Mine

Chapter Thirteen "Shock"

Disclaimer: I only own my made up characters!

Later that night, February 16th, Thursday

Kit POV

Molly laid beside me in her bed. Her head was laying against my chest and I loved having her so close. Now was the time. I should tell her that I love her.

"He—" I started.

"Ki—" Molly cut off at the same time as I did. I smiled.

"You go." I could wait another few minutes to tell her. I gently caressed her arm as I waited for her to talk.

I felt her stiffen slightly and I knew it wasn't going to be good. "It's about the other night…about the picture with the girl." It felt as if my world tilted when she said those words. "We haven't talked about it yet…and I think we need to clear the air after today."

Flashbacks of me kissing that girl and how good—how absolutely wrong—her body felt under my hands went through my head. I swallowed loudly. "Okay."

"Who was she?" Molly asked and I could hear the insecurity in her voice, the pain underneath. It killed me to know that she hurt over it, especially when that wasn't the worst that happened.

"A fan." I sighed. Was that a lie? I mean she was, I guess, a fan…or a buckle bunny with the way it seemed but I didn't want to tell Molly that. "She congratulated me on my placing, she bought me a drink or two and then she wanted a picture of us together so she could prove to everyone we met. I shouldn't of let her kiss my cheek or add me and tag me in the picture, and I'm really sorry, Mol. It was terrible of me as a boyfriend to allow that. I wasn't thinking clearly with the alcohol."

Molly was quiet for a moment and even when she spoke, I heard the hesitancy in her question. "Was that all happened between you two?"

Here it was—the moment I could tell her the truth, come clean, lessen the pain she'd have to suffer. This was a moment that mattered. I wanted to hold my head in shame as I spoke but instead I just kissed her forehead and said "Of course, Molly, I would never cheat on you."

I felt her relax and wanted to kick myself. I had just straight-out lied to her—was that really what was for the best? I loved her—I didn't want to hurt her. Telling her would only hurt her…I knew eventually Katie would if I didn't…but for now, I could have this beautiful time with her.

…..…..

Molly POV

I believed Kit. Maybe people would call me stupid, but I really believed he wouldn't cheat on me. He was raised by two faithful, loving, parents who would accept no less from him. I kissed him, feeling like a weight had lifted.

And so I smiled up at him. "So, what were you going to say?"

"Well I probably should of thought of something more romantic, in fact—" Kit pulled me up and out of the bed. "Throw this on." He tossed his sweatshirt at me as he put on a t-shirt. Grabbing my hand, he led me outside. The stars were shining brightly in the dark sky and Kit pulled me almost roughly into his arms, tight against him as he leaned against the porch rail.

I laughed breathlessly and looked up at him. "What are you doing?"

"There's something I've been wanting to tell you for almost the entire day now." Kit whispered, gently pushing my hair back from my face. His eyes were intense matching his expression. "I just want you to listen and let me finish before you say anything."

I nodded, slightly worried. "Molly, I've never been a relationship kind of guy. I've been...well I've been a in the moment kind of guy for a long time. I never wanted a relationship or to commit to someone..." okay, make that super worried now.

Kit smiled sweetly at me. "I see you getting all worried. Don't be. Because I realized that I was that way because I wasn't with you. These last five months have been amazing, even if we've spent most of them apart. I look forward to calling you and hearing about your day. I want to tell you all about the rodeos and the wins, the losses. I love knowing that you're here, in my hometown, following your dreams."

My heart was beating awfully fast. What was he getting at? "I want to watch you follow those dreams and help you accomplish them. I want to see you in the stands cheering me on and know you're there to support me. Molly...I love your beautiful face and your warm personality and the way you fit so easily in with my family, my friends. I love that you understand and can connect with my love of rodeo. I love that you're saving yourself for marriage, that you have these values in a world that seems to be lacking them."

Kit stared at me and I felt what he did before he even said it. "I wish I had planned this out better, but I had to tell you...Mol, I love you. And I hope you feel the same because I'll be heartbroken if you don't."

My breath caught at his words. He loved me? He freaking loved me. He felt the same. My mind was going crazy trying to comprehend it all. Kit chuckled nervously.

"So, what do you say, Molly? Do you love me too?"

Not answering, I leaped up and locked my lips on his. He answered by picking me up and kissing me back passionately. "Is that a yes?" He asked sounding a bit dazed with his hand tangled in my hair.

"Yes, I love you. I love you so much!" I kissed him again. I felt like my heart would burst with all the joy I felt. "I realized it earlier...but I didn't want to say anything. I was worried it's too early."

Kit grinned. "You can't help when you fall in love, baby. When you fall in love, you just do. God I'm so glad you love me too."

And that night, I broke my rules again. Kit slept in the bed, never letting me go.

…...

Katie POV

"Something wrong?" Glen asked softly, staring at me over his glass of wine. I tried to smile and shook my head. "You sure? Because you've been cutting into that piece of meat as if it insulted you."

I took a deep breath and sat back, putting down my silverware. "I'm part of a situation that is very…frustrating and it's going to lead to one of the nicest people I know getting hurt. I'm wondering if I made the right choice."

Glen reached over, placing his hand over mine. "Why don't we talk about it? It might make you feel better."

I felt torn inside—I wanted to share with Glen but would that be bad? Shouldn't I keep it a secret?

"It's about Molly." I blurted out, feeling unsure. I took a long drink of my wine and stared at Glen. "The day Kit came back—you thought it was so sweet about how much he missed her and how he kissed her—well it wasn't sweet." I told him about the picture, about Kit's confession, about how he kept saying he was going to tell Molly but hadn't yet, the fight between Joe and Kit, everything. "I know about it. Should I tell her myself? What is he waiting for?"

Glen sat back, a little bit stunned. "He kissed this other woman? Are you sure?"

