipation and the energy of the crowd was palpable as we made our way through the bustling fairgrounds. Melody, always quick to pick up on the latest gossip, promised to do some digging among the fair staff to see what she could uncover. With a mischievous grin, she disappeared into the throng of people, leaving me to wander the fairgrounds alone, my mind buzzing with curiosity and excitement.

It wasn't long before Melody returned, her eyes shining with excitement as she practically bounced with enthusiasm. "Steph, you'll never believe it!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain herself.

"Ashlyn Beech is rumored to be here!"

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Ashlyn's name, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins at the mere thought of meeting the renowned horse trainer in person. Ashlyn Beech was a legend in the world of horse training, her name synonymous with success- skill and calmness with difficult horses -and there was a touch of mystery about her that only served to enhance her allure. She wasn't like most racing trainers. Sure, she had worked in racing, but she had also worked in the rodeo world. Ashlyn was a cowgirl at heart, her cowboy hat boots and belt that she wore 99% of the time would give that away.

"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief. "Here, at this small-town fair?"

Melody nodded eagerly, her excitement infectious as she recounted the rumors she had heard from the fair staff. "It's true, Steph! Apparently, she's been spotted wandering around the stables, checking out the horses, and chatting with the locals. This could be our chance to finally find a trainer for Phantom!"

A surge of hope welled up inside me, though still tempered by apprehension. Meeting Ashlyn Beech was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to learn from one of the best in the business.

But I couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at the edges of my excitement. What if Ashlyn wasn't interested in taking on a new client? What if she didn't see the same potential in Phantom that I did?

I glanced at Melody, whose eyes shone with determination and excitement. And I knew I couldn't let my fears hold me back. This was our chance, our opportunity to finally find a trainer who could help Phantom reach his full potential. And no matter what obstacles lay ahead, I was determined to seize the opportunity with both hands.

We were getting closer to the area where Ashlyn Beech was rumored to be. My heart raced with anticipation and my mind buzzed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. When I finally caught sight of her towering figure in the crowd, everything else seemed to fade away. She stood out in sharp relief against the bustling backdrop of the fairgrounds.

Ashlyn was about 5'7'' and a lean commanding presence, maybe ten years younger than me- I put her at mid 40s. Her long dark hair cascaded in easy waves past her shoulders under her hat, framing her tanned skin and striking green eyes. Her lean muscular frame exuded strength and confidence, every inch of her radiating an aura of power and authority that drew the attention of those around her.

She certainly could have passed for a woman in her 30s, but the way she carried herself and the way her eyes held a wisdom in them let me know she was closer to my own age.

She wore jeans and a plaid shirt and her long legs in tight denim drew my gaze.

Men flocked to her side like moths to a flame, their voices clamoring for her attention as they vied for her favor. Each was eager to impress her with tales of their prized horses. But Ashlyn Beech seemed almost bored by them, her expression cool and composed as she listened to their eager chatter with a detached air of indifference.

Despite the constant stream of men trying to get her to look at them, Ashlyn remained in complete control of the situation. Her presence commanded respect and admiration from all who dared approach her. Ashlyn had an air of confidence about her, a quiet assurance that spoke of years of experience and expertise in the world of horse training.

I watched her from a distance, feeling a sense of awe wash over me, mingled with a tinge of envy at the effortless way she held court. And yet, beneath the facade of strength and confidence, I sensed a vulnerability—a hint of loneliness somewhat like my own. With a deep breath, I gathered my courage and walked toward her, determined to introduce myself and to speak with her about Phantom. And as I drew closer, I couldn't help but wonder about what secrets lay hidden behind those piercing green eyes. What stories of triumph and adversity lay buried within the depths of her soul.

A sense of nervousness washed over me, though I was determined to make a good impression.

Years since retiring from the army and living this reclusive life and I no longer had the confidence I once had. My outfit, a simple yet elegant ensemble with a touch of southern charm, probably showed my Texan upbringing.

"Hi, I'm Stephanie Morley," I said, aware that my voice held a hint of southern drawl. I extended my hand toward Ashlyn. "I couldn't help but notice your presence here at the fair. It's . . . uh . . . nice to meet you." My words felt clumsy and awkward, a stark contrast to the effortless confidence that seemed to emanate from Ashlyn. But before I could embarrass myself any further, my eyes were drawn to the beautiful sorrel horse standing nearby. He was salivating and looking in discomfort. His head tilted and he was struggling to eat his hay. I suspected issues with his teeth.

Politely pausing the conversation with Ashlyn, I approached the horse's owner, my heart pounding with a mixture of concern and urgency. "Excuse me," I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "I couldn't help but notice that your horse is showing some signs of discomfort while eating. He looks to me like he is having dental issues- not sure if you are aware, but I just didn't want it to be missed."

The owner's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude, "Oh, thank you so much. I'm new to owning horses, I'll get the veterinarian to check him. Do you know what the issue is?"

"May I?" I asked, indicating the horse's mouth. She nodded her consent and I used my fingers to open the horse's mouth to examine him. I noticed the foul smell and the swelling of the gums around some of the teeth. I saw the excessive salivation.

"I suspect EOTRH," I said, confident in my diagnosis. "Your vet will do a quick surgery to extract the problem teeth, then he will advise you, but you should be easily able to manage the condition in the future."

