“Do you wanna pick the movie while I set everything up?” he asks as he kisses my cheek while sitting up.
Still lying on the couch, my eyes roam over his body as he stands and stretches. With his arms above his head and his back slightly arched, I watch, fascinated by the muscles that cover his stomach as they constrict beneath his black fitted T-shirt. My eyes roam over the rippling contours that peek at me through the space between his jeans and shirt. I can’t believe he’s mine, and I hope that when the summer draws to an end, it’ll still be that way. Suddenly, desire takes over the dread that lays like a rock in the pit of my stomach. I clear my throat, not trusting myself to speak, because the way I’m looking at Wes right now, my voice can’t be trusted. “What do you feel like watching?” I ask huskily. Damn it! My voice betrayed me anyhow.
A devilish grin splays across his lips as he looks down on me. I shrug my shoulders and feign innocence. “What?”
“Were you checking me out?”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe?” He leans over me and braces himself with one arm on the back of the couch, the other on the cushion next to my head.
I nod, smiling back at him as he moves in closer. His lips only a fraction away from mine, he asks again, “Maybe?”
A giggle escapes as I answer, “Yes! Okay. I was checking you out. You’re hot. What can I say?”
He kisses me and mumbles against my lips, “And you’re sexy. Now pick out the movie and meet me outside in about twenty minutes.” Wes pushes himself up from the couch; he walks away as if nothing just happened.
“Why outside?” I yell out just as he shoves the screen door open.
“Just do it!” he shouts, walking out of the house.
Twenty minutes later, I walk outside, movie in hand, and stop short of the first porch step when I see what Wes had in mind for a movie.
He has his truck pulled up on the side of the barn. The tailgate faces the wood panels of the structure. As I walk closer, I see a white sheet, loosely, secured into the shingles on the roof. It hangs down in front of the closed stall windows, almost touching the ground. My fingers skim against the soft, cotton material as the gentle breeze causes it to ripple in the wind. I’m startled when a bright white light shines onto the fabric. “Sorry about that,” Wes says from behind me.
“Where did y’all get that big ass sheet?” I ask curiously. I had no clue a sheet that big existed.
“My parents special ordered it.”
I turn to look at him. A smile forms on my face when I see what he’s done. Pillows and blankets lie like a pallet in the bed of his truck. He’s standing on the hood, strategically placing a projector on the top of the cab. “Can I help with anything?”
“Naw… I’m good. Just sit your sexy, little ass in the bed of my truck and get comfortable.”
“Yes sir,” I reply as I climb onto the tailgate.
“That’s right. I’ve trained you well,” he jokes as he looks up at me from hooking up more wires.
A boisterous laugh escapes me as I settle back against some of the pillows. “You wish. Besides, I thought you like being called Daddy.”
“Daddy, Sir, God… it’s all the same.” He shrugs as I continue to laugh at him. “What movie did you pick out?”
“What Happens in Vegas. But are we able to watch it, you know, with the whole projector thing going on?”
He looks down at me with a puzzled look. “Yes. You don’t worry about this. I got it.”
Instead of making some snarky comment, I salute him. I can’t help but laugh when he rolls his eyes at me. Without any warning, he jumps into the bed of the truck, scaring the shit out of me. My hand flies to my chest as I try to catch my breath. Now, he’s the one laughing at me. “You think you’re funny?” I poke him in his side as he takes a seat next to me.
He nods. “I do. I’m glad you noticed. I was beginning to think I was lame.”
“You’re such a dork.”
“A dork you love.”
“I do. And lame? Never.” I curl up next to him as he pulls a blanket over us. We snuggle closer together as he turns on the movie.
At some point during the middle of the movie, I hear a sound coming from the barn. I rub my hand across Wes’ stomach. “Did you hear that?” I whisper. No response. I tilt my head back to look up at him, only to see that he’s asleep. I smile as I take in his sleeping form. His lips are relaxed and barely parted, eyes completely sealed shut, and breathing even. He looks so sexy, and all mine. I’m brought back to the present when I hear the strangled sound again. “Wes? Wes, wake up.”