I nodded fast. "Yes, he admitted it to me. He said he was 'torn up over it' and that he had been drunk. But does that matter? The fact is that he still kissed that girl while Molly is sitting here in Darton, being faithful to him. It's going to crush her, Glen. She doesn't see it, but she's fallen head over heels for Kit. I just know it's going to break her heart. And what if she's angry because I knew and didn't tell her?"

Glen seemed to mull it over. "I understand what you're saying but I think you should let Kit tell her. You worry about her being angry if she found out you knew, but often people in those situations become angry with the messenger and don't want to believe them." Glen sighed, cleaning his glasses with his shirt. "And as for him not telling her yet, it's been two days. Yes, he should have told her the moment it happened, maybe he's just really trying to find a way to break it gently to her."

He moved back a stray strand of my hair. "Give him a little more time and then put pressure on him if he doesn't tell her. Be there for her when he does, because she's going to need a friend. And don't let her make any big decisions when she first finds out. Sometimes people make life-altering decisions after finding out things like this, and you're one of the only friends she's got, so watch over her."

…

Molly POV

"Wow, I can't believe it's March already." I said to Sam as I tightened Monkey's girth. Monkey was a Morgan gelding of Katie's who was used primarily now for timid beginners and some trail riding as he was entering his mid-twenties. I still wasn't riding Honor—though Kit did every day and I still worked with her—and I didn't want to risk harm to Bailey as I rode with Sam to meet Trudy Preston and see her mustang sanctuary.

"Another month closer to summer." Sam replied dreamily, getting up on her bay mustang, Ace. I smiled over at her and mounted up. With Katie's approval, I had placed a light Western saddle on Monkey, who didn't seem to mind. It felt almost weird to be back in a Western saddle after I had been riding English for such a long period of time.

Sam and I talked on the way over about horses, Kit and Jake, rodeo, college, Sam's family ranch, Maxine, Mac. Literally everything. I had the feeling I had made another best friend in Darton.

"Look! The herd's running!" Sam shouted as we rode into the Mustang sanctuary. I nearly gasped when I saw the wild herd, of all different colors and sizes, running together. I could see two people standing near a corral watching them too.

"Never gets old." An older woman, with jet black hair and wiry frame, turned to greet us. The man beside her had greyish-salt and pepper hair cut down to a crew cut and he had the frame that spoke of hard labor. "You must be Molly. I'm Trudy." I dismounted quickly and shook her head.

"It's great to meet you, Trudy." I glanced towards the pasture with the mustangs again. "I can't imagine that sight ever getting old." I sighed, almost dreamily. The man smiled and nodded.

"I've been here for a while now and let me tell you, I still love the sight of those mustangs every day. You can call me Preston."

After the greetings were out of the way and Monkey and Ace had been put in the corral with Trudy's saddle horses, we made our way out into the mustang's pasture. There were bays, chestnuts, blacks, palominos, greys, pintos, every color of horse you could imagine almost.

"This herd," Trudy pointed to a small band off by themselves, "we just got in last week. They're all still a little frisky and spooky. But they all are to some extent because we let them live out here, untouched as they can be, as if they were still out on the range. Preston and I occasionally talk about maybe having qualified volunteers come in and train a few, maybe adopt a few out, but I just don't think that would do any good. They deserve to have their bit of freedom."

I stood still as I could as a little black and white overo pinto colt came up to me. He sniffed curiously at my jeans and then my boots. He couldn't have been more than two years' old and his white markings were as if someone took a paint brush and flung it with white paint, on a black canvas.

Ever so gently, I reached out, touching my hand to his neck. He didn't even flinch. "What a cutie."

"Oh, he is a handsome one. I imagine he'll look even more handsome once he sheds that winter coat and grows a little bit." Trudy smiled over at the colt. We visited with the horses awhile longer and then we talked with Trudy while Preston went into town "Oh! I'd just love to travel all over. I can just imagine all the things I could paint. That must have been quite an experience growing up."

I nodded. "Yeah, it certainly was. I'm definitely well-traveled. But I like it here in Darton. I love the small-town feel."

"It helps that you know some of the greatest people in the county." Trudy patted Sam's shoulder. "And you're dating the oldest Ely boy, aren't you?"

I laughed and nodded. "Kit, yeah."

"Seems like a nice boy, met him once or twice when he was home. Of course, all of Maxine and Luke's boys are pretty nice boys—well men now I guess. You're all growing up so fast on me." Trudy pursed her lips and looked at Sam. "I remember just a few years ago, you were fourteen and talked me into saving those first fourteen mustangs. Everyone thought I was crazy—hell I thought I was crazy—but look at me now. A ranch full of mustangs and married again—at my age!"

Sam and I laughed at her words. "You're no older than Gram and look at her go." Sam said with a smile.

Trudy smiled and nodded. "I think your Gram and Dallas are sweet on each other. Neither will admit it, but I see it."

Sam's mouth dropped open. "Gram…and Dallas? No way."

"You say what you want, Samantha, but people can't help who they love or when they love them."

Trudy's words stuck with as we rode back to Katie's place. Sam kept the conversation up with talking about summer and the rodeo at the Darton fairgrounds. I realized after a moment of her staring at me, that she had asked me a question.

"I'm sorry, Sam, I'm zoning out. What did you say?"

Sam smiled. "I asked if you're going to enter into the rodeo."

The rodeo…I wasn't even riding Honor at the moment and she hadn't been ridden like that in a while. She would be out of shape. "Probably not." I said hesitantly.

"Why not?" Sam asked with a frown. How could I tell her?

"I…well…I haven't ridden Honor since Mac's accident." Sam's face softened and became sympathetic. I wanted to look down in shame.

"There's no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed, Molly." Sam said gently. "I was in a riding accident and for a few years, it took me awhile to feel comfortable riding again. Heck, it took me awhile even after I was back and riding Ace. It's okay to feel nervous or afraid and to take your time, as long as you don't let it stop your life."

