Claiming What Is Mine

by Abby Brooks

  “What?”

  “She said I was being ridiculous. That I was nervous. That I was being selfish, and everything would be fine. Just one more time she wasn’t listening.” Meredith pushes the plate away. “And eventually I caved, and married the guy anyway. I’m just tired of it, you know. Of wanting one thing, but settling for something less, because of someone else. When that guy sat down like he had the right to take your chair. And I told him I wasn’t interested, and he just kept on like what I thought about it didn’t matter, it got to me. Like I said. It’s silly.”

  “It’s not. And I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. This is just me being too sensitive.”

  “Well, I promise…no…I swear that I will listen to you. Your thoughts. Your feelings. Your desires. They matter. You have a voice with me, Mer. If you don’t want pie, you will not have pie.” I pull her plate across the table and pick up my fork. “In fact, let me relieve you of what’s left of this burden.”

  “Oh no, mister.” She grabs the plate from me and slides it back to her side of the table. “Get your own.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Meredith

  Gabe leans around the wall separating the horse stalls. “Need help getting the bridle secure?”

  “No, I think I’ve almost got it.” I fiddle with the last buckle.

  Gabe leans back around the wall. “And you are sure this is safe for the baby?”

  I nod. “According to the internet, as long as we keep it at a walk, it’s perfectly safe through the first trimester.”

  He furrows his brow. “If you’re comfortable with it, I’ll trust your judgement. No such thing as being too careful, though. You know?”

  I turn to look Gabe in the eyes. “If you had your way, I’d be bedridden already.”

  “So? You’d be safe.”

  “Really? I’m ten weeks pregnant.” I bring my hand to my hip. “You want me to spend the next six months in bed? Just in case?”

  Taking the hint, Gabe changes the subject. “How long’s it been since you rode, anyway?”

  I stop to think before answering. “The last time I can remember was…just after college.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding? And you call yourself a farm girl?”

  I laugh out loud. “I don’t think that’s something I’ve ever called myself. At best I’m a girl who grew up on a farm.”

  Gabe walks over with his pinto Jigsaw in tow. “Sorry, Doll, but I fail to see the difference.”

  “Maybe there isn’t one, but the ranch was always my dad’s thing—and my brothers’ too, to a lesser extent. We didn’t have horses so, outside of collecting eggs from the chicken coop, all growing up there meant to me was I didn’t have friends nearby to play with.”

  “Didn’t have horses—it didn’t make sense to me then, and it doesn’t make sense to me now.”

  I shrug. “Our place isn’t as big as this and Daddy always used to say horses take too much care and feeding, and they aren’t any more reliable than a four-wheeler.”

  Gabe scoffs. “I don’t know about that. I’ve never seen a four-wheeler that could manage to get you home if you’re passed out drunk. But Jigsaw here?” He gently rubs the animal’s snout. “I trust him more than about any person I know. Present company excluded, of course.”

  “What about your family?”

  “Ha. I definitely trust him more than my brothers.” Gabe rubs his chin as he thinks. “I guess I trust Chet…and probably Jack too. But I’d never tell them that.”

  I shake my head. “You have a very different relationship with your brothers than I do with mine.”

  “Jealousy—it’s not a pretty thing,” he says.

  “Huh? Your brothers are jealous of your horse?”

  Gabe stares at me blankly for several seconds. “No. Of me. My brothers have always been jealous. I mean, I guess I can’t blame them. I kind of am the total package.” He smiles. “You need help getting up on Henrietta?” He bends down to pick up a stepstool tucked against the wall. “Here. Let’s start with this, and if it’s not tall enough, I’ll give you a little shove—from the rear.” Gabe’s face is all smile as he thrusts his hips forward, making little air humps.

  I laugh. “You are ridiculous.” When he finishes thrusting, he places the stool next to the horse and I slide my foot into the stirrup. With my hand firmly holding the saddle horn, I attempt to push/pull myself up. Fail. “Those soft chuckles I hear better not be coming from you,” I warn as I make a second attempt.

