Enduring Fate

by Alicia Rae

  I nudged Foster into a steady trot before I could change my mind.

  It was an exhilarating rush to trot on a horse even though I wasn’t running. The air beat across the planes of my face, and the wind flapped my hair behind me. It was like I was free—free from my past, free to laugh, free to just live. It was liberating.

  I lifted my hands slightly, cupping them out in front of me, to soak in the moment while using my upper legs to leverage myself and absorb the impact of Foster’s hooves hitting the ground.

  Colton had no trouble keeping up with me as we crossed the rest of the open land.

  The trickling of water brought me back to the present, and I saw the sun peeking through the clouds.

  I tugged on the reins once to tell Foster to resume his slow pace. My body went stiff as a board as we neared the line of the brush. Foster’s ears started to flicker with each stride. He was unable to read my signals because of my tension.

  “Easy, Paige,” Colton murmured from my side. “Just relax and envision the prairie awaiting us on the other side.”

  I nodded as we passed in between two mature trees. The bridge came into plain view, and my heart rate spiked with every step.

  Horrible images of that day last fall played out in my mind, and I was on the verge of hyperventilating. I sat deep in my saddle, cuing my horse to stop less than a few feet from the base of the wooden boards.

  Foster chewed on his bit, waiting for my instruction.

  Colton hesitated at my right. “Don’t let your past control you, Paige. You’re stronger than that,” he told me in a reassuring soft voice.

  As if coming from somewhere deep in my mind, my scars tingled. It sent sensations from my knee to the tip of my thigh. I wasn’t in pain, but it served as a reminder.

  That first night of making love to Colton since returning home flashed in my head.

  “Paige, I love every freckle and mole on every inch of your delectable body, and your scars will be no different. In fact, I’ll cherish them more because it is a reminder that I get to keep you.”

  I thought of the day when he’d first shown me this bridge.

  He had looped his arm around my center to bring me into his arms. “This is where I finally reached you in the water and pulled you to the side.” One hand had come to my cheek, and he’d run his knuckles downward. “I wanted to build the bridge where I saved you, not back at the crossing where I almost lost you.”

  He was right.

  Thinking of Colton’s admirable way of taking the negative and seeing the good, I decided to make myself do the same.

  I tapped Foster with my heel, and he advanced. His hooves hit the wood one at a time, and I was reminded of Missy and our years spent together. The scar in my heart ached profoundly as tears filled my eyes.

  Colton always said that I was his sweet girl, and Missy had been mine.

  Halfway across the bridge, I murmured, “I will always love you, sweet girl.”

  When Foster and I reached the grass on the other end of the walkway, a deep sense of gratifying enrichment filled me. I’d made it.

  I shifted my attention to the sight before me. Bright green grass went for miles farther than the eye could see. Wild yellow flowers, milkweed, and other plants with vibrant colors were spread throughout the vastness. Saying it was radiant or stunning wouldn’t do it justice.

  I let Foster advance a little longer before stopping him. I was still too busy taking in the view as Colton came to stand at my left side.

  He looped his arm around my waist and peered up at me. I slung my opposing leg over the saddle, and Colton helped lower me to the ground.

  His hands came to the sides of my face. His eyes glowed with love and affection. “You made it.”

  A genuine smile spread across my face, my grin spreading from ear to ear. “I did.”

  “I knew you would.”

  I leaned up on my toes and kissed him, pouring my heart into our embrace. His lips tenderly moved with mine. Warm tingles blossomed in my belly.

  I drew back and whispered, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Are you ready to enjoy our prairie?”

  “Yes,” I answered, smiling again.

  Colton turned to Foster and looped the reins under the saddle horn before flipping them over the top hump to secure them.

  Foster lowered his head to the grass and began grazing.

  “We didn’t bring anything to tie him. Do you think he’ll stay?” I asked.