I took a deep breath. "But it's only Honor I'm afraid of."

"You're afraid she'll hurt you?"

"No…it's not that I think she'd do it on purpose…I just…I'm afraid that she'll do it again or maybe that she'll associate me with the accident." I admitted.

Sam reached over to squeeze my shoulder. "Molly, if she associated you with the accident, she'd act different around you. She adores you. And I can't promise that she'll never have a freak out or that she won't ever flip on you…but that's a chance we take with any horse we ride. Even the most 'bombproof' horse could have a freak out like Honor did."

She was right. I knew it. But how could I get past it?

….

I stepped out into the barely lit day. The sun hadn't quite come up yet and the stables were quiet—not even the head groom, Julio, was up yet. Katie and Drew were still asleep in their house. A light mist covered the pastures and the horses moved through it, trying to find the best grass to nibble on.

I didn't bother to switch on the barn lights, not wanting to alert anyone that I was out here. I grabbed my tack and went to the stall where Honor was. She nickered at me and her ears perked up at the tack in my hand. I dusted bits of pine shavings off her, but she was still clean from the good grooming I had given her the night before.

I could feel her excitement all through her body as I tacked her up. Her eagerness that she could barely contain. As I let the stirrup fall over the tightened girth, I took a deep breath. She followed me closely out of the barn towards the empty pasture. I tossed her reins over her neck and stood at the saddle.

I pushed back the panic that threatened to make a full-force appearance. My hand found its way to Honor's neck and felt reassured as she looked back at me, waiting patiently but eagerly. This was the horse I had loved and bonded with for the past six years.

I put my foot in the stirrup, and taking a deep, calming breath, I pulled myself into the saddle. I stilled for a moment, waiting for the fireworks, for Honor to give me problems but she didn't. But I reminded myself, Honor wasn't that horse.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I took in the moment. Then I asked her to walk.

….…..

Kit POV

"I'm not sure why we had to drive over to Katie's so early, Katie and Molly are both probably still sleeping." I grumbled, a bit cranky over losing sleep, to my grandfather. Molly had decided to stay at Katie's last night for some reason. It bothered me more than I liked to admit, her staying away from me.

Maybe it was because it was it's exactly what would happen when she found out about the kiss. The lies.

I was shaken out of my thoughts by Grandpa's chuckle. "I think you'll see it was more than worth it to wake up early."

I pulled into the stable yard and saw I was right. Not a single barn light on or any lights on in Molly's old apartment—or Katie's house from the looks of it. Grandpa didn't look surprised.

I pulled up by the main barn where Molly usually was and shut the truck off. "No one's awake, Grandpa."

He just shook his head. "Help me out of this truck, son."

I did as he asked and saw Katie walking towards us, seeming confused. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Ask Grandpa Mac." I shrugged. She looked down at my grandfather questioningly.

"We came to see Molly and Honor." Grandpa answered simply. Katie and I met each other's eyes, both of us still confused.

"Well I think Molly is still asleep, Mac, I don't see any lights and…" Katie broke off as we heard an echo of a laugh.

"That way." Grandpa pointed in the direction of the pastures. Katie and I went without a word. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Molly sitting in the saddle of Honor.

…..….

Molly POV

It was as if I had never stopped riding her was my exact thought as I trotted Honor around. She tossed her head, displeased with the slow pace. "We have to take it easy girl, it's been awhile for us." I patted her neck.

I couldn't believe it! I was on Honor again. I glanced around and took in the peaceful morning. This is why I had stayed here last night—even getting into a bit of an argument with Kit because of it—was so I could do this.

There was no pressure. No expectations. If I hadn't had the courage to get on Honor this morning, no one would have been there to witness it. It would have been between Honor and me. I think that was a part of the problem. I felt pressured from Katie, from Kit to get on Honor again, even if they had the best of intentions, it made everything worse.

This had to be my choice. Not Katie's or Kit's. And here, on this peaceful morning, I was so glad it was just me and my horse.

"You know what, girl? It's been awhile since we've had a good run. Let's go!" I threw my head back and laughed as she took off eagerly. God, I had missed this.

…

Mac POV

I looked from the wonderful scene of Molly and Honor together to look up at my oldest grandson. I saw the unfiltered, pure love he had for her on his face. It was plain as day.

She was the one for him. I recognized it as the same way I felt about my own wife, even after she passed. I thought about the ring I had sitting in a drawer at home—oh the arguments that would come from my decision—but I think it was time I gave it to Kit. For Molly.

I smiled when I thought about Molly becoming an official member of our family. Of course, even though I could see the love clearly between them, that didn't mean my stubborn grandson would do anything about asking for Molly's hand.

He still had that wild streak in him—and would for probably as long as he lived. I only hoped he made the wise choice with Molly.

"How…. how did you know?" My eldest grandson asked quietly, never taking his eyes off of Molly. I smiled and patted his leg.

"Just a feeling, Kit, just a feeling."

…..…..

Molly POV

I reined Honor in and that's when I noticed my audience. Kit, Mac, and Katie stood watching Honor and I not too far from the pasture. I took a deep breath before dismounting and walking over towards them.

"How long have you been watching?" I asked warily. Kit smiled at me before hugging me.

"For about the last twenty minutes or so. God, Mol." Kit kissed my forehead. "You don't know how happy this makes me. To see you back on Honor…"

"It was so great, Molly." Katie finished from behind Kit. "You two are such a team, as if you were one."

"Why were you here so early?" I asked Kit a little while later as we helped with the morning feed.

Kit shook his head. "I don't know honestly. Grandfather insisted on coming out here this early. He said we were coming to see you. I tried to stop him, told him you'd still be sleeping…but there you were…did you tell him about this?"

"No, I didn't tell anyone about it. That was the whole point." I rubbed Bailey's neck after I dumped his feed. "If I didn't have the courage to get on Honor, only I would know. There was no pressure. It was just between me and Honor."