“Hmm… What’s up?” he asks sleepily as his eyes flutter open. He squints against the brightness of the light against the cloth as it reflects back onto us.
“There’s something going on in the barn.” My voice is low. I don’t think someone’s in there, but you never know.
“What do you mean?”
“Listen.” He reaches for the remote to the side of him and mutes the movie. We sit in silence for what seem like hours, but actually, are probably only minutes or seconds. Hearing it again, I ask, “Tell me you heard that?”
“I did.” He nods. Wes tosses the blanket back and stands. He looks at me and says, “Stay here. I’m gonna go and check it out. It’s probably just a coyote.”
“What?” I ask with wide eyes.
“Stay here, Kenleigh. I mean it.” The sternness in his tone tells me he’s dead serious.
A part of me is left aghast because he’s never spoken to me like that before. But another part of me is kind of turned on, not that I would tell him that. Then there is another part of me, an argumentative part, that wants to tell him to go and screw himself, but I don’t. Instead, I sit there quietly and watch him walk away. Instinctively, I pull the blanket up, wrapping it tightly around myself like a shield of some sort.
I’m startled when I hear Wes shouting my name from inside the barn. Immediately, the blanket is thrown back, and I’m hopping out of the back of the truck, and sprinting toward the barn. Completely winded, I skid to a halt when I see him kneeling down halfway inside a stall. Autumn’s stall. “What’s going on?” I ask, worried that something has happened to her or her foal.
“She’s in labor, I think. Come here, and help me, please.”
Unsure of what I might see, I proceed with caution. I peek around the wooden beam and into her stall, only to see her lying on the floor. Piles of hay surround her large body. Autumn’s stomach tightens and releases with each contraction. I can tell her breathing’s labored, and it makes me feel awful because there is nothing I can do for her. Wes stands and pulls me back as he closes the stall door. “What do we do?” I quietly ask.
“I’m gonna go in the house and call my dad. Hopefully, they’re on their way home. Just stay in here and watch over her.”
I know I said when I found out she was pregnant that I wanted to be there when she delivered, but now, I’m not so sure. I feel helpless in this moment as I listen to the muffled sounds and whimpers escaping her. I stand, fixated on the scene before me. My eyes feel like they are about to pop out of my head when a clear bag with a blue tint to it starts to peek its way through. “Good job, Autumn,” I coo, offering her words of encouragement. She looks at me, and when our eyes connect, I find within me a renewed strength to coach her through this. “That’s it, Girl. You’re doing so well. Are you gonna give us a filly or colt?” My voice is soft as I speak to her from outside her stall.
“They’re here,” Wes says as he jogs into the barn. “When I called they were already—” he stops mid-sentence when he looks and sees what I’m seeing. “Holy shit,” he whispers.
“Where is she? Is she okay?” Mr. Will asks, running into the barn with Mrs. Sandy hot on his heels.
I turn to them and answer. “I think she’s fine. To me, it looks like she’s almost done.”
Mr. Will nods and slowly makes his way into her stall. “Hey Wes, why don’t you and Kenleigh go on inside. We’ll let y’al
l know when she’s done. The less people around, the less stress she has to endure. Sandy, can you bring me some blankets from the storeroom please?”
Wes grips my elbow to pull me away from one of the most amazing things I’ve ever had the privilege of watching, while Mrs. Sandy does what her husband asks.
Once we’re outside, Wes tightens his grip on my arm, stopping me in my tracks. I turn to look at him. The smile he’s wearing makes me catch my breath. “I heard you in there.”
“Huh?” I ask confused.
“Talkin’ Autumn down. I don’t know what it is or what it was, but you calmed her down.”
“Oh. Actually, I think I was doing it more for myself than anything else. Of course, I couldn’t stand to see her in pain like that, and I know it’s a part of life, but…” I trail off with a shrug my shoulders. There’s only one other time in my life where I’ve felt completely helpless, and I’ve come a long way since then. I hate that feeling more than anything else.
