Page 25 of More than a Memory
“I just don’t think you can understand where I am coming from since you didn’t experience it,” Darcy said dismissively.
“Maybe not, but I can see what is right in front of my face! Excuses, fear, guilt … Darcy, I love you, and I don’t want you to wake up years from now regretting that you chose to live in the past, rather than reaching for the scary chance at love again.”
“Let’s change the subject and agree to disagree,” Darcy said stubbornly.
“Okay, I’ll drop it for now,” Annie said, knowing that she had been shut out and the subject was closed. “I think I’d like to stay a few more nights here if that’s okay with you.”
“I would love it. Have the pooches been out lately?” Darcy asked.
“No, they were too concerned about me.”
Darcy opened the door, letting them run out, practically tackling one another to be the first out the door.”
“I’m tired. I think I’ll go to bed now, if you don’t mind.” Annie said while yawning loudly. “I’ve got a full day of appointments scheduled for tomorrow.”
“Then get to bed! I’ll be following suit right behind you after the mutts come in,” Darcy said. “Love you, Sis. I know it’s hard, but this was the best decision you could ever have made for yourself. You’re young, smart, and gorgeous, with everything ahead of you. I have no doubt at all that the right guy is just around the corner and he will love and appreciate you, not for what you can do for him, but simply because of who you are!”
Darcy ruffled Annie’s hair and gave her a quick hug as she left the room.
* * *
Sunday turned out to be a pristine fall day, perfect trail riding weather. Darcy woke up early, long before her alarm went off. With stomach churning, the butterflies in her belly were making it difficult to eat the omelet her sister had prepared. The freshly brewed coffee was piping hot, and Darcy added a bit more cream and sugar to her mug and stirred.
“Annie, I talked to Sam this morning and he invited you to come on the trail ride today. I told him how much you loved to ride and that you were obsessed with horses as a kid.”
Darcy smiled, remembering what a healing force horses had been for Annie in those difficult years while growing up. She was convinced that there was a magic that happened while spending time with those extraordinary beings. In her opinion, it was the best therapeutic remedy that she knew of for both children and adults. Her sister, though determined to move on from Bradley, was still understandably sad and depressed, and Darcy thought a ride was just what Annie needed.
“I don’t want to feel like a fifth wheel,” Annie said.
“How can you be a fifth wheel? Your date will be the horse. Nothing else will matter once you mount your steed!” Darcy said, tongue in cheek.
“Well … I suppose I could go, if you’re sure? Sam wasn’t just saying it because he feels sorry for me, was he?”
“No! The more the merrier! Please say yes,” Darcy coaxed.
“Yes, I’ll go. It’s an ideal day for a ride. Thank you,” Annie said enthusiastically.
“I’ll confirm with Sam that you’re coming. I am so happy you are joining us! I haven’t been on a horse for a few years, so I hope I haven’t lost my touch. It will be nice to have the moral support.”
“Riding comes back to you. That’s something your body will remember. It’s been awhile for me, too, I miss it,” Annie said. “What time should we leave here?”
“I told Sam we would be there by two o’clock, so let’s leave around 1:45.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Annie replied. “I don’t really have any decent riding boots here, but I’ll make do.”
“Same here. Just as long as we have a little bit of a heel to keep our feet from slipping through the stirrups, we’ll be good.”
“I’m actually getting excited!” Annie said, getting up to clear the breakfast dishes.
“Thanks for the omelet, Sis, it really hit the spot.”
“Welcome.”
13
On the way to the farm, Darcy’s stomach felt like it was on a roller coaster ride. Annie was so quiet that she glanced over with concern and noted her melancholy expression, which promptly alleviated her own anxiousness.
“I wonder which horses we’ll get to ride. I know he has two quarter horses of his own, and Gabe, his friend and farm manager, has a palomino, then there are two horses in training there and some boarders.”