"But you felt safe enough to get on her." Kit smiled happily at me and I nodded, taking his hand that he offered.

I sighed. "I did. I just had to remember that this was the horse that I had bonded with and trusted for over six years. She didn't want to hurt Mac, she had just panicked. And what happened, could happen with any horse. If I could trust any horse, it should be Honor."

"I'm so happy for you. For Honor too." Kit leaned down and kissed me. My heart was so filled with happiness that I felt it might burst. "God, you were so beautiful riding in that early morning mist, wild and free on Honor. You've never looked more beautiful." He kissed me again. "I love you, Mol."

"I love you too, Cowboy." I touched his face and felt it run through me. I really did love Kit.

…..

Mystery POV

I paced in my bedroom as my husband watched. "Sweetheart, I know you're nervous but you gotta do it. The therapist and you both agreed it's time."

I nodded, stopping to face him. "I know that. I know. But it's easy to agree to things like that when I'm sitting in her comfy office chair and she's talking to me. It's a whole other ballpark when I'm out here in the real world."

He chuckled but pushed off the bed, kissing my forehead. "Just remember, she may be angry at first but this is the day you've been waiting for. The day that you tell her. She's your daughter. Once she finds out the truth…well she'll understand."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. You're right." I glanced at the clock and saw it was time for me to go. "Well I gotta go I guess."

He kissed me once again. "It's going to be okay. Me and the youngin' are going for ice cream. Text or call me if you need me."

I took another deep breath as I listened to him leave the room and call for our daughter. Their father-daughter date. If only I had gotten this lucky the first time around…

….…..

Molly POV

"Tia! Hey, did we have a lesson?" I asked, glancing at the calendar hanging in the barn as she walked in.

She smiled. "No, no, I just…I was hoping you had a minute or two to talk."

"Oh sure! Let me just move this wheelbarrow out of the way." I wheeled it into the stall I was cleaning and leaned my pitchfork up against the wall. "Let's take a walk?"

Tia fell into step beside me as we left the barn. "How are things going for you? With Honor?"

I smiled over at Tia. "Good, good. Honor and I are back to our normal routine and we're actually entered into a barrel racing event next weekend."

She looked happy. "That's great! Maybe I could bring the girls to see you if it's local? They're always saying how they'd love to watch you compete."

"Sure! I'd love that." I noticed as we walked, Tia tensed up. "Are you okay, Tia? Is something wrong?"

Tia sat down on the bench outside of the outdoor arena. "Sit with me?"

I nodded and sat down beside her. "What's going on? Is it something with Hope?"

Tia shook her head and her leg was bouncing nervously. "I—I have something to tell you."

"Okay…"

"Before my husband, before Hope, I used to be a rider as you know." Tia said slowly and I nodded, encouraging her to go on. "I wasn't anything great or special but I did okay. I used to ride in jumping competitions. That's what my parents wanted me to do—so I did it. Well…that was until my friend's brother had me ride one of his barrel horses. It was fun, the speed, the turns…all of it." Tia smiled, thinking of her past.

"I started riding in some western events, unbeknownst to my parents. I met a guy while I was riding in them. I fell head over heels for him. We spent every moment that we could together."

Tia sighed. "Then I found out…I was pregnant."

"And he didn't want the baby?" I asked softly, feeling for her but still unsure as to why she was telling me all this.

Tia shook her head. "No, see he did want the baby. But this meant I had to tell my parents, to tell them about the events and us." Tia closed her eyes for a moment. "God, it was awful. They were furious about everything! The rodeo, him, the baby. We fought and fought. They kicked me out. It blindsided me."

"That's awful." I said sincerely to Tia, feeling a connection with her. "So awful."

"It was. It still is. But I was in love then and he had me move in with him, so it was all solved, you know?" Tia seemed embarrassed at her words. "Young love, you know?"

I nodded. Tia continued. "It was all great for a while. We had a beautiful baby girl. A little dark haired beauty. It was all fine until…" Tia looked down at the ground. "He accused me of flirting with some bull rider at this rodeo we were at. The fight blew up between us and he kicked me out. I took the baby with me but I didn't have anywhere to go. I went to a shelter for a while…."

Tia's eyes filled. "But that was no place for a baby. I was unstable—financially—and I was suffering from what I now know of as postpartum depression. So with this all happening, I found out where he was and took the baby to him. I asked him to keep her until I could get back on my feet. He agreed, stating that once I got back on my feet, we'd work something out."

I was quiet for a moment, taking in her words. "But that didn't happen did it?"

Tears slipped down Tia's face. "No. He went traveling with the baby—I couldn't follow so I didn't get to see her much. I was going to counseling at a local women's shelter and trying to find a job. It took me over six months to find a job. It took me another three to get an apartment. I called him then, to let him know that I was stable. He congratulated me on getting through it all and offered to stop by that weekend to drop her off for a visit."

"It went on like that for about a year, year and a half. Then I met someone. My now husband. We ended up moving in together. Then my entire life exploded." Tia wiped her face. "When my daughter's father found out, he was furious. He couldn't believe I had gotten with someone else. The audacity." Tia laughed humorlessly. "Before that, we had been talking about maybe our daughter living with me most of the time while he traveled and him having her during the summers—she'd need to go to school after all. Well as soon as my now husband and I moved in together, that was all gone. He said he wouldn't have his daughter being raised by another man, having another father in her life."

Tia ran her hands over her face. "We both assured him repeatedly that no one could replace him, that my boyfriend was never going to take his place. But he wouldn't hear it and as fate would have it, he had our daughter at the time. He refused to bring her back, to let me see her and without a court order, I was powerless."

"He kept your daughter from you?" I gasped and Tia nodded.

"I wasn't financially well off and I wasn't able to afford a lawyer. I had no idea how to file anything with the courts on my own, so I tried pleading with him. He said no, over and over again. He started not answering my calls, my letters, I couldn't find him or my daughter." Tia's shoulders sagged and I felt her defeat as if it was happening to me.

