"My boy," he muttered, running a hand along Atlas' coat.
Atlas responded by nudging him, strong but familiar. A small laugh slipped as he gently patted the horse.
"Alright, alright, calm down. I miss you too, buddy. Let's be good to each other today, yeah?"
naturally.
As if recognizing his scent, Atlas snorted and stepped forward with confidence. Competitive as always, like even time apart hadn't changed anything between them.
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That was why today's practice mattered.
Months could pass between one season and the next. Family members scattered across countries, continents, buried beneath meetings, university schedules, social obligations, and responsibilities that seemed to multiply with age.
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"Morning, old girl."
Mr. Eastwood paused beside one of the stalls and watched as the mare stretched her neck toward him.
A horse never forgot. They remembered voices. Hands. The rhythm of a rider's seat.
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Still, if she ever chose to be with someone, he expected her to receive at least the same level of care and consideration he had always shown her.
Elias only stared at him for a moment before rubbing a hand over his face. He was lost for words.
𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗜𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆 / 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
The quietness between the sound of footsteps, the noise hidden within the crowd, and the perfect lighting were exactly what Alex needed after work.
"Means not just anyone can get close to Arabella."
Alex meant every word. He knew his niece was focused on her studies and wasn't particularly interested in relationships at the moment.
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"The purpose of today's exercise isn't speed. It isn't competition, either. The annual hunt requires trust. Trust in your horse. Trust in your team. Trust in yourself."
"Consider today a reminder of all three." | https://t.co/dhtr9Ev89p
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