“You okay, Babe?” He releases me, only to wrap his arm around my waist. Wes is always so concerned about me, and it’s nice to have someone other than family to care as much as he does.
I step into his embrace and lean my head against his chest. Inhaling deeply, I let the scent of musk and woods, the scent of him, calm me. I turn my head and listen to his steady heartbeat before I answer. “Yeah. I’m good now.” My answer is honest, and I squeeze him tighter to me. And for the first time in my life, I actually feel good.
With this being the last week of camp, it’s going to be bittersweet to say the least. I’ve watched Bailey and the others come a long way. Bailey isn’t the closed off girl that avoided people anymore. Now, she’s so much more. Getting her to open up wasn’t easy, but I have enjoyed reaping the benefits since she has. Her smile that was non-existent now holds a place on her beautiful face. I’d like to say that I’m the only one who’s helped her, but I can’t take all the credit. John has been the one that’s really drawn her out of the darkness and into the light.
“What are you doin’ out here?” Mrs. Sandy asks as she sits down next to me on the porch steps.
I take a sip of my coffee. “Just thinking, and watching the sunrise.” I turn to her with a smile.
She nods before taking a drink of her own coffee. “I can’t believe this is the last week of camp.”
“I know. It went by way too fast.” My melancholy doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I agree, but is something else bothering you?”
Of course, Mrs. Sandy would know there’s something else. I nod. “It’s this whole thing between me and Wes. I’ve tried to talk to him about what will happen between us when I have to leave, but every time I try and bring it up, he just sweeps the whole conversation under the rug.” I sigh and turn my attention back to the horizon. The first rays of bright orange blend with the yellow hues of the rising sun as it begins to peek over the hills.
“Please, don’t think he doesn’t care. I know he does. You both still have a couple weeks left here. Give it some time. Okay?” I nod before I take another drink of coffee. “Things have a way of working themselves out when you least expect them to.”
“The way this summer has been going, I’m beginning to think you’re right, Mrs. Sandy.” In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve ever spoken truer words.
“You know, there are very few things in life that we are guaranteed.” The quizzical look on my face must speak volumes as she continues. “We are born into this life and we are taken from it. The sun will always rise in the east and set in the west. We will all experience our own extreme highs and extreme lows. But, it’s not the guarantees that make this life worth living. It’s the surprises. It’s the fight that we have within ourselves to make this the life that we were meant to live. Sometimes, we have to step into the shadows to see the meaning of true light.” She pats my knee and pulls my attention from the sunrise. She stands and looks down at me with a smile. “On another note, I’m gonna make everyone a big ol’ breakfast before the kids arrive.”
“Need any help?”
“No. Take your time out here. Enjoy this beautiful sunrise,” she says as she walks away, disappearing into the house.
As the door closes behind her, I ponder Mrs. Sandy’s words for a while. The red, orange, and golden rays of the rising sun highlight against my skin. A breakthrough as I have never felt before surges through me. I’ve spent my fair share of time in the shadows. I’ve overcome debilitating depression. A depression so strong, that at times I thought I was drowning. There were moments I thought I’d never live to feel the warmth of happiness coursing through my veins. And now? Now, I’m finally basking in the light. The light of Wes. The light of us. The light of our love.
“Is this seat taken?”
The rough, burly voice of Mr. Will pulls me from my thoughts. I look up at him and shake my head. “No.”
“May I?” he asks, gesturing to the opposite side of the stair that I’m perched on.
“Of course.”
“You’re up early.”
“I know. I wanted to watch the sunrise. When I go back to campus, I won’t get days like these.”
“It’s nice, isn’t it? The way the morning rays cascade along the hills.”
“Yeah,” I reply with a nod. “I really enjoy how the sun touches the peaks of the hills before it blankets the valleys.”
“But you know that eventually, the light will touch everything.” Peering at me out of the corner of his eye, he adds, “Sandy and I, we’re really glad that you have decided to come back this summer.”
“Me, too. Y’all know I love being here. It’s hard for me to believe it’s almost over.”