"My now husband, he talked me through so many awful nights, where I would just cry and want to die…He kept me going the whole time. Eventually, we married and he promised that as soon as we could save up the money, we'd hire a lawyer and take my daughter's father to court. We'd fight for her until we got her back with us. We were two young adults, scraping by. We rented a two bedroom house because we knew we'd need the extra bedroom for when we fought for custody. Then I lost my job and we really couldn't afford anything."

"Fast forward to a year and a half later, I had Hope. She had been an unexpected surprise. I suffered again with postpartum depression, even worse because I missed my first daughter. My husband's parents would come over to be with me—they were retired—when my husband was at work. They knew I needed the help."

"I got past that and my husband landed an amazing job. Good enough that we were able to hire a lawyer. We tracked down my daughter and her father. He was furious and when he got the custody complaint, he lost his mind. He called child protective services on my husband and I so many times. It was horrible. They had to come out and investigate each time, we'd have to take time off work, and it caused me to have anxiety attacks over the thought of losing Hope—even though we hadn't done anything."

Tia sat quietly, staring off towards the mountains. "Finally, I had the lawyer withdraw my custody complaint. My husband fought with me over it, but I told him I couldn't continue to do it. My job was fed up about me always having to leave work when CPS was called and had threatened to terminate me. It was taking a toll on our relationship and on Hope. I told him we'd try again later, when my daughter was older, to have a voice of her own."

Tia glanced over at me. "It was the worst mistake of my life."

Something was gnawing at me, something poking at my thoughts. "So you never saw her after that?"

Tia took a deep breath. "Not until last October when she started teaching Hope how to ride."

Shock ran through me like lightning. Her story clicked in my mind, memories flowing. My dad arguing with someone loudly on the phone, shouting that he'd burn her life to the ground if she kept doing what she was, him talking with my grandmother late at night about someone butting in his and my life like she shouldn't…

It was her. It was Tia.

Tia was my mother.

I jumped up and Tia reached for me. "Don't!" I shouted at her and she pulled her hand back. "You….you knew this whole time?"

Tia winced. "I found every competition, every accomplishment you had over the years. When I found out that you were starting to teach here…I had to see you. So I talked Hope into switching her, telling her it was closer—which it is—and that she'd like it here. I didn't even tell my husband at first, for fear he'd tell me it was a bad idea. When he learned about it, we had a long talk, and he encouraged me to try. So I started taking lessons with you too but everything was going on. I found out about what your father had done and I knew it wasn't the right time…I wanted to give you time to settle in, adjust."

I felt as if I couldn't breathe. So many emotions were running through me, not able to settle on one. Anger, resentment, sadness, shock, disbelief…and just a pinch of relief, which was confusing.

"You stopped fighting for me." I said coldly. "You gave up on me!"

Tia stood up. "No! I never did, Molly. I wanted to get you back everyday of my life for the past thirteen years. But I was afraid. I had already lost you, I couldn't lose Hope too. I wouldn't survive it. I was barely making it then…I just…he wouldn't let me see you. He caused so much trouble for me, for my family."

"Why didn't you contact me when I got older? When I would have been old enough to make a decision for myself?" I shouted at her, my voice rising towards a scream.

"I—I was afraid Molly. I wasn't sure how you felt about me—I wasn't sure what your father had told you about me. But I did try. I tracked him down to Southern California. He was competing in a big event. I cornered him in a barn, demanded to see you. He refused—I told myself the very next day, I'd go to the camper that I had seen him go into and I'd find you myself. But then you were gone. He had sent you to Louisiana."

I remembered the week I went to Louisiana. I had been asking my father to let me go volunteer at this rescue down there for months. Lynn had been working temporarily down there for a few months and had offered for me to stay with her while I volunteered. My father had kept saying no…until oddly one day, he came and said I should go. That he had booked a ticket for me and had contacted Lynn. I could go for the week.

I had been shocked but I was so happy I hadn't questioned it. "I…I volunteered at a rescue for that week. I had been wanting to do it for months but he kept saying no and then he…"

"Suddenly said yes?" Tia asked softly and I nodded, uneasiness making my stomach ache. Tia nodded. "I understand that you're angry and upset. I completely understand Molly. I just want you to know that you don't know the whole story. That you've never known. I understand you feel abandoned…and I can't take that back. But you're here now and so am I. I want to know you. My husband wants to know you. I know we can't go back in time…but I'm your mother and I want to be your mother again."

She looked expectantly at me and I took a step back. She frowned, her eyes tearing up. "Please, don't go."

"I—I have to go." I turned quickly and ducked into one of the pastures. I had to walk. I had to get away.

…..…..

Kit POV

"Hey Tia. You okay?" I asked the woman standing there, pale white. She was standing by her car but the door was closed and no keys in her hand.

Her head moved to look at me and I could see she had been crying. "Hey, what happened?" I looked around for Katie or Molly. I didn't really know Tia Geller that well, but we had talked a few times when she had been attending Hope's lessons.

"You're Molly's boyfriend." She said quietly and I nodded.

"Yep. For some reason she keeps me around." I joked, trying to get her color back up.

"I…she needs you. She needs you right now."

Panic set in and I glanced around again, seeing no one. "What happened?"

Tia took a deep breath, letting it out in a rush. "She's not…physically hurt or anything. She just…she needs you." Tia pointed towards one of the pastures. "She's over there."

I didn't wait for anything further, I took off for the pasture. It took me forever to find her but I found her sitting by a group of horses, them grazing near her. "Mol?" I called out but she didn't turn. Worry moved through me and I picked up my stride. "Mol, hey, what's going on?"

As my hand touched her shoulder, she looked up at me, tears streaming. "Hey now, what happened?"

Her bottom lip trembled and fresh tears rushed down her face. "Tia Geller is my mother."

