Chapter 23

ASHER

I tap lightly on the door before stepping inside. The sound of Atty discussing security details with Callum reaches my ears even before I cross the threshold. They’re not trying to be secretive; around here, our security measures are an open book.

As I walk in, two pairs of eyebrows shoot up in surprise, a reaction that somehow hits me harder than Mama’s did.

“Did you come for dinner?” Atty’s voice is filled with excitement, his joy evident in every line of his body.

Dad’s surprise is etched on his face too, but it’s tempered with a subtle smile directed at me. His approval is clear as he takes me in, assessing me in that unique way only he can. His gaze sweeps over me, checking for any signs of harm since he last saw me.

Apparently satisfied, he clears his throat and returns his attention to the paperwork on his desk.

“Can I borrow Atty?” I ask, my voice uncertain. The thought of them denying me this time with my twin is unsettling. I miss him, I really do, but I’ve found that navigating life solo is just simpler.

There are no excuses to make when you’re alone, and I think that’s why I’ve grown so accustomed to solitude.

“Sure, it’s Sunday anyway. We shouldn’t be working,” Dad agrees, leaving the final decision to Atty.

Without hesitation, Atty drops the papers he’s holding and stands to leave with me. I can’t help but smile, placing a hand on his shoulder as we exit Dad’s office.

“How about a ride? It’s been a while.”

“Sure, let me grab my gear from my room,” he replies.

“Meet you at the stables,” I say, my laugh sounding hollow even to my own ears. I don’t plan on wearing any gear. I never do. In fact, I prefer to ride bareback. Not only do I believe it’s more comfortable for the horse, but there’s something impressive about riding with nothing between you and the horse.

In the stables, I find the horses already inside, likely seeking shelter from the harsh sun outside. I head straight for Ella’s horse. Boux is massive and a joy to ride. He seems to enjoy our trots together as much as I do.

“Ready for a wild ride, buddy?” I ask, reaching out to him as I enter his stall.

He steps into my space, pressing his nose into my palm.

“I know, it’s been too long, hasn’t it? I’ve missed you too. Let’s get your halter on, okay?”

I secure his halter, preparing him for our adventure. Then I get another horse ready for Atty. I saddle up a mare for him, knowing he won’t ride bareback no matter how much I try to convince him.

By the time Atty arrives at the stables, I have Sandy, a retired mare we took in, ready for him.

“Perfect, I’m glad you chose Sandy,” Atty says, even though I’d already noticed him. “I know she’s your favorite, bro.”

“She is, she’s so gentle,” he replies, as if I hadn’t grown up here with him and seen Sandy’s gentleness firsthand.

I use the wall to mount Boux, settling in as Atty does the same. I watch him as he leans down to whisper to Sandy, thanking her for the privilege of riding her today.

It’s one of those endearing habits he’s always had with the animals, always expressing gratitude for the joy they bring him. I think it’s one of the reasons I love him so much.

Seeing someone be so humble with another creature, when the rest of us—maybe except Mama—treat the animals as society has taught us to.

“See you outside,” we both say once he’s done sweet-talking Sandy.

I guide Boux out into the pastures, nudging him toward the gate that leads to the acreage next to Sense and the stables. He trots eagerly toward it, clearly aware of what’s coming.

Poor Boux doesn’t get ridden as much these days, especially since Ella is always so busy and I rarely come home to take him out. Mama and Zach do love to ride, vanishing into the horizon for hours on end. But it’s not as frequent as they—or the horses—would prefer.

We have a couple of girls who come by daily to help with the horses. My folks pay them well for their efforts. I get to the outer field just a tad before Atty, holding the gate open while Boux stands patiently. Sandy guides them through, and I secure the gate once more.

“Let’s race,” I suggest, gripping the reins and leaning forward to maintain my balance before signaling Boux to sprint.

Boux charges across the fields, causing me to tighten my grip with my thighs to stay on his bare back.

The wind whips through my hair, the chilly air nipping at my cheeks. Boux’s mane, which I’m now resting against, flutters around me with the force of the wind, providing a thrill that can only be found here, atop a towering stallion.

This is what I live for, and I’m certain Boux feels the same.

The sheer freedom of running as far as the eye can see.

But don’t get me wrong; horses can be dangerous. Like Boux is now, kicking his hind legs just enough to make me fear for my life while also relishing his evident joy.

“Whoa, whoa!” Atty shouts, attempting to divert Boux’s attention from his glee.

“He’s just a bit excited, that’s all,” I chuckle, holding on for dear life.

“Excited? He’s about to throw you off and stomp all over you. I’d prefer my brother in one piece,” he retorts, clearly worried.

I’m amazed Sandy hasn’t reacted to her handler’s anxiety, but as I mentioned, she’s a pretty good horse.

I pat Boux’s neck, catching his attention long enough for him to settle down, even though he continues to whinny cheerfully.

“Okay, let’s take it easy. How about a leisurely trot around the field?”

He takes my cue, having calmed down from his adrenaline high, and we fall into a trot alongside Atty and Sandy. We start to circle the field clockwise, eventually heading back toward the stables.

“What brought you back home?” Atty asks, slightly out of breath. His body bounces rhythmically with the horse’s movements.

I ponder my response, unsure of what to say, but decide to stick with my usual excuse. But I decide to share a bit more, because it’s Atty, and who can I trust more than my own brother?

“Food, family, a bit of everything.”

“Something happen?” he inquires.

“No, nothing happened. Just thought it’d be nice to spend some quality time back home.”

He gives me a curious look but doesn’t press for more details as we ride in silence back toward the house.