  “This will be his first time, so I guess we’ll find out.” Colton chuckled as we moved a safe distance away and sat in the tall grass. He raised a playful brow. “If not, don’t worry. You can ride home on the back of me.”

  “Oh, no,” I scoffed. “We’ve done that before, and it didn’t end well. You can ride on the back of me.”

  He lay back in the grass and propped his head up on one arm as I scooted closer.

  “I don’t know about that,” Colton drawled, letting his Southern accent ring with hilarity.

  I set my hand on his chest and hovered my face above his. “Then, I guess you’ll be walking.”

  “Uh-huh. Bentley knows exactly who feeds him.” He reached for my waist and pulled me closer until our lips were nearly touching. “Now, get over here.”

  Just as I thought he was about to kiss me, he drew his brows together. “Wait. Do you know what we forgot to bring?”

  “No,” I deliberated. “What?”

  “Food. We didn’t pack anything to eat.”

  I tipped my head back and chortled.

  “I think I can survive though,” he responded, his tone going husky.

  “How’s that?”

  I found myself flat on my back, lying on the grass, beneath him.

  “By kissing you.” He grinned devilishly.

  I lifted my hand to his hat and tossed it aside. My hands came to either side of his face, feeling his stubble beneath my palms. I let my feelings for him fill my heart and soul. He was the one for me. He always had been.

  “I love you, Colton,” I breathed. I took in his baby-blue eyes that I’d known almost my whole life.

  The history we’d shared, both good and bad, made our journey that much more precious.

  He smiled lovingly down at me while brushing his thumb above my brow. “I’ve always loved you, Paige, and I always will. Nothing will ever change my love for you.” His fingertip worked its way down to my lips. “Now, kiss your cowboy,” he demanded with a sexy smirk.

  He swooped down and captured my lips. This was no ordinary kiss. Filled with pure passion, it was so deep and so complete that I couldn’t tell where he ended and I began.

  We were one.

  For the next several hours, the two of us reveled in each other’s company. It was like no time had passed since we were last here.

  I AWOKE TO A PITCH-BLACK BEDROOM, startled by the sound of a constant shrill beeping noise. To my left, Colton whipped off the sheets before jumping out of bed and scrambling to his feet.

  Reaching over to his nightstand, he flipped on the lamp switch, and then he ran to his dresser. “Paige!” he shouted my name in an unforgettable tone. “Paige, get up!”

  I hustled out of bed, blinking rapidly. The beeping noise was still reverberating through the room.

  “What’s happening? What’s that noise?” I cried, knowing something was deathly wrong. I dashed to my own dresser and threw on the first pair of clothes I could find.

  Colton was already clothed and heading for the door. “It’s the alarm on the horse barn. Call nine-one-one!” he yelled, already running down the hallway.

  I rushed over to my nightstand and grabbed my phone. With trembling hands, I swiped my finger across the screen and did as he’d asked as I jogged after him.

  The light was already on when I reached the living room, the patio door had been left wide open, and the alarm was still beeping at full volume.

  “Nine-one-one. What is your emergency?” the operator said into the phone.<
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  “I’m not sure. An alarm is sounding off,” I said, trying to keep calm but failing miserably.

  Holding my phone against my ear, I stood on the kitchen tile and lowered down to slip on my boots, so I could chase after Colton in the direction he had gone.

  “Can you tell me what is happening, ma’am?” the woman replied into the line.

  The outdoors came into view. It was still nighttime, but a bright orange-reddish light illuminated the backyard. The horrid smell of smoke filled my senses. I let out a loud cry as I took in the unruly flames coming from the far side of the horse barn. The equipment building next to it was completely engulfed in a full-blown blazing fire.

  “Oh my God!” I cried, barreling down the front steps and out into the grass. “The barn is on fire!”

  “Ma’am, can you please remain calm and tell me your address, so we can send help?” the operator asked evenly.

  I rambled out the address and listened as she informed me that all officers in the area along with the fire department would be on their way.