After much convincing, I had convinced Molly to let me take her home. I made arrangements for Mom or Dad to drop off Grandpa Mac later on, wanting to get Molly straight home. I had told Katie I'd call her later with the details of why I was taking Molly home.

I listened as the shower ran in the bathroom. I had gotten Molly to go take a relaxing shower and told her we'd talk more then.

Her mother. Molly's mother was here. And so was her sister. A sister she never knew she had. Molly had stumbled through most of it, giving me basic facts. Made her dad sound like a bigger piece of work than I thought if what Tia said was true.

Maybe it was me being biased, but I thought Tia was telling the truth. Molly was so angry at Tia. At her father. Her life had pretty much just blown up.

I looked up as Molly came into the room, her dark hair wet and hanging down. I smiled as I saw she was in one of my t-shirts and a pair of my sweats. She crawled up into bed with me and cuddled up next to me.

I didn't say anything, just rubbed her back and let her lay there quietly. Eventually, I heard her breathing even out. I looked down to see her asleep. I knew it had been a hard day on her.

I laid there with her and then I heard the front door open. Mom poked her head in after knocking. "How is she?"

I sighed. "She's…it's been rough." Mom nodded with a sympathetic look towards Molly, who was still asleep.

"Your father and I are going to get Grandpa Mac settled in for the night. He said not to worry about him. Just focus on Molly."

"Thanks Ma." I said and she gave me a smile before leaving the room. I looked down at Molly again. I wanted to take away this pain for her. I wanted to make it all better, but I couldn't.

…..

Molly POV

I woke up, a bit disoriented at first. It was dark and Kit was asleep beside me. I was parched. I needed a drink. Slowly, I slid down the bed, trying not to wake him.

Successful, but surprised, I made my way out to the kitchen to grab a water. I gulped it down and leaned back against the counter. The clock read two-thirty a.m.

I had been asleep since we got home but I still felt exhausted. I think it had more to do with all the emotions of the day rather than any physical activity I did.

I thought of how Kit had taken care of me, brought me home, made me shower and held me. He must of taken care of Mac too.

I sighed and pushed off the counter, heading back to the room. "Molly." I jumped at Mac's voice and looked to my right to see him in his bed, with the light on.

"Mac, are you okay? Do you need anything?" I walked into his room and he shook his head.

"I wanted to see how you were." Mac said gently and I sat down in the chair at his bedside. I sighed.

"I'm…I'm still in shock I guess." I answered honestly and shrugged. "She's my mom. I've been around my mom since October and didn't know it…I have a sister…" I sat there and told Mac everything she had told me.

"It sounds like a tough situation." Mac patted my hand and looked right at me. "I know you're angry, you have every right to be. But I think that…maybe you should give her a chance, Molly. Tia is a good woman. It sounds like your father made it hard on her because he was angry and hurt." Mac took a breath in and let it out before continuing on. "I am not saying let her off the hook or let it go. I am just saying give her a chance. It was brave of her to tell you. She wants to make amends for her mistake. Just as you have suffered, so has she."

Mac's words played in my head the next day as I returned to work. Kit was worried that I needed to take another day but I wanted to be here. I needed to be around the horses. He offered to hang with Mac so I could go alone.

I was nearly finished mucking out when a shadow came over my door. I looked up to see Katie. She was watching me intently. "How are you?"

I leaned the pitchfork against the wall. "I'm processing."

"It's a lot." Katie acknowledged. "It is definitely a lot to take in."

"I'm thinking of calling my dad." I blurted to Katie and she smiled but it was sad. "I just…I need to know if it's true."

"Do you trust him to be honest with you?" Katie asked frankly and I sighed.

"I'm…I'm not sure. I think that when he's confronted with it—he'll tell me the truth or at least give his side of it." I shrugged. "I have to address this. Tia is my student's mother. I don't want this to affect Hope's learning, so I have to address this."

Katie bit her lip. "What?" I asked, knowing she wanted to say something.

"What about Hope?"

"What about her?" I asked, confused.

"Did Tia say if she knows? Are you going to be able to teach her with no issues? I mean she's your sister, Molly. The one your mother…well the one your mother raised. As your boss and your friend, I have to ask if this is going to affect the way you treat her."

I thought about Katie's question. "I…Hope is innocent in all of this. None of it is her fault. Why would I treat her differently?"

Katie sighed. "Resentment is hard to get rid of."

"I don't resent Hope." I said. Yes you do. A little voice said inside, shocking me. I didn't resent Hope. I didn't, I told myself silently.

Katie nodded. "Well if you find that maybe resentment pops up or you think it may start to affect the way you teach her, I need you to let me know."

"I will." I told her and meant it.

"I'll be in the office if you need me. I have to get together our list for supplies." Katie told me then left.

I finished mucking the stalls and walked to the bench where Tia had told me. What a place to call my dad.

I dialed his number, anxiety filling me. What if he didn't answer? What if he had changed his number?

It started ringing, relieving me. He hadn't changed his number. It went to voicemail. I sighed. Of course he wasn't going to answer.

I dialed his friend Hank's number next, knowing he'd know where my father was. "Molly? Long time no talk girl!"

I smiled at his chipper voice. "Yeah, it's been awhile, Hank."

"What's up sweetheart?"

"I'm calling to find out where my father is. I need to talk to him and he's not answering his phone."

Hank was quiet for a moment. "You're in Nevada now right?"

"Yes sir."

Hank sighed. "Your dad right at the Nevada-California border. There's a clinic there—a riding clinic he's helping out with. Today's the last day of the clinic." Hank gave me the information and I memorized it all.

"Thank you, Hank. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome sweetheart. I hope you two make up. Your dad misses you."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I miss him too but this is not on me." I ended the call and went to find Katie.

She was in the office at her computer, typing away. She looked up at my footsteps and frowned at my face. "Molly, you okay?"