She smiled and nodded her thanks. As I watched her lead the horse away, a sense of satisfaction washed over me, knowing that I had made a difference in the life of an animal in need. My medic training was never far away, and horses weren't that different to people.

Turning back to Ashlyn, I offered her a sheepish smile, hoping she wouldn't think less of me for my abrupt departure. "Sorry about that," I said, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just couldn't ignore the signs of distress in that horse. Anyway, it's . . . nice to meet you, Ashlyn."

Now that Ashlyn had seen the interaction between me and the horse's owner, her interest seemed to have deepened, and I couldn't help but notice the shift in her demeanor. Suddenly, she seemed intrigued, her gaze lingering on me with a newfound curiosity.

"So, Stephanie Morley," she began, her voice betraying her interest. "Are you a vet?"

I chuckled softly, a hint of self-deprecation coloring my response. "No, not exactly," I replied, feeling a rush of warmth at the genuine curiosity in Ashlyn's sharp green eyes. "I'm actually a doctor, but horses and humans- they aren't so different, medically at least."

Ashlyn's smile widened at my joke and she was beautiful in the sun under her cowboy hat, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at having elicited such a genuine reaction from her. She seemed to enjoy my sense of humor, which made me feel oddly validated in her presence.

"Well, you certainly seem to know your way around horses," Ashlyn remarked, her admiration clear in her voice. She was charming in her compliment and I liked it.

I shrugged modestly, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping into my cheeks. "I've always preferred horses to people," I admitted, my gaze drifting back to the horse that had caught my attention earlier. "They just seem to understand me, you know?"

Ashlyn nodded in understanding, her eyes sparkling with a newfound respect. Her gaze lingered on me curiously, but her question still caught me off guard. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Stephanie Morley. What brings you here?" she inquired, her voice genuine and warm.

Surprise rippled through me at being singled out by Ashlyn Beech. It seemed everyone else was there to ask her questions or vie for her attention, so her interest in me made me feel even more nervous.

But I gathered my composure and mustered a smile, grateful for the opportunity to converse with her.

"Oh, uh, thank you," I stammered slightly, my nerves betraying me despite my efforts to remain composed. "I'm here because . . . well, I own a ranch out east, and I'm looking for a trainer for my horse, Phantom."

As I spoke, I felt a rush of excitement mingled with apprehension. This was my chance to make a good impression on Ashlyn, to show her that I was serious about finding the best possible trainer for Phantom. And though the prospect of speaking to someone as renowned as Ashlyn was daunting, I knew I had to seize the opportunity before it slipped away.

As Ashlyn's expression shifted to one of disappointment at my explanation, I felt a pang of unease wash over me. Had I said something wrong? Was she not interested in helping me find a trainer for Phantom after all?

But before I could dwell on my self-doubt any further, Melody appeared at my side, clearly sensing the tension in the air. With a gentle nudge and a knowing glance, she said, "Why don't you tell Ashlyn a little about Phantom?" her voice filled with encouragement.

I nodded gratefully, seizing the opportunity to share my passion for Phantom with someone who might understand. "Phantom is . . . he's more than just a horse to me," I began, my voice softening with affection as I spoke of my beloved companion. "I rescued him from a difficult situation a few years ago, and ever since then, he's been a constant source of joy and challenge in my life."

As I spoke, I could feel the warmth of Ashlyn's gaze upon me, her interest piqued by my words.

Emboldened by her attention, I continued to paint a picture of Phantom's remarkable spirit and resilience, detailing his journey from a troubled past to the magnificent horse he had become.

"But despite all his strength and beauty, Phantom has always been . . . difficult," I admitted, a note of sadness creeping into my voice. "He's fiercely independent and stubborn, and I've struggled to

train him. To earn his trust and respect as a rider."

Ashlyn listened intently, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed each word I said. I continued to speak of my struggles and insecurities, a sense of vulnerability washing over me. Fear that Ashlyn would judge me for my shortcomings as a horse owner. But to my surprise, Ashlyn's response was one of understanding and empathy. "It sounds like you've been through a lot with Phantom," she remarked, her voice filled with genuine compassion. "But it also sounds like you care deeply for him, and that's what matters most."

Her words struck a chord within me, resonating with the deep love and affection I felt for Phantom. In that moment, I wondered if perhaps Ashlyn saw something in me that I hadn't seen in myself—a strength and resilience born from my unwavering commitment to the horse I loved. As our conversation continued, I found myself opening up to Ashlyn in a way I hadn't with anyone else in a very long time, sharing stories of Phantom's antics and triumphs with a newfound sense of pride. And with each passing moment, I could sense Ashlyn's interest in both me and the horse growing, her curiosity ignited by the bond that Phantom and I had shared and the challenges we had overcome together.

Ashlyn's hand touched my wrist in a gesture of support and I felt electricity sparking through me from her touch. Her eyes were kind and I felt connection with her. I felt my heartbeat quicken. I wanted more from her. More of her.

Something about Ashlyn Beech drew me right in. She was utterly charming and although I suspected I wasn't the only woman she had ever charmed she felt right. For Phantom and for me. She was the one I wanted on our journey with us.