“Yeah. Look, I know I’m not a big talker, but thank you.”
My eyebrows furrow as I ask, “For what?”
“For saving my son,” he replies quietly.
“Mr. Will?”
“No. Hear me out. I know he’s gotten better. His mother and I went through a lot with him when he moved to Dallas. I’m sure he’s told you, or at least I hope he has.”
I nod in agreement.
“Well, then there’s no need for me to rehash everything, but even after he quit all the drinking, there has been this bleakness, hollowness in his eyes.” He rakes a hand through his salt and peppered hair as he takes a deep breath. “For a while now, we’ve been so worried about him. I know I’m not the most affectionate man, but I love my son. After you left last summer, my meddling wife would call Wes every day just to talk about you. For some reason, she knew that once he met you, he’d change. You have put a spark back into my son’s eye. I can’t pin point what it is, but I can tell he’s happier. You’re a good person, Kenleigh; you are good for him. You’re genuine, sincere, kindhearted, and honest. We all saw it last summer, and now, my son has, too.”
We sit in silence while we wait for the rest of the sun to make its appearance above the horizon. Honestly, I’m blown away by Mr. Will’s confession. I’ve never pictured myself as that person he just described. I feel the tears beginning to form. With everything in me, I will them to stop as I screw my eyes tightly shut. Finally, feeling more in control of my emotions, I clear my throat as I look at Wes’ dad. “Mr. Will? Your son saved me too,” I reply softly.
He reaches over with a grin and squeezes my shoulder. “You saved each other.”
No more words need to be said. It’s a silent understanding that’s been spoken between us. Movement catches my eye. I look at Mr. Will as he stands. “Well, I’m gonna head on in there.” He nods toward the house, looks at his watch, and adds, “In about an hour, the kids should be arriving. Make sure you eat something, okay?”
“Yes, Sir,” I answer, sending him a genuine smile.
An hour later, I’m dressed and feeling like I’m in a food coma from breakfast. June, the filly that Autumn foaled, is just as beautiful as her momma is. Her dark, brown coat dotted with white spots is just as rich, and her deep, brown eyes stare back at me with such recog
nition. As I stand here, leaning against the stall, I’m still amazed. I know I didn’t get to see the entire birthing process, but I saw enough to realize the miracle of life. There was a point in my life that I actually wished that the fire that took my parents would have taken me too, but now, I’m thankful for the life I’ve been given. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to live.
“What are you doin’?”
I turn my head in the direction of Bailey’s singsong voice as she skips her way over to me. “Come and see.” I nod my head in the direction of June.
“Oh my gosh!” Bailey’s squeal of excitement causes my shoulders to hunch. “She had her baby? I can’t believe it. Kenleigh, she’s so pretty. Wait, it’s a she, right?” she rushes out.
I laugh. I can’t help it. “Yeah, it’s a girl. Autumn had her Saturday night.”
“That’s so awesome,” Bailey says, staring at the beautiful filly laying on a pile of hay.
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
“I am.” Bailey’s big, blue eyes meet mine. They no longer seem vacant. They seem to have a purpose. “I had a good weekend. It’s been the first good weekend in a long time.”
“That’s great,” I say through a smile. “Come on, let’s go for a ride.” I nudge her elbow with mine as I turn to walk out of the barn.
Bailey follows behind me asking, “What, no walks today?” Her comment is meant to be sarcastic, but I think it’s funny.
I chuckle from her question. I have never really thought of it before, but she’s right. I do like to go on walks. “No, not today. Today, I feel like getting on a saddle,” I reply as Bailey catches up to me.
After Bailey and I saddle up two of the paints, I help her mount her horse before getting up on mine. We ride for a while in silence before the sounds of rushing water slapping against rocks invade our quietness. Faded from the sun, the black rubber of the tire swing sways in the gentle breeze. The same tire swing that I brought her to when she arrived at the ranch not long ago. I dismount, and tie the reins to a branch on the tree. I run toward it as I shout over my shoulder, “You wanna get on this time?”
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