"I need the day off." I said, feeling unsure. "My father is in this little town right at the border of Nevada, in California. I need to go see him. I need answers."

Katie nodded and then shut down her computer. "Of course, Molly."

"What are you doing?" I asked her as she stood up.

She smiled at me. "What kind of friend do you think I am? You're not going alone."

"Oh, but Katie, you have so much stuff to do." I motioned towards the computer. She put her arm around my shoulders.

"It can wait. This is more important. You're more important." She gave me a squeeze then leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Plus I have a car and it gets way better gas mileage than Mac's old truck."

I laughed to keep from tearing up again. "You're the best friend I've ever had."

"I know." Katie grinned. "Now let me just tell my Dad where I'm going."

….….

The ride was full of nerves for me but I knew I had to do this. I wouldn't be able to think clearly, to do my job until I got both sides of the story. I had to confront him about this.

I got lucky as there was a break between the clinic classes when we arrived. I found someone and told them who I was looking for and who I was. Katie gave me a reassuring smile as the person offered to take me to my father.

I saw him sitting by his RV just hanging up his phone. The person left me there and my father looked up.

"Molly?" His voice and the sight of him made me tear up. I hadn't realized that I still missed him so much.

"Dad." I managed to get out. He stood up quickly.

"Are you okay?"

"I…I'm not okay, Dad." I answered and I saw his face darken.

"Is it that Kit Ely? I knew it." He said angrily and I sighed. "I knew the rumors had to be true."

"Dad! It's not Kit….wait, what rumors?" I shook my head, dismissing it. "Never mind. Kit is not why I'm here, Dad. It's about my mother."

He stood there, looking shocked. "Dad…she…she lives in Darton. I met her." He didn't speak. "Dad, I need to know. Did you really keep me from her? Did she try to come and see me?"

"Molly…you have to understand, I was trying to protect you." His face looked sad. Shock ran through me again, betrayal a strong second.

"How could you do this to me! How could you keep me from my mother?" I shouted at him, my vision blurring from anger. "You knew how much I struggled with it! You told me she left me and wasn't interested in me. That she left me with you and just up and left!"

His face went red. "She might as well have!"

"She was struggling, Dad! She was going through depression, she was homeless because of you! She did what she considered best for me at the time! And you got mad, you got mad because she got with someone else and you used me! You made me a pawn!" I screamed at him, anger rushing through me. He had the sense to look ashamed.

"I was young and dumb, Molly. I—I was trying to protect you." He reached out for me and I jerked my arm away from him.

"No. No you weren't. You were mad because she moved on, because she found someone. And then you used me as a pawn to spite her…while hurting me." I raked my hands through my hair. "God, all of this time I thought she left me, that she didn't want me. And now it's not true. It's all not true!"

"Well she sure as hell didn't fight very hard for you! All she was worried about was starting a new family!" He shouted at me, his face still red. "Where's she been the last ten or more years?!"

"Do you remember my Louisiana trip?" I asked quietly, facing away from him. I heard him take a surprised breath.

"She told you."

I nodded, wiping my tears off my cheeks. "She came for me. Through all the hell you caused her, she came. And you sent me away. You never told me! You didn't give me a chance to decide what I wanted to do. No, it was all about you and your ego."

I faced him, feeling myself harden. "She may have stopped fighting for me eventually, but you kept me away from my own mother. You used me as a pawn. You made me think I was unwanted for my entire life!" I shouted and Katie was suddenly beside me.

"Let's go, Molly. This isn't productive anymore." She said as a crowd gathered.

I shook her off of me and faced my father. "And you threw me out because I had the audacity to have my own life, to pursue my dreams, because I dared to get with someone you disapproved of. You told me I was just like my mother. Well, I'd rather be like my mother than a father who used his child as a pawn his entire life."

"Molly…" He spoke softly, reaching out towards me. I stepped back and turned.

"Don't speak to me. Lose my number. Forget I ever existed, just like you did my mother."

I wanted to run, run through the crowd, to Katie's car but I walked. It had already become a scene and I wouldn't give it anymore of myself.

Katie was quiet as she started the car and we drove away. A half an hour into the drive, she peeked over at me. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head, feeling exhausted. "No, I'm not okay." I wasn't sure I'd be okay again.

…..….

Tia POV

"Still nothing?" Paul, my husband, asked as he sat down beside me on our couch. I shook my head.

"She was so mad, Paul. So mad at me, at the whole situation."

He patted my leg. "Tia, you have to expect that. She's young. She just found it out. Her whole life is upside down…again. You've got to give her time to process, take it all in."

I nodded and we both turned at the loud knock on the door. Paul got up and answered the door. "Well, hello." I stood up at his surprised voice and peeked around him to see who it was.

"Molly!" I gasped, rushing forward. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, she paced as if she couldn't stand still.

"Can I talk to you?" She stopped to ask and I nodded. Paul let me through and closed the door, giving us our privacy as we stood on the front porch. I could see Katie in the car in the driveway.

"Are you okay, Molly?" I asked softly, wanting nothing but to hug her, comfort her. But I knew she didn't want that, didn't want me. I wanted to take my words back, not tell her it all.

"It's been a long night." She started, leaning against the porch railing. I stood a few feet away from her to listen. "My mind's been racing since I found out. Just everything is…it's crazy right now."

"I know, Molly, and I'm so sorry. I wish I could take away your pain."

Molly nodded and picked at her coat sleeve. "I tracked down my father today. I had to confront him, ask him his side of the story—to see if you were telling the truth."

I sighed and nodded. "And what did he say?"

Molly took a trembling breath. "He tried to play it off as he was protecting me…as that you might as well have up and left me. I—I wouldn't let him do that. I believe what you told me. Your pain and guilt is plain to see. You were ashamed when you were talking. That's how I know what you told me is true." Molly ran her hands up and down her face. "We got into a fight. He used me as a pawn with you. It was spiteful of him. He ruined both our lives."