  “It’s not me. I think it was...” Gabe thumbs at his horse. “Here, let me help.” I feel his strong hands take hold on my hips. “Ready?”

  His touch melts me. “Hmm?” I snap back to reality. “Oh. Yeah. Ready when you are.” The third time is the charm (thanks to some assistance from Gabe’s magic touch).

  He inspects the buckles for tightness before strolling over to his animal and climbing into position, unassisted, in one quick motion.

  “Show off,” I tease.

  “How’s it feel? Being back in the saddle, I mean. Natural, like riding a bike? Or unnatural, like you’re about to fall off a horse?” Gabe asks as he prompts his horse in my direction.

  “Uhh, too soon to tell?” I take a breath to steady my nerves while I reorient to being on horseback.

  “Why don’t I take the lead out of the barn? We can walk the fence until you’re comfortable, sound okay? Henrietta will do most of the work if you let her.”

  I lean forward and rub Henrietta’s neck while I whisper into her ear. “Be gentle with me today, okay? I’m carrying precious cargo.” She responds with a quiet nicker.

  Gabe clicks his tongue and calls to Henrietta. Chk chk. “Come on girl.” And, voila, the mare eases us forward.

  What would otherwise be a hot, uncomfortable August afternoon is picture perfect. Fluffy clouds fill the sky, tempering the summer sun. A breeze blows, steady and cool across the grassland as we explore the ranch. Gabe patiently leads, occasionally falling back to check on me and sharing stories about his experiences growing up on the land. We cross a small creek and climb a narrow path that seems like it leads nowhere, but after cresting the hill our view opens to a beautiful, sloping hillside adorned with a single twisted pine.

  “Gabe. The view. It’s…” I struggle to find a word befitting the sight in front of me. “…awesome.”

  He pulls on the reins and halts his horse until I catch up. “Wow. You’re right. I’ve only ever been out here when I was working cattle, I guess I never stopped long enough to appreciate the landscape. Gabe points to the tree. “Looks like someone has, though. Judging by that circle of rocks.”

  “Who would’ve done that?” I ask.

  “It could only be Chet. I don’t think Hank is capable of appreciating this.” Gabe sweeps his arm in front of him, indicating the view of the mountains in the distance. “Best case, he’d come flying over the hill on a four-wheeler and crash into the tree.”

  “I can almost see it.” I laugh. “Want to stop here for a while?”

  “Well, how are you feeling? I actually had another spot in mind, if you’re up to it.”

  I pat Henrietta’s shoulder. “She’s taking good care of us both.”

  Gabe smiles. “Good. Let’s get to it then, shall we?” He leads us down the hillside and around a bend in the path. We wander through a meadow, sprinkled with wildflowers.

  Gabe is several lengths ahead. “How lovely,” I call out. “Is this the spot you wanted to show me?”

  Gabe turns back. “This?” He chuckles. “No, this is just a pasture that’s overdue to be cut or get the cows out grazing. The place I want to show you is a little more impressive. At least, I hope you think so.”

  More impressive than the view of the mountains before? More impressive than this? “Alright then, lead on.” Eventually, we make our way across the meadow to the tree line.

  Without turning back, Gabe calls out, “Almost there.”

  With Henrietta doing all the
work, I lose myself to my thoughts, appreciating the temperature change, thanks to the shade overhead. I wonder how many other jaw dropping panoramas the Wilde’s have just outside their door.

  “Hey.” Gabe’s voice catches my attention. “You better stop or she’s liable to take you right up to the water’s edge for a drink.”

  My jaw drops as I take in the landscape. Smack dab in the middle of an otherwise thick area of spruce and pine trees, we stand in a small clearing carved out by a quaint little pond. The faintest sound of running water from a small stream that feeds the pond mixes with birds chirping in the trees. I exhale a deep breath. “It’s so peaceful. Is this a place you come when you need to get away from, whatever?”

  Gabe climbs down from his horse, allowing him to wander over to the water. “Honestly? The thought never crossed my mind before today.”