  Fear churned in my gut as I thought of how far out we were in the country. That meant it would take a long time for the fire department to arrive. It was minutes we didn’t have.

  I clicked off the phone once the operator had the information she’d needed.

  All the horses were neighing as I passed through the entrance of the barn. Wood was cracking, and gates were rattling as the horses were trying to break free from their stalls.

  A cloud of dark smoke loomed overhead. I ducked my head and walked through the opening. I quickly scanned my eyes from side to side. At the other end of the building, I could see Colton desperately trying to unlock a stall door. I saw a horse frantically kicking against the wood, making it more difficult for Colton to flip the lever.

  Colton glanced at me for a split second and yelled, “Get out of here, Paige!” He appeared to be wearing a black-and-white bandana across the lower part of his face.

  “No!” I protested, nearing to aid in any possible way. “I can help get them out!”

  “Stand back!” he roared over his shoulder. He succeeded in opening the stall that was closest to the fire.

  Charlotte, one of our buckskin mares, came stampeding out of her confined space and charged straight for the exit—where I was standing.

  I flung myself over to the right wall to get out of her way. The terror in her eyes chilled me to my bones as she increased her speed and escaped.

  Staying along the edge of the walkway, I went in pursuit of Colton. At the grooming area, I grabbed the first piece of cloth I could find and quickly tied it around my head to cover my nose and mouth. Another horse that I didn’t recognize came galloping out of the pen and ran for the exit.

  I made it to Colton and saw he had already let out the first two horses at the back of the barn. The flames were across the small patch of grass between the two buildings and sneaking up the structures of the horse barn.

  “I’ll free all these horses over here.” I pointed to my left. “You worry about the ones on that side!” I gestured to the right.

  “All right!” he shouted, listening to my directions.

  I began to undo the levers of as many stalls as quickly as my hands and body would move. Colton and I stayed in sync, working our way back toward the opposing end.

  From the corner of my eye, I saw the last couple of stalls on the end going up in flames. The fire was creeping along the roof and burning the second level of the building faster than Colton and I could move.

  The air was becoming thick with smoke, and it was becoming hard to breathe. We still had at least four more horses on each side to set free. We had to keep going. The clock was ticking.

  “Paige, get out! I’ll get the rest!” Colton barked behind me.

  I heard him opening another horse stall, and then the sound of hooves hit the ground with a heavy force.

  “No! I’m not leaving you,” I objected, attempting to unbolt Foster’s stall.

  The stallion was kicking the gate with his hind legs, making it difficult to open the door.

  “We need to keep going!” I added through raspy lungfuls of air. “Easy, boy,” I cooed, hoping to soothe the frightened horse.

  Foster pivoted to face me and then repeatedly reared up on his hindquarters. His eyes were wide with panic, showing his large black pupils and even the white part, too.

  Now that he was turned, I unhooked the latch of his gate. Then, I backed up with my hands tightly gripping the wooden gate, taking it along with me. Foster scurried out of the barn without delay.

  Next up was Rusty. Luckily, he wasn’t kicking the door. He was pacing circles in his restricted area.

  “Hey, boy. Let’s get you out of here.” I swiftly unbolted his lock, so he could escape.

  As I reached the last stall, sirens and a fire truck honked in the distance. I let out a relieved breath, knowing they were finally here.

  Then, my vision unexpectedly began to come and go as I coughed uncontrollably. The bright orange flames were above me, and the smoke was incredibly dense. Footsteps sounded around me, but I couldn’t tell where they were coming from.

  “Colton,” I called out. I could barely hear my own voice over the pounding ache throbbing at my temples.

  Strong hands came to my back and gently spun me around at the same time my knees began to shake.

  “I got you.” Colton coughed, swooping me up into his arms.

  My head fell against the crook of his neck as he carried me. I lifted my tired hand and pulled the protective cloth from my nose and mouth.