"Oh, Molly." I whispered, touching her arm. She didn't jerk away, which I was so grateful for. "I know you've already had a rough go of it with your father."

She shrugged. "My whole life—my whole knowledge of you has been a lie. He lied to me for so many years."

Molly stood up and wiped her tears. "I wanted to come here. To tell you that I believe you. I'm…not ready to forgive you yet or accept this yet, but I wanted you to know that I don't hate you. I…partially understand your actions. I can't forgive you yet but…I want to get to know you. I want to know more about you."

My heart swelled at her words and tears pricked my eyes. "Really?"

Molly nodded, swallowing hard. "I don't know if I'm ready yet, but I know it was hard for you to come to me, to tell me, even though it could have led to me hating you, possibly ruining your life right now. But I don't want to do that." Molly took a deep breath. "I want to keep teaching Hope. She's a great student and a natural rider. I guess…it kind of runs in our part of the family."

Tears slipped down my cheeks hearing her say that. "Yes, it does, I guess."

"I can't be a teacher to you right now, but Katie has offered to take over your lessons for now. I need a little bit of space right now but I wanted to let you know that I want to get to know you."

"Thank you, Molly." I whispered. Molly seemed hesitant but she stepped forward and hugged me. I froze in sheer happiness—I had been waiting for this moment for years—but then I wrapped my arms around her. My daughter. My oldest daughter. She pulled back and I wiped my face, wiped the tears away.

"I have to go now. It's been a very long day." Molly said, letting out a big breath. "I need to process some more but…I'm looking forward to talking to you."

I watched as she walked back to the car, my heart aching with each step. As Katie backed out of the driveway, Paul stepped out onto the porch.

"I saw a hug." He said, sliding his arm around my shoulders.

"She hugged me." I whispered, still in shock. I looked up at the man who had been my rock, who had kept me alive, who had been my biggest supporter through everything. "She wants to get to know me. She wants to keep teaching Hope."

Paul's face brightened. "Oh, T, that's wonderful. That's so great." He leaned down to kiss me. We turned at the door opening and saw Hope.

She frowned at my face. "Mom, are you crying?"

I waved off her concern. "I'm fine, Honey, just fine."

"Are we having dinner? Because I'm starving." Hope said and I laughed, moving to hug my youngest daughter.

"Let's get you something to eat then." I kissed her forehead. "How about pizza?"

"Yesssssss!" Hope crowed happily and went to find the menu for our favorite pizza place.

…

Kit POV

"Where have you been?" I demanded as Katie and Molly got out of Katie's car. "I've been calling. I was worried."

Molly looked…well like a zombie. "I just…I can't right now." She shoved past me, going towards the barn and Katie turned to me, her body rigid.

"She went to confront her dad. It was really bad. And then she went to go see the mother she never knew. She's emotionally drained, Kit. She can't handle you being like this right now. I'm sorry you were worried but Molly is really fragile right now. She's a mess." Katie glanced towards the barn and then looked back at me. "You haven't told her yet."

Uneasiness churned inside me at her words. "I…I just am trying to get the most time that I can with her. I don't think it's the right time. It would be unfair to throw it on her now."

Katie nodded stiffly. "As much as I hate it, I agree. Now is not the right time." She shoved her keys in her pocket. "But once this is settled, once Molly has processed this and has her head on straight, you need to tell her. You can't keep lying to her, Kit."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I don't wanna lose her, Katie. I love her. She's the one. She's it. I will never be unfaithful to her again. Can't I just…can't I just keep it from her? I'll never see that girl again, I'll never put myself in that situation again."

Katie sighed and rubbed her forehead as if a headache was coming on. "Jesus, Kit. I don't know. Do you want your life with Molly to start with a lie?" She snapped, her eyes shooting fire as she turned to look at me. "You say you'll never do it again, you'll never put yourself in that situation, but you're going back to the rodeo aren't you? You will always be in that situation. There is always buckle bunnies. There are always the girls who want to sleep with the winner. If you're doing it this early on, what will it be like in a few years?"

Irritation creeped up and my body felt hot. "I would never do that again, Katie! It was a mistake. It happens. I'm not perfect but dammit, I am going to do everything in my power to keep Molly happy, to make her life a good one."

"I just can't do this with you. Do whatever you want. But just know this: Molly will find out. Things like this always come out whether you want them to or not. So what do you think would be better, to tell her yourself or let her find out on her own?"

Katie walked off, leaving me with that terrible question.

…..….

General POV

Neither of them had noticed Joe standing by his Jeep and neither knew that he had heard everything. Everything.

….…..

A/N: Hi Readers! I know it's been forever! I apologize for that. I'm trying to update my stories and do it frequently (been doing pretty well with You Need to Trust Me) but it's hard. I miss my stories. I miss my characters, which is why I'm trying harder.

This chapter…..was long. I worked on it for a while and I couldn't stop coming back to it. I got stuck there for awhile at her and Honor's riding scene but I really love Molly and Kit and want their story to progress.

Jessica: Gosh, I hope you're still reading! You've been my faithful reader forever and I would hate to lose you! As we see, Kit is still not being forth-coming…but secrets like that can't stay a secret forever! I was working on this story as I had ideas for it and sometimes I get stuck on a story and can't focus on others. I will definitely try to update others. Do you mean Savannah's Journey when you say the story about Pepper? I'll try to get others updated too! I am trying to work Sam in more and Nate too. Joe is well going to be a problem I believe in their future….but we shall see.

Goof: Glad you loved it! I will try to include Sam and Jake more often!

Guest: We shall see what she does when she finds out. I have actually worked on the chapter that it all comes out a bit already and it's gonna be a bit of a doozy! Hoping to get to that one soon! (Well not hoping but…..ya know as a writer)

Hoping to update this again soon and hope you all enjoy the long chapter!

Review and let me know your thoughts 😊

QuinnandSeth'sgirl15