  “You’re kidding.” I lift my leg over the saddle. “Even with the effort it takes to get here, I’d want to come back every day.”

  “Whoa. Just hang on a sec, would you?” Gabe rushes over to steady the mare as I attempt to climb down. And not a moment too soon, because she shifts, causing me to fall back. “Easy. I’ve got you,” Gabe says as he catches me in his arms.

  I look up at him. “My hero.”

  “Jeez, woman. Are you alright?” His eyes are filled with worry.

  “Never been better.” I smile.

  Gabe retrieves a couple of blankets from the horses and lays them out for us to sit. “I’ve probably been here a hundred times over the years. Usually tracking a straggler who wandered into the woods and found the water. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always thought it seemed like it was worthy of a love scene in a movie, but when you’re trying to keep up with a head of cattle, you don’t always have time to stop and smell the roses. You know? Until today. I wanted to bring you some place special and this seemed like it fit the bill.”

  I wrap my arms around his waist. “It most definitely fits the bill. Thank you,” I say, before leaning in and kissing him. Gabe and I lie on the blankets and stare up at the sky, calling out the different shapes we see in the clouds while we enjoy the sounds of nature.

  Gabe sits up, resting his weight on his elbows. “I hate to leave, but we should probably head back soon.”

  “Do we have to?” I whine.

  “At a walking pace, it’ll take a while. Plus…” He pauses.

  “Plus, what?” I ask.

  “Plus, who knows how long it’ll take to get you back up on that horse.” Gabe shifts away, laughing as he anticipates my reaction.

  I narrow my eyes. “You think you’re pretty funny, huh?”

  “Uhh.” Gabe clears his throat. “Usually.” His voice cracks. “Yes.”

  “Imagine how funny it’ll be when we show up back at the house, with both horses in tow and me riding on your back. Because that’s plan B, if you don’t get me up on my horse, bub.”

  Gabe stands and extends his hand to help me up. “Got it. Well then, let’s get you squared away. As many tries as it takes. I’m in. It just means more time touching your ass.” Gabe smiles as he takes my hands in his and pulls me to my feet, then rolls up the blankets and tucks them under his arm.

  I sigh. “I hate to leave, it’s so peaceful.”

  “If it’s any consolation, I have something else in mind for us when we get back.” Gabe looks around. “Not quite the same as this, but I think you’ll like it.”

  While Gabe secures the blankets, I rub Henrietta’s neck and whisper into her ear. “Remember what I said earlier? Please be patient with me, now. I’m not the most graceful. Okay?”

  “Ready?” Gabe asks as he takes the reins.

  I blow a heavy breath out through my mouth. “As I’ll ever be.” My foot barely lifts high enough to slide into the stirrup, but with both of his hands on my waist, Gabe practically lifts me up into position on his own.

  “There, that wasn’t so bad. We got it on the first try.” He mocks me with deep heavy breaths as he pretends to barely have any strength left to climb back onto his horse.

  “You really know how to make a lady feel special.” I roll my eyes. “I’ll follow you,” I say, as we leave.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Meredith

  The ride back is quiet. By the time we wipe down the horses, brush them, and put them up, I am all yawns.

  “You look ready for a nap,” Gabe says as we exit the barn.

  I yawn again. “Well, if you’re offering, I wouldn’t turn down an afternoon cuddled in bed together.”

  “Actually…I have an errand I need to run.” Gabe stops in the driveway, turning to face me. “How about a raincheck? You can have the bed all to yourself.” He smiles. “Huh? Stretch out and get some rest while I take care of it.”

  My smile falls. “That doesn’t sound nearly as fun,” I pout.

  “Trust me. It’ll be good.”

  Gabe and I walk arm in arm up the porch steps. He hugs me in the doorway. “Make yourself comfortable. Get some rest. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

  Attempting my best cute temper tantrum, I stomp my feet in protest. He bends down to kiss me and lightly nuzzles my nose before pulling away.

  “Sweet dreams,” he says as he leaves.