  I closed my eyes and tried to breathe him in just to make sure that he was real, that he was really okay, too. At first, all I could smell was smoke, but underneath, I caught a hint of his familiar scent.

  The tension in every muscle of my body went slack. All that mattered was that he was here with me.

  When we were out of the barn and a safe distance away, Colton collapsed in the grass and removed his bandana. The horses’ neighs and hooves were hitting the ground as I imagined them wildly galloping through the yard.

  “Did we get them all out?” I asked, fading in and out of a sleepy state.

  Colton placed a loving kiss on the top of my head, the corner of my face, and then my cheek. “Yes, sweet girl,” he whispered tenderly, brushing my hair off my forehead and out of my eyes. “We got every last horse out because of you.”

  I exhaled in sheer relief and strained to use my last ounce of strength to tightly hug him. “Because of us,” I corrected him.

  I rotated my head and saw a diesel truck coming to a stop a safe distance from the barn. Within a few seconds, firemen were hustling about. I heard them talking about the size of the fire and the plan of action while two of them carried a huge water hose.

  As soon as the men started putting out the fire, an ambulance skidded to a stop not far from Colton and me. Four paramedics approached us with two stretchers, and they lowered onto their haunches beside us. They fired off questions while visibly assessing our injuries.

  Two of the men in uniform gently lifted me and set me on a stretcher. One slipped an oxygen mask over my nose and mouth.

  All the while, Colton stayed close to me and ignored the man who was addressing him. He pointed to me while looking at my paramedic. “She took in a large amount of carbon monoxide,” Colton told the guy.

  I inhaled a deep breath of oxygen from my mask and blew it out in exasperation. Even now, Colton wouldn’t leave my side. I didn’t know whether to love him more or to stand up and force him onto the stretcher myself so that I could make sure he was okay, too.

  “I’m okay.” I nodded, reassuring him. “Colton, go with him,” I tried to add, shooing him away to seek medical attention.

  A gentleman at Colton’s left placed a mask over his face, lightly gripped his arm, and guided him to a stretcher before assessing his body for injuries.

  As the four paramedics carried Colton and me to the large ambulance
, Colton kept his eyes glued on me. With our stretchers side by side inside the vehicle, two of the four gentlemen began delegating orders.

  “Is she going to be okay?” Colton questioned the guy attaching a bunch of other cords to my body.

  “That’s not my call, sir,” the guy said rather bravely.

  My cowboy’s posture tensed. “What the hell does that mean?” he demanded, rising to his feet as though clearly not accepting that as an answer.

  “Lie back down, sir,” Colton’s paramedic said firmly.

  At the same time, the man in front of me explained, “I’m a paramedic, not a doctor.” At Colton’s fierce expression, the man shrank down a few inches and continued, “In my professional opinion, yes, I think so.”

  “See? I’ll be perfectly fine.” I raised one hand long enough to point to his stretcher while using my other to lift the plastic from my face. “Now, sit,” I demanded in a tone not to be argued with.

  He briefly dropped his chin to his chest, laughed, and gazed up at me. “All right,” he exhaled, sounding relieved.

  He lowered down to the stretcher and laid his head back on the pillow, finally allowing the paramedic to fully examine him.

  “Paige!” I heard my father yell hysterically as he came to the ambulance.

  “Paige!” Mom wept from behind him and entered the vehicle. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” she asked with an alarmed expression.

  “Colton and I will be fine.” I attempted to glance around them, but I couldn’t see much of anything. “But the horses are running around by themselves, and they are probably so scared.”

  “Don’t worry about a thing, except taking care of yourself, Paige.” Dad reached forward and patted my leg. “I’ll round up all the horses and put them in the pasture.”

  “Thank you, Dave.” Colton gave my dad a nod. “I would appreciate it, so I can stay with Paige.”

  After my mom made sure I was going to be okay, she reached forward and kissed my hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right behind you.”

  “And I’ll be at the hospital as soon as I can,” Dad added.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at my parents.