  I yawn again. Maybe I’ll just close my eyes for a minute or two.

  I wake to the clinking of plates and a faint smell of something delicious. I can’t place the aroma, but my nose and stomach fully approve of whatever it is. I stretch away as much sleepiness as I can and wander downstairs to investigate.

  “Hey there beautiful,” Gabe calls from the kitchen. “Sorry if the noise woke you, I was trying to get all of this ready before I came up to get you.”

  My eyes roam across the cartons of Chinese food littering the counter. “What is all this?”

  Gabe lifts his chin. “My errand. I figured the odds were in my favor that you were going to get hungry sooner or later, and when I noticed you were tired I saw my opportunity to grab us something tasty. So. Tada!”

  “You drove all the way to town and back just to get Chinese food?” I wipe the last of the sleep from my eyes. “You didn’t have an errand after all?”

  Gabe wraps his arms around me. “I drove all the way to town and back just to get you Chinese food. What errand could be more important than that?”

  I can’t believe my eyes. He did this all for me? On a whim?

  “Thank you.” I press my head against his muscular chest.

  Gabe smiles. “Well, don’t thank me yet. I wasn’t sure what you like, so I tried to pick a little of everything. There’s white and fried rice—as well as lo mein noodles, in case that’s more your speed. As for appetizers, we have crab rangoons, some pot stickers, egg rolls…oh, and soup. I picked up some egg drop soup, too.” He points to a carton of food. “For the main course, we’ve got general tso’s chicken, a staple entrée as far as I’m concerned. And I think this one is the moo shu pork. Over here we have broccoli chicken, and that one over there must be the…I think it’s called happy family.” Gabe shrugs. “Just don’t ask me what’s in it—I was going for variety—so I took a chance. Hopefully something in here sounds appetizing.” Gabe looks at me, eagerly waiting for my reaction.

  I stretch up on my toes and cup his cheeks in my hands to get his undivided attention. “Thank you. For all of this. But?” I laugh. “What are we going to do with all this food? There’s so much and it must’ve cost a fortune.”

  “Don’t worry about that. Whatever we don’t eat now will feed me for a week. And if I get tired of it, there’s always Hank, or worst case, Marry.” He smiles. “Now, please tell me you’re hungry.”

  “You brought a Chinese buffet home for me?” I survey the counter full of food again. “I think I could eat.”

  The meal is delicious. I know because I eat a little too much of everything he brought home. “Oh Gabe.” I tear my last crab rangoon in half before popping part of it into my mouth. “Everything was so good.”

 
; “Yeah?” Gabe sits back in his seat. “Well then, mission accomplished.”

  “What about you?” I ask. “What was your favorite thing?”

  “Watching you enjoy yourself,” he answers.

  Part of me wonders how long he’s had that answer in his pocket waiting for the chance to use it. But then I realize, for him to have gone to all this trouble, it must be true.

  My gaze follows Gabe as he looks out at the evening sun and, for the first time since waking up, I realize how late in the day it is. “I feel like I wasted our afternoon napping and I feel bad.”

  Gabe turns his attention back to me. “Why?”

  I nod my head at the window. “Because we lost half the day.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You were sleepy, weren’t you?”

  I nod.

  “Then how could it have been a waste?”

  “I don’t know. It’s just…you’re so busy. I don’t want to waste a minute of our time together. And now, the day is almost over.” I look down at the table. “Before long, it’ll be time for me to go.”

  Gabe leans across the table, and with his index finger on my chin, he carefully lifts my face back to his. “Why? Have some place else to be? Who says you have to leave soon?”

  “I don’t know.” I pause. “It’s getting late, and you get up so early. And I know you need your sleep.”

  Gabe slides back his chair. “Come on. I have one more trick up my sleeve.” He stands and motions for me to follow. On the porch, I begin to walk towards the chairs to sit, but Gabe takes me by the hand, pulling me forward, towards the barn.

  “Gabe, the ride was fun, but I don’t think I have another one in me today.”

  “I’ve got something way better in mind